Herbs for Healthy Living
Most people will be familiar with this bright, cheerful plant with yellow or orange flower heads, a favourite in many gardens. It is used not just for its attractive colours but also as a companion plant that keeps pests away from other plants. Calendula (Marigold) is a cultivated plant that is not found in the wild, with the alternative name of ‘Summer Pride’ due to its habit of flowering throughout the hot weather.
Most people will be familiar with this bright, cheerful plant with yellow or orange flower heads, a favourite in many gardens. It is used not just for its attractive colours but also as a companion plant that keeps pests away from other plants. Calendula (Marigold) is a cultivated plant that is not found in the wild, with the alternative name of ‘Summer Pride’ due to its habit of flowering throughout the hot weather.
In flower symbology it represents constant love and a broth made from the flowers was said to comfort the heart and spirits.
The leaves and flowers are used medicinally and the leaves must be picked in fine weather, when the sun has dried the dew from them. Its key use is as a healing herb. It was once known as Russian penicillin because so much was grown in Russia in acknowledgement of its healing properties.
Much of its healing action derives from its ability to soothe inflammation, making the cream ideal for inflamed skin lesions and irritated skin. Internally, it is beneficial for mouth ulcers, gastric ulcers, inflammation in the throat and stomach, anal fissures and inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. Where the inflammation is causing diarrhoea, its soothing action will reduce symptoms.
One of its most useful actions is in clearing congestion from the lymphatic system. The lymph carries toxins away from the tissues and organs, and when the lymph is sluggish or overloaded we may become lethargic, with swollen lymph glands and outcrops of spots.
In women, periods may worsen due to the general congestion. Calendula gently clears the lymphatic debris and often has a remarkable effect on poor skin, bad periods and a state of overtoxicity. Glandular fever sufferers may find it effective.
Calendula, a warming and drying herb, was thought to be ruled by the sun. Use it to bring warmth to your garden and invigoration to your body.
Most people will be familiar with this bright, cheerful plant with yellow or orange flower heads, a favourite in many gardens. It is used not just for its attractive colours but also as a companion plant that keeps pests away from other plants. Calendula (Marigold) is a cultivated plant that is not found in the wild, with the alternative name of ‘Summer Pride’ due to its habit of flowering throughout the hot weather.
In flower symbology it represents constant love and a broth made from the flowers was said to comfort the heart and spirits. Rather more worrying was the belief that if you picked a bunch of marigolds at dawn you risked turning into an alcoholic – a novel excuse!
The leaves and flowers are used medicinally and the leaves must be picked in fine weather, when the sun has dried the dew from them. Its key use is as a healing herb. It was once known as Russian penicillin because so much was grown in Russia in acknowledgement of its healing properties.
Much of its healing action derives from its ability to soothe inflammation, making the cream ideal for inflamed skin lesions and irritated skin. Internally, it is beneficial for mouth ulcers, gastric ulcers, inflammation in the throat and stomach, anal fissures and inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. Where the inflammation is causing diarrhoea, its soothing action will reduce symptoms.
One of its most useful actions is in clearing congestion from the lymphatic system. The lymph carries toxins away from the tissues and organs, and when the lymph is sluggish or overloaded we may become lethargic, with swollen lymph glands and outcrops of spots.
In women, periods may worsen due to the general congestion. Calendula gently clears the lymphatic debris and often has a remarkable effect on poor skin, bad periods and a state of overtoxicity. Glandular fever sufferers may find it effective.
Calendula, a warming and drying herb, was thought to be ruled by the sun. Use it to bring warmth to your garden and invigoration to your body.
Sponsored by the A.Vogel Institute.