Our first farming experience in NYC! The nettles were given a small plot on the Eagle Street Rooftop Farm to share some medicinal herbs with our community. Of all the plants we tried- Calendula was the star and despite a very hot summer we were able to a lovely harvest of blossom which sold at the farm stand.Here are two of our favorite things to do with Calendula blossoms:
- Oil Infusion: I love calendula oil for its vulnerary properties. It soothes the skin and heals infections. The golden yellow color brings sunshine to any area that has experienced trauma. To make: Place dried flowers in a jar to fill half way. Cover with high quality oil (I use a blend of castor oil and olive oil for a scar cream) and place in the sun. Shake daily and strain once it has a golden yellow color, about 4-6weeks.
- Facial Mask: Blend 1-2 Tbsp calendula blossoms, 1-2 Tbsp of rolled oats, and 1 tsp of lavender blossoms in a coffee grinder until you get a fine powder. If you have oil skin you can stir in 1-2 tsp green or benonite clay (for oily skin). Then add enough water to make a paste- I like using rose water or other flower-waters. Voila! A great face mask to use up to once a week.
Calendula itself has anti-inflammatory, astringent, vulnerary, emollient, antifungal and antiseptic properties. It has traditionally been used for wounds, diaper rash, stings, warts, varicose veins, fungal infections,abscesses, cold sores, bruises, cuts, sprains, sores, scar tissue, muscle soreness and more.
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