Calendula
Calendula is probably my least favourite of all the plants we use in Asa's balms.
Which feels a little unfair, really, because it is beautiful. It stands out, draws you in and practically poses for the camera.
It doesn't have that overlooked, slightly scruffy quality I find so endearing in the plants we tend to call weeds. So perhaps that's why it isn't my favourite.
It does, however, have the most glorious honey-like smell, especially when dried. There's something about its warmth that feels a little like being wrapped in a blanket.
Have you ever really looked at a calendula flower?
Those vibrant orange petals, layered around a darker centre, almost glowing in the sunlight.
And what looks like one flower is actually made up of lots of tiny individual flowers. All that extraordinary detail in something that already looks rather pleased with itself.
But calendula has far more to offer than its good looks.
Its vibrant orange colour comes partly from natural pigments with antioxidant properties. It also contains compounds that help reduce inflammation.
Inflammation is part of how our skin protects and repairs itself. But sometimes that response can leave our skin feeling hot, sore and uncomfortable. Calendula can be used to soothe irritated skin and support healing.
And while I might not be quite as captivated by calendula as I am by some of our scruffier plants, I do have an enormous appreciation for what it brings to our balms.
It doesn't need me to be fascinated by it.
It's quite happy being beautiful.
Explore calendula in our balms