During the warm and hot months, calendula will have found its footing in even the most shallow of soil in my garden as I’ve taken great care to create a barrier with fabric and bark mulch. I had to learn the hard way that I must not, just “allow” anything and everything to grow. Calendula, being an annual will just seed itself from the previous year and I let it, wherever and however it chooses. I love how it grows throughout my urban lavender farm, its yellow and orange the perfect compliment to lavenders purple and mauves. I’ll wander out late morning with my basket and pinch off the flowers with my fingers soon to be coated in the flowers coveted resin which is partly responsible for the plant’s healing power. The calendula will be dried and emulsified in oil for weeks to extract the amazing and healing properties of the plant.

Calendula is known best for it’s gentle healing properties for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and diaper rash. Although these issues are caused by other complicated factors, great relief and comfort can be provided by incorporating it into a daily routine. As a long term sufferer of psoriasis, I can say with 100 % confidence that it is one of the main reasons that I have been symptom free for the last 2 years.

Calendula also contains fatty acids that help to moisturize and hydrate your skin. This means it locks in moisture and giving your skin a dewy glow! Calendula is also a powerful wound healer as it has antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, anti- inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. It’s a natural herbal ally for salves and balms and a must have in the medicine cabinet.

I simply cannot say enough about this wonderful plant that is lovely to look at, an incredible addition to the garden to encourage pollinators and is so incredibly healing.

How would you like your calendula?