Episode 206: Why Calendula Is a Must-Have Herb for Every Home

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Episode Summary

What makes calendula a must-have herb for gardeners and herbalists worldwide?

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Helena del Pesco, whose background as a chef and fermentation enthusiast gives her unique insight into the world of herbs. Together we explore the many faces of calendula (Calendula officinalis)—from its glowing orange blossoms and otherworldly seeds to its remarkable gifts for soothing skin, supporting tissue repair, and inspiring generosity in both garden and spirit.

Calendula is beloved in herbal oils and salves to heal and protect the skin, but it shines in so many other preparations, too! Helena shares the diverse ways that she works with this lovely herb, including in her Tissue Tonic Infusion—an incredibly versatile infusion that can help heal and restore tissues both inside and out. To explore it yourself, you can download her beautifully illustrated recipe from the section below.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know:

► Six different herbal preparations for calendula (and when you might choose one over the other!)

► When to reach for a calendula salve to help heal your skin—and when it might actually make things worse

► Why herbal teas often make better medicine than tinctures

► How forming relationships with plants and the living world around you can help you become a better herbalist

► and so much more…

For those of you who don’t know her, Helena’s work as an herbalist weaves together her love of plants with her background as a chef specializing in bioregional cooking and fermentation. Her first taste of wild food as a kid strengthened the sense of belonging she feels in nature. She seeks to walk alongside and support clients as they build relationships with plants. 

Helena specializes in gastrointestinal and nervous system support (gut-brain connection) and topical remedies. In addition to her studies at the Vermont Center for Clinical Herbalism and Wild Ginger Community Herbal Center, her practice is guided by lived experience of what plant kin can teach us about the physiological, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of being human.

I’m delighted to share our conversation with you today!

Would you prefer reading this episode? If so, click here to download a transcript.

Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, scroll down below.

Connect with Helena:

• Website | HelenaDelPesco.com
• Instagram | @larderathome

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [1:09] Introduction to Helena + Helena’s plant path
• [10:50] The benefits of focusing on one aspect of herbalism
• [12:59] The beauty of calendula seeds
• [16:59] Tissue Tonic Infusion recipe: calendula for inflamed sinuses
• [19:45] Calendula for the skin
• [21:12] Different herbal preparations of calendula
• [26:05] Calendula for the gut and digestion
• [32:50] The importance of relationship and connection with plants
• [36:24] Tips for growing and harvesting calendula
• [41:09] Helena’s herbal projects
• [45:22] What herbs Helena would include in her herbal first aid kit
• [50:14] Student spotlight
• [51:17] Herbal tidbit

Get Your Free Recipe Download!

A versatile blend of herbs that support tissue healing and soothe inflammation. Brew in more water for an infusion that can be sipped throughout the day, or make it more concentrated for soaks, compresses, and washes.

Ingredients:

• 5 grams dried calendula flowers
• 3 grams dried plantain leaf
• 2 grams dried marshmallow leaf
• 1 gram dried sage
• 500-1000 mL boiling water

Directions:

Pour boiling water over herbs in your brewing vessel and cover. Steep 15-20 minutes. Strain.

Drink infusion as a tea for an upset stomach or irritated bowel. Use as a soak/compress for red itchy skin. Use as a sinus wash to soothe mucous membranes irritated by head colds and allergies.

-- TIMESTAMPS -- 

• [1:09] Introduction to Helena + Helena’s plant path
• [10:50] The benefits of focusing on one aspect of herbalism
• [12:59] The beauty of calendula seeds
• [16:59] Tissue Tonic Infusion recipe: calendula for inflamed sinuses
• [19:45] Calendula for the skin
• [21:12] Different herbal preparations of calendula
• [26:05] Calendula for the gut and digestion
• [32:50] The importance of relationship and connection with plants
• [36:24] Tips for growing and harvesting calendula
• [41:09] Helena’s herbal projects
• [45:22] What herbs Helena would include in her herbal first aid kit
• [50:14] Student spotlight
• [51:17] Herbal tidbit

Connect with Rosalee

• On Instagram | @rosaleedelaforet

• On Facebook | Herbs With Rosalee
• On YouTube | Herbs With Rosalee

• Website | herbswithrosalee.com


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