Marigolds/ Calendula

 

the humble marigold

 

should be a staple in everyones' garden

 

it attracts harmful nematodes to it's own roots and away from your plants

some say it works and some say it doesn't, but either way it is

a bright happy flower standing sentry around the

garden perimeter

 

it can be fed to chickens to deepen the color of the egg yolks

 

it can be used for dye

 

 

 

 

the species

 Calendula

or pot-marigold

 is a tasty addition to fresh salads,

add the petals to rice dishes

sprinkle them over scrambled eggs

and it makes a calming tea

 

 

 Calendula can be made into a soothing salve used for healing and minor burns

it is good for chapped lips

diaper rash 

 

to make the healing salve:

steep on low,

 1 cup  fresh Calendula petals tyed in cheesecloth

 in 1 cup oil for 4 hours do not burn!

try using a small crock-pot on the warm setting

add 4-6 tbs. beeswax

20 drops of lavender oil

(note:  for some the lavender oil may cause skin irritation,

 but it is a good anti-viral and anti-bacterial)

pour into small jelly jars

do not place the lids on until it has throughly cooled

 so excess moisture can escape

 

 

for a lip balm

use 1/8 cup of the above recipe

 add 1-2 tbs. more beeswax

 2 capsules of vitamin E

 and pour into a small jar or empty lip balm cases

(try coloring this lip balm with kool-aid, just add a small amount of the packet  into the hot liquid and stir until dissolved, keep adding until you get the desired color wanted)

 

 hand/facial cream

 I leave out the lavender oil and add a little more beeswax  to make it a thicker consistency. 

 add 5 capsules of vitamin E , 2 Tbs. solid coconut oil,  and a little honey

 This is especially good for sensitive skin.