We are going to outline a few reasons why one of our cornerstone flowers Calendula, is an invaluable long time ingredient in our product offerings at bee23.ca, including our famous Hotty Balm! Calendula, or otherwise known as Pot Marigold, not to be confused with True Marigold containing toxic properties, is like bringing the power of the sun with you into each season that comes. This is important as we move into the gorgeous reflective time of autumn.
Calendula, scientifically known as Calendula Officinalis, is a perennial plant
that is considered easy to cultivate in temperate climates. The leaves are
considered edible, and their petals are occasionally used to add colour to
salads or as a garnish, however, its most popular use is as a tea. Spiritually,
many practitioners throughout the ages have worked with Calendula for its ability
to bring in the energies of love, clairvoyance, and renewal. The light in this flower warms and disperses dampness, stagnation, and emotional patterns of coldness.
I have Calendula on the brain because I hurt my heel and did not have Solomon
Seal or Self Heal on hand. When I looked at what I had on hand, I saw how
much I take for granted the simple plants I have worked with for years, Calendula
being one of these.
Calendula illuminates our innate capacity to listen and to perceive. On an
energetic level when ailment or injury occurs this golden hour flour perhaps
gives us a greater insight into the outlining circumstances of the ‘opportunity’
to pause. This is a positive way I am personally working on to view such moments
of not being at our best, as a chance to reconnect with self, wherein we may
have through busy-ness or otherwise fell into separation from our divine knowing.
Working with Calendula can bring about a better understanding of the relationships
we have around us with both the seen and unseen, especially strengthening our
empathy and moving in a way that radiates inclusivity for the feelings of others.
This ultimately, bringing us back into oneness with the internal self.
In ancient times the herb was widely used for why it is coveted today in skin
and wound care. The Herbalist John Gerard living from 1545-1612, declared that
calendula ‘…ceaseth the inflammation…’ (Gerard’s Herbal, edited 1994, p.169). Delving back in time again, the Ancient Egyptians are
said to have used calendula as a skin rejuvenator.
Calendula’s anti-inflammatory properties have now been researched widely. It
has been shown to help wounds heal faster, possibly by increasing blood flow
and oxygen to the affected area, which helps the body grow new tissue. Obviously,
this is invaluable in skincare formulas. In particular calendula is used in
skincare to rejuvenate tissue, for minor wounds, sunburns, to soothe bee stings and cool inflamed skin conditions including eczema and dermatitis.
It is also a support for women to ease symptoms of menstruation and menopause.
The genus stem of this flower is "calends" referring to the new moon of each month,
indicating that this plant will bloom nearly all 13 moons of our cyclical year.
The species name officinalis denotes it was the "official" Calendula
in the apothecary's shop. It is also known as Marigold from the
times when its flowers were used to adorn festivals held in honour of the Virgin
Mary. This directly resonates with the support this flower has to offer women
through the seasons of life.
Not only is it a legendary choice among the flowers in skincare remedies due
to its affinity for enhancing the body's innate immune response when the skin
is harmed, but it is used in food preparations to ensure enhanced digestion and
absorption of nutrients.
More recently, I have been focusing on Calendula as a lymphatic support. This
all purpose healer promotes lymphatic drainage, reduces swelling and pain, and boosts the immune system.
Major herbal actions include:
* Anti-inflammatory
* Antioxidant
* Antiviral
* Antibacterial
* Antimicrobial
* Antiseptic
* Antiparasitic
* Antifungal
* Vulnerary
* Spasmolytic
* Emmenagogue
* Immunomodulation
* Hepatoprotective
* Mild diaphoretic
* Circulatory stimulant
* Sedative
I made a poultice for my heel including Calendula flower,
along with drinking strong decoctions (I first boiled water and then poured it
over the herbal tea preparation and left it to sit in the fridge overnight)
over the last week. I made sure to drink our Stop the Sag Tea with Calendula
and massage my entire foot with The Lymphatic Flow & Fortify Body Oil.
It is no wonder we chose all those years ago to work with Calendula. Check out our product line full of options to get this sunny miracle flower into your daily health and beauty regimen at bee23.ca.
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