I’m two days late with this month’s Full Moon Herb Highlight…which pretty much sums up my life at the moment, ha! Thanks goodness plants are so forgiving.
Sunday’s full moon was known and the Blessing or Buck Moon. Few herbs make me feel as blessed as Calendula. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is an absolute delight to grow in the garden. It is sunny and bright and makes me smile every time I walk past. It’s an annual that will generously produces seeds and will self seed if left alone. Energetically it’s warming and drying with a bitter taste.
Calendula is hands down one of my favorite herbs for all things skin. I include it in nearly all my salves, lotions, serums, and facial blends. It’s used to heal wounds, burns (to include sunburn), rashes, scratches, bug bites, diaper rash and prevent infection. Every first aid kit should have a small tin of calendula salve.
Internally I often use it to support healthy lymphatic drainage (an infused oil is also great for topical lymph massage.) I know I’ve gone on tangents before but, truly, the Lymphatic System is one of our coolest systems! Critical to both cardiovascular and immune function supporting lymph should be a goal for everyone. Herbalists often include Calendula in formulas to combat intestinal permeability and improve digestion.
Magically Calendula (also known as pot marigold) is used for protection, prophetic dreams, legal matters, and to amplify psychic powers. I found one lovely reference stating that should a young girl touch the petals of marigold with her bare feet she will understand the language of the birds. I wonder if I still qualify as a young girl because I’d love to speak to the birds, ha!
As you continue with your lovely summer journey I encourage you to seek out this beautiful plant that captures the color of the season. Cheers and blessings to you all!
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