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Calendula
Calendula Officinalis, a species part of the family Asteraceae, is a colourful flower that is prized for its rejuvenating properties. Also known as pot marigold, varieties grow from 6 inches to up to two feet in height. With bright yellow and orange flowers, they are a delightful addition to any medicinal garden and are also used as a colouring agent.
Calendula is a medicinal plant that has been popularly used as an antiseptic and to heal wounds. It is also an anti-inflammatory.
Pick the petals of Calendula Officinalis to use them for your herbal remedies. They can be sprinkled over a salad to be eaten raw for beta carotene and to aide digestion, as was common in the past. Calendula petals can also be dried and placed into a sterile jar, which is then filled with oil, alcohol, or water. These should be stored in a dark place to prolong its shelf life (normally, they last about 3 years). Calendula infusions with oil are particularly helpful in relieving dry or burnt skin, and soothing rashes. Infusions with water can be used as a mouthwash to heal sores inside the mouth. Calendula tinctures with alcohol are good for cleaning wounds.
As Calendula is an annual, these plants will not survive longer than a year. However, rather than purchasing new seeds to cultivate for the following year, allow some flowers to mature until they have gone to seed. Collect these seeds and save them for next year! |
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Herbal Remedies Canada
Herbal remedies have been used for thousands of years. There is documented evidence of their use as far back as the 28th century B.C., by the Egyptians, but were used even earlier thousands of years before. People turn to plants thriving in their surrounding environment for food and shelter, and it is only natural that they find solutions for their ailments in these plants as well. Unlike many medicines that are produced with additives that may actually be harmful to you, herbal remedies are completely natural.
Many herbal remedies are traditional medicines that have survived through generations. Some recipes may have remained unchanged for centuries, proving their effectiveness as a cure.
Many medicinal plants can be used to treat ailments when freshly harvested. However, dried plants can also be used, particularly when infused with oil or made into a tincture with alcohol.
It is recommended that herbal remedies in pill form are not taken. They are often overly processed and contain additives.
Next time you're outside, take a look at the plants that grow around you. They may be more valuable than you think!
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