CALENDULA: QUEEN OF HERBS?

Calendula, or Calendula officinalis, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family, it is also often referred to as a marigold. The flowers grow mostly in South Western Asia, Macaronesia, the Mediterranean and Western Europe. Ancient Romans noticed that this plant always flourished on the first day of the month. That explains the fact that the name calendula comes from Latin diminutive calendae that means "little calendar" or "little clock". The name "marigold" that is even more popular among people derives from the name of the Virgin Mary. The flowers usually have bright orange or yellow colour, a thick flowerhead 4-7 cm diameter. The flowers have a specific scent. The leaves are long and a little bit hairy. The flowering period usually lasts from June till October.

As a herb calendula has been known in many cultures since ancient times.

In 2008 it won the title "Herb of the Year" according to the International Herb Association.

Interesting Calendula Facts

• Calendula was considered to be a symbol of happiness by ancient Romans. It's also known as a sacred flower in India
• This herb contains such substances as carotenoids, flavonoids, lutein, beta-carotene (it is later converted by the body into vitamin A), linoleic and calendic acids
• Calendula is an important ingredient of perfumes and cosmetics
• Calendula can be used as food. For these purposes mainly dried petals, stem and leaves of calendula are used. The flowers are added to German soups and stews and also to some Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes
• The plant sometimes is utilized as a dye and is added to butter, broths and cheese in order to color them

How to Use Calendula

Calendula can be employed in a great variety of ways: in the form of tea, oil, tinctures, food supplements, ointments, lotions, scrubs, creams, shampoos and extracts. 

Now we'd like to share a nice recipe of calendula sugar scrub!

Calendula Sugar Scrub

You need:

• 1/3 cup of calendula infused almond oil
• 2 cups of white or brown sugar
• 1/3 cup of calendula infused coconut oil
• 10-15 drops of any essential oil (if you want)

First you should infuse calendula flowers into coconut and almond oil not mixing them. After that add some sugar to coconut oil and stir well. Then slowly pour almond oil into this mixture until you reach the wanted consistency. To finish it all you can add some essential oil if you like.

Enjoy this scrub any time you take a shower or bath!