July 17, 2022
Herb of the Week: Calendula
By Gia Yaccarino

While doing yardwork last weekend, I came in contact with some poison ivy and by Tuesday a rash was developing on my forearms.

What a perfect reason to try this week’s herb, Calendula, as a topical remedy!

I placed the flowers in a pint mason jar (about halfway loosely filled with fresh flowers), poured simmering water over the flowers, and covered.

Once it cooled, I dipped a cloth in the tea and applied as a compress. (Confession: While I was waiting for it to infuse and cool, I picked one of the flowerheads out of the water and rubbed that on my poison ivy rash. It was immediately soothing!)

Another idea is making ice cubes with the tea and rubbing the ice cube on the rash (I have yet to try that!).

Safe for cats: Yes

Safe for dogs: Yes

Link: https://www.anchorrunfarm.com/blog/Herb-of-the-Week-Calendula-2805/