2008 Herb of the Year

Calendula

Calendula's are most commonly known as marigold or pot marigold and are very popular in North America and Europe.  Calendula's are very popular in the home garden as its known to attract bees for pollination and to help keep harmful insects away from other plants.  This herb is grown as an annual and is used both for its culinary and medicinal properties. 

Just a little Calendula history.......

• Ancient Egyptians used Calendula as a rejuvenating herb probably due to the essential oils it possesses. 
•  The Hindu's used the beautiful flowers to decorate their temple alters. 
• The German's and Europeans used calendula flowers by the handful in their soups and stews and to color butter and cheese. 
• Medieval Monks were said to have used it in the treatment of bowel and liver complaints and also for snake and insect bites.
• Doctors in both the American Civil War and WWI used calendula flowers to treat open wounds on the battle field.  This herb proved effective for its anti-septic properties and was also used to restrict bleeding.
• The Aztec's used the flowers in many of their rituals.  It is said that the flowers were carried into the ceremonies by the armload in the honoring of their Gods.
• During the celebration of the Day of the Dead the flowers and petals are strewn a top of the graves.

Medicinal Properties & Uses

Anti-Inflammatory

Astringent

Anti-Bacterial

Anti-Fungal

Detoxifies

Heals Wounds

Regulates Menstruation

Coagulant

Muscle Relaxer

Stimulates Bile Production

Calendula Recipes

Potato & Herb Soup with Calendula

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

Calendula Cheese Ball

Ingredients:

2-8 ounce pkgs. cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
1/4 cup sweet red pepper, finely chopped
1/4 cup carrot, finely shredded
1/2 cup fresh calendula petals, chopped
2 tablespoons green onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh garlic, crushed
1/4 teaspoon tamari or other good soy sauce
Dash freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

Calendula Biscuits

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons fresh calendula petals, finely chopped
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons additional butter or margarine

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl.

Cut in butter and calendula petals with a pastry knife until the mixture is mealy in texture, then stir in the milk.

Turn out onto a floured board. Shape and knead (as little as possible) into an oblong about 1 1/2" thick.

Place on a heavy cookie sheet and with a sharp knife, cut dough into 2" squares. Dot well with butter or margarine.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Serves 6 - 8.

Calendula Orange Cake

Cake Batter:

5 eggs
1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
Rind of 2 lemons, grated
Rind of 1 orange, grated
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup yogurt
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 cup fresh calendula petals, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Separate eggs. Beat whites until they form stiff peaks. Set aside.

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over a low heat. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 3 minutes.

Pour hot syrup over cooled cake and garnish with calendula petals.

Calendula Rice

4 cups water
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
2 chicken bouillon cubes
1/2 cup fresh calendula petals, finely chopped
2 cups long grain rice

Instructions:

In a medium saucepan bring water to a boil. Add salt, onion, bouillon cubes, calendula petals and rice.

Stir. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 18 minutes.

Calendula Diaper Cream

Very similar to Bert's Bee's Diaper Cream.  Can also be used as chapstick.

Calendula Cream

2 cups calendula flower
1 cup comfrey leaf
1 cup chamomile flower
1 cup lavender flower
optional: 1/2 cup marshmallow root
optional: 1/4 cup myrrh gum
optional:1 cup St.-John’s-wort flower