HERB CORNER Flower Power: Calendula
BY SARA AUCKENTHALER
burns, cold sores and so much more. When my daughter Sparrow was young, I would heal every diaper rash she had with pure calendula oil I had infused; I called it Golden Oil. I also found great relief in calendula’s ability to make shave bumps a thing of the past with oil applications after shaving. When ingested, calendula can address a host of problems, such as oral health, pain associated with menstruation/PMS, stomach and in - testinal disease, and as a whole body detoxifier. The medicinal proper - ties can also be effective for treating ulcers, hemorrhoids, and muscle spasms, while also promoting collagen production and other anti-ag- ing benefits. This is one powerful little flower that belongs in everyone’s garden and emergency first aid kit. To get you started, see my recipe for a Ca - lendula salve. Happy harvesting!
With its cheery disposition and commitment to abundance and longevity, Calendula is one of my favorite flowers to work with. The sound of the snap when plucking the yellow or orange exuberant flow - er from its stem on a humid June morning is pure joy. Gathering Ca- lendula blooms is something I look forward to each harvest season. Recognized as early as the 12th century, and originating out of the Mediterranean, Calendula ( Calendula officinalis ) has been beloved throughout history. In fact, the genus name Calendula is a modern Latin diminutive of caledae , meaning “little calendar” because of its extended blooming period from early summer to mid fall! Calendula, sometimes referred to as ‘Pot Marigold’, is in the Daisy family Asteraceae. It’s easy to grow and generally considered perenni - al, yet often grown as an annual flower. Depending on where you are in the world, warmer climates can allow year-round blooming! Here in Virginia, I typically start harvesting in mid-June and continue until late October! Calendula officinalis is the most popular of the 15 varieties in its species. However, any of the variants make a spectacular addition for any garden as it gets 12-24 inches high, peppers the area with large brightly colored yellow and orange blooms 2-3 cm wide, and attracts a variety of pollinators. Plucking calendula blooms from the base of the flower head every 1-2 days promotes more flowering. Calendula is unique in its large amounts of flavonoids — plant- based antioxidants that help protect and stabilize cells from free radicals (unstable molecules) while also aiding in inflammation and working against bacteria and viruses. This magical little flower also increases oxygen and blood flow to wounds, allowing for growth of new skin tissue, while also firming and rehydrating the skin. High resin flowers, with both orange and yellow blooms, are my favorite, and most used not only for medicinal preparations but also for food, including raw in salads, or dried and made as a seasoning. However, all varieties of calendula officinalis can be used for both food and medicine. Even the oblong leaves of the calendula plant carry me- dicinal properties similar to the blossoms, and are restorative to the skin when applied as a poultice. Dried calendula can be used as tea, set in a carrier oil and made into salve, or even tinctured with alcohol and ingested. Salves and oils are perfect for on-the-go treatment of skin irritations, cuts, wounds,
Calendula Salve
Need: • 1 Tbsp beeswax per 1oz pure calendula oil • 1 Tsp Vitamin E oil • 3-6 drops essential oil of choice per 2 oz salve tin
An ancient Chinese exercise for health and relaxation, T’ai Chi is a series of quiet, slow movements, which cultivate the spirit and nurture the body. Glen Echo T’ai Chi offers classes in the Cheng Man-Ch’ing Yang Style Short Form on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. Instructors Len and Ellen
Heat desired amount of wax in a double boiler until completely dis- solved. Add in the desired amount of oil and stir. Mix in Vitamin E and your chosen essential oil(s). Pour into a salve tin and let cool. Apply as needed! Sara Auckenthaler is an unapologetic mountain girl, and lov - er of all things herbs and animals. She is the owner of The Helpful Herb, which provides a variety of herbal products, including calen- dula products like her Pure Gold Calendula Salve, all grown local - ly in Madison, Virginia. Visit the Helpful Herb shop online at www. thehelpfulherb.com. Starting mid-August, find Sara at the Shenan - doah Survival Store, an amazing and unique shop with a variety of outdoor survival necessities and emergency preparedness supplies, along with a host of other natural goods!
Kennedy have between them over 85 years experience in T’ai Chi. They both have studied with Robert Smith, Professor Cheng’s first Western student, with Benjamin Lo, Professor Cheng’s senior student, and with Lenzie Williams, senior student of Mr. Lo. Fall session New Beginners Class 9/21–12/14. Drop-ins with previous experience are allowed, $25/class. For more information, www.glenechotaichi.com emearskenn@aol.com
68—PATHWAYS—Fall 24
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