Calendula (Calendula officinalis) Overview:
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a powerful herb that has historically been used for a host of different ailments. The medicinal constituents of this herb are found in the vibrant, deeply colored orange and yellow flowers.
Especially valued for ailments affecting the skin – including eczema, yeast infections, ulcers, wound healing, and reducing scar formation – this herb has a history of uses documented to at least the 12th century.
The colorful petals are bursting in flavonoids that exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-thrombogenic, and neuroprotective activities through various mechanisms of action, especially when used in whole flower forms.
The antifungal properties of calendula make it useful as an herbal remedy for fungal infections like thrush, athlete’s foot, and ringworm.
In addition, this workhorse of an herb is an outstanding option for stimulating the lymphatic system. It’s used to treat acute or chronically swollen lymph nodes from respiratory infections, localized infections, and oral infections. It supports immunity and helps to prevent infection through the activation of the lymphatic system.
Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis
Family: Asteraceae
Other Common Names: Pot marigold, garden marigold (please note, not to be confused with plants belonging to the genus Tagetes)
Product Contents: Flowers and top leaves.
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, astringent, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, antifungal, lymphatic, immune-modulating.
Energetics: Dry, Warm
Taste: Bitter, Pungent
Plant Uses: Skin supportive for many issues and natural sun/UV protectant, eye issues, ulcers, infections, antimicrobial, lymphatic system support.
Preparations: Infusions with oil and vinegar, bath, poultice, external wash, tincture, salves, and balms.
Toxicities/Warnings: Calendula is considered to be very safe, but some caution is recommended if you have known allergies to plants in the aster family (such as daisies and ragweed). It may interact with sedative and antihypertensive (blood pressure) drugs. When in doubt, consult your health professional. Use is also discouraged during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Why Is The Demeter Biodynamic Certification Important?
The US is one of the largest consumers of medicinal herbs. And our demand is increasing quickly.
While there has been an ever-growing push for production within our borders, as much as 80% of bulk herbs available now – even from the most well-respected suppliers – are shipped in from international farms to meet demand.
Not only does this increase our reliance on inefficient, earth-destroying supply chains…
It also means that much of the beneficial properties these herbs contained were destroyed as they are subjected to mandatory irradiation at ports of entry…
Even when the herbs have been grown organically on US soil, well, we all know that Organic label doesn’t mean a whole lot when coming from massive farms in our chemical-saturated world…
And perhaps, like me, you’d prefer your wellness-supporting herbs don’t come with a dose of radiation, possible contamination, or unknown growing practices.
But, what can you do?
How can you ensure the herbs you use and recommend are truly pure and potent?
Where can you find herbs truly worthy of being used medicinally, especially if you can’t grow them yourself?
These questions drove my tireless search for the absolute purest, most potent, and locally sourced herbs. And I was extremely lucky!
Right down the road from me, in the high-altitude and organic heartland of Colorado, I found radiant herbs that are grown with a method that far exceeds my expectations. A Demeter Biodynamic Certified, herb-focused farm. Idyllically placed among the rolling highlands and pure glacier streams of the western Rockies.
After spending some time visiting this farm, I can honestly say – Biodynamic is way beyond a fancy label!
It’s a method of growing that demands a deeply holistic, completely chemical-free farm.
A farm that relates the entire ecology of the earth to the larger cosmos. One that treats the soil, animals, and plants grown on this land as one whole and living organism.
On this only Demeter Biodynamic Certified herb farm in Colorado, at the top of a pristine watershed, each plant is mindfully grown. Planted among companion species, cared for according to natural cycles, and nurtured by deep, living soil – just as Mother Nature does it herself. Then each herb hand-harvested at its individual peak.
This careful and thoughtful work results in the most potent of medicinal herbs.
Powerful plants that provide vitality in you and help regenerate the earth in significant ways, too.
With these herbs you can have the same confidence that I do, knowing that you’re working with extremely potent herbs, and making the most effective medicines the earth can provide.
“Biodynamic Botanicals is devoted to the research, education, and production of high-quality Demeter Certified Biodynamic herbs in order to yield highly potent, vibrant, healing herbs for people, pollinators and planet.â€
Stephanie Syson has spent the past decade with her hands and heart in the dirt.
Growing and using the powerful herbs that create vitality and wellness.
She has 10+ years of experience in the herbal product industry as well as over 13 years researching and practicing various forms of sustainable farming across the United States and Latin America.
As a Certified Permaculture Designer, an educator in the fields of Greenhouse Management, Seed Saving, and Herbalism, she lectures across the United States on topics such as Public Food Forests, Seed Saving Libraries, and Culinary and Medicinal Herb Growing.
Stephanie grew one acre of Biodynamic medicinal herbs at Sustainable Settings in 2016 and was overwhelmed at the quality, potency, and vibrancy of the botanicals. Her passion turned into a full-time partnership with Brook and Sustainable Settings to expand the quantity and variety of healing herbs that will be offered in the seasons to come.
Sustainable Settings
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