The benefits of smoking calendula include easing pain and inflammation, stimulating tissue growth, and helping heal wounds. It’s also a gentle mood enhancer and can be used as a substitute for cigarettes to help ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
Calendula’s antimicrobial properties make it useful in addressing that persistent cough or congestion from a cold or flu. Its vulnerary action allows it to soothe skin conditions and nipple cramps, especially during menstruation. Its antispasmodic action helps relieve digestive issues like gastric ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Calendula’s cholagogic actions are supportive of gallbladder issues and ease symptoms associated with indigestion, such as heartburn.
Its mild sedative and analgesic actions may also help alleviate insomnia. It can be used to treat psoriasis and to encourage new tissue growth in damaged skin. When added to ointments, it can be effective in treating burns and minor cuts.
You can find calendula in tinctures, herbal teas, and essential oils. It can also be found in some health supplements. It’s important to speak with your doctor before using any herb. Herbs can interact with medications and cause side effects.
You can harvest calendula by picking the flowers from the plant and drying them for later use. Drying is usually done in a dark and cool place to preserve the colors and properties of the flower. Make sure that the petals are completely dry before storing them in an airtight container. It may take a week or more for the involucres and ray florets to dry fully.