Herb of the Month

June has been a busy month here at Cloverleaf Farm. It is of course planting season, and it seems there is not enough hours in the day.

This month we are going to feature Calendula (Calendula officinalis). It is one of my favorites.
We grow calendula here on the farm to use in our medicinal herbal ointments. It is also one of the herbs in our first aid kit.

Calendula acts an immune stimulant, anti-fungal, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial among others. Calendula can be used internally for gastrointestinal problems, and externally for almost any skin ailment. It is a must for summer time skin problems like insect bites, and sunburn. It rapidly repairs damaged skin tissue.

I use calendula for so many things. It works great as an antifungal, antibiotic oinment. You can also use it as a poulitce for skin rashes and other skin irritations of summer. Add calendula oil to your bath for soothing relief to dry itchy skin.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a great cream to have for your skin. It also is used for acne, boils, wounds, cuts, scrapes, and inflamed skin. It is gentle enough for baby, and makes a wonderful diaper rash or cradle cap ointment. Stick a container of calendula cream or oil in the fridge, and the next time you burn yourself, you will have a cooling, healing skin treatment. Taken internally, it is used as a detoxifier, helping to treat the toxicity that underlies infections, systemic skin disorders (such as eczema and psoriasis), liver and gallbladder disorders. An infusion of calendula makes a great douche for yeast infections.

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