Dried Calendula Flowers – Edible Flowers for Your Kitchen
Dried calendula flowers (Calendula officinalis) are carefully harvested, dried, and prepared to retain their natural properties and health benefits. These beautiful orange and yellow flowers not only add color and fragrance to your dishes but also serve as a rich source of health-enhancing properties.
Health Benefits
Calendula is known for its versatile medicinal properties, which have been confirmed by numerous scientific studies:
Anti-inflammatory Action
Calendula contains compounds like triterpenoids that have strong anti-inflammatory properties. These can help alleviate inflammation both internally and externally.
Digestive Support
Calendula flowers can support digestive health, helping alleviate conditions such as stomach ulcers or acid reflux. They have a soothing effect on the mucous membranes of the digestive tract.
Antioxidant Properties
The flavonoids and carotenoids found in calendula act as antioxidants, helping protect cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.
Wound Healing Support
Calendula is often used externally to treat wounds, cuts, burns, and other skin damage due to its tissue-regenerating properties.
Properties
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Taste & Aroma: A delicate, slightly bitter flavor with floral notes, which complements various dishes.
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Color: Intensely yellow and orange petals add aesthetic value and color to any dish.
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Texture: Crumbly
How to Use and Instructions
Calendula Tea
Instructions:
Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried calendula flowers to a cup. Pour boiling water over them and steep, covered, for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink warm. You can add honey to sweeten the flavor.
Use:
Helps soothe stomach discomfort and has a calming effect.
Natural Cosmetics
Calendula Bath
Instructions:
Add calendula tea to hot bath water. Soak for 15-20 minutes to benefit from the relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties of calendula.
Use:
Helps soothe skin irritations and relaxes the entire body.
Face Masks & Toners
Instructions:
Brew a strong infusion of calendula flowers (2 tablespoons per cup of boiling water). After it cools, use it as a toner for your face or as a base for face masks.
Use:
Tones and moisturizes the skin, helps treat acne and inflammatory skin conditions.
Hair Rinse
Calendula infusion can be used as a hair rinse, adding shine, strengthening hair, and soothing scalp irritations.
Crafts & Decorations
Table Decorations
Dried calendula flowers can be used to create natural table decorations for special occasions. Their vibrant color adds elegance and freshness to any table.
Handmade Greeting Cards
Calendula flowers can be used to make handmade greeting cards, adding a natural, floral charm.
Culinary Experiments
Herbs & Infusions
Dried calendula flowers can be added to herbal tea blends, creating infusions with soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. They pair well with other herbs like mint or chamomile.
Instructions:
Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried calendula flowers to a cup. Pour boiling water over them and steep, covered, for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink warm. You can add honey for sweetness.
Use:
Helps soothe stomach discomfort and has a calming effect.
Syrups & Liqueurs
Dried calendula flowers can be used to prepare homemade syrup, which is perfect as an addition to cocktails, desserts, or lemonade. They can also be macerated in alcohol to create a unique herbal liqueur.
Dried calendula flowers are a versatile and valuable addition to your daily diet and skincare routine. With their scientifically backed health benefits, aesthetic qualities, and broad culinary and cosmetic applications, they are an ideal choice for those seeking natural, healthy, and multifunctional products.
