Today was the complete opposite of yesterday, and just as enjoyable. While yesterday was a go with the flow kind of day where I was drawn to different events throughout the day, today could most accurately be described as a do nothing day. As my favorite Pooh Bear says, “Don’t underestimate the value of doing nothing”!
There was great value, and restoration, in doing a lot of nothing today. At the end of my day of resting and reading, playing and watching videos on Amazon Prime, and my one foray into the world…dinner out…I brewed a new-to-me kind of herbal tea.
I have greatly enjoyed creating teas from the herbs growing in my garden. So far I’ve sipped on teas crafted from thyme, mint, lemon balm, lemon grass, bee balm, and rosemary, all plucked fresh from my backyard.
This week I read a post from Anthony William about the many health benefits of calendula tea. I was excited about the info. I’ve grown calendula in my garden for three years. That’s it in the picture above, slightly to the right of center. I have the yellow flowers planted in the big black kettle that I have plus more growing this year in a tall metal bucket. I collect seeds from the plants in the fall and sow them every spring.
I use calendula and calendula oil in skin products that I make. I was delighted to learn from Anthony that drinking tea made from the dried flower petals is so beneficial. I have a container of dried blooms. Tonight presented the perfect opportunity to brew calendula tea.
Calendula is classified as a medicinal flower. Consumed as a tea, it is highly beneficial and soothing for ulcers, indigestion, colitis, heartburn, gall bladder and liver problems, and inflammation. Calendula is antiviral, making it excellent in supporting the lymphatic and immune systems.
The flower has anticancer properties and it is known to combat a variety of cancers. It contains carotenoids that reduce the signs of aging by decreasing wrinkles and nourishing the skin. At a cellular level, calendula has the ability to provide healing from the effects of radiation and chemotherapy.
This is a powerful little flower!
I added a heaping teaspoon of the dried petals to a cup of very hot water, using my little mesh strainer to hold the herb. After covering the mug, I let the tea steep for ten minutes.
The tea was aromatic as I brought the steaming cup to my nose. I’ve been sipping on it as I type my blog post. The tea is flavorful, without being heavy, with a hint of earthiness. Although the dried petals have lost their bright yellow color, the tea is a light golden brown…sunshine in a cup.
I love trying different herbal teas. Each has important health benefits. Most of all, I love that I am growing these hebs and flowers in my backyard garden. I feel like I am actively participating in my health by growing plants that can nurture and enhance my healing.
And that is the best feeling of all.
