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TIP
OF THE MONTH: Calendula, Pot Marigold, Healing
Properties
Well, we
should have made the announcement in January, but better
late than never! This year's winner for Herb of the Year
is none other than Calendula. As announced by the
International Herb Association, Calendula gets the
accolade for many reasons. Besides offering one of the
most beautiful flowers in the herb kingdom, calendula
offers a vast scope of medicinal virtues. Widely used
during the Egyptian civilization, the Middle Ages and in
World War I, calendula is now embraced by modern
medicine and continues to be used to treat the same
conditions that Egyptians used it for. The flowers of
calendula, which is known as pot marigold, contains
large amounts of iodine, manganese and carotene (hence
its bright orange color). All of these elements help to
regenerate skin cells, which is why calendula is
primarily used in salves and ointments to treat cuts,
bruises, burns, bee stings, and rashes. It is very high
in anti-oxidants, making it great for the liver and is
antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and astringent. It is
even mild enough to use for treating diaper rash on
babies. As a tincture or extract, calendula makes a
great gargle for treating sores in the mouth. It also
eases digestive disorders, including gastritis and
ulcers. Do the benefits of calendula end? Apparently
not! See our tip above for some calendula recipes for
preparing tinctures and salves, or check the herb tips
section.
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