This month we will be discussing Calendula at our monthly herbal workshop. We discuss different herbs each month. Sacred Space Holistic Center in Modesto hosts us the last Tuesday of every month at 6:30 pm. If you are local in Stanislaus County, we would love you to come down and join us for a workshop. Always RSVP in advance so that we can make you a gift bag. Our gift bags are made with products that we sale on our website.
Calendula has been growing in our yard for years. Once our plants begin producing flowers, we begin to harvest and dry them. Once they are dried, we put them in jars. We use them when needed to add to our herbal tea blends. We also infuse oils with the Calendula flowers. Then we use the oil to create herbal salves, lip balms, lotions, chap stick, and body butters.
This flower is super helpful for our skin. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. We create salves to be used topically to help soothe irritated skin and to reduce inflammation. Calendula also carries antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which may help prevent infections in wounds. This wonderful flower can be used to treat various skin conditions. And it is even gentle enough to be used on diaper rash. It is known to help with eczema and even athletes’ foot. Its antimicrobial properties help promote faster healing.
*Calendula is considered generally safe for topical use. It’s best to ALWAYS consult with your doctor before using herbal products. Calendula should be avoided during pregnancy.
We have been eating fresh veggies from the garden this last week. I think homegrown tomatoes are my favorite! I love how they look when you cut them open. Their insides are such a dark red and none of them ever look the same. The flavor is so delicious. We have been eating them every night this week.Â
The tomatoes in the picture to the right were grown from my plant. I planted it in my garden in the spring of 2024. This and two other tomato plants survived the winter of 2024 and are still growing. I waited until the last freeze. Then, I trimmed all the dead leaves and branches. I continued until I reached the green parts of the plants. In no time at all the plants began growing again and started flowering. By May, we already had a plant full of green tomatoes and flowers. The first couple tomatoes didn’t look all that great. in fact I threw them into the compost. But the next group looked healthy and they were getting bigger.Â
I like to pick the them before they become dark red. I read somewhere that once they begin to change from the green stage, you can pick them. They will continue to go through their color-changing process and eventually turn red. I don’t remember where I read that from, but I always wait until they are orange then I pick them. From the orange color my tomatoes always ripen up nicely sitting on my kitchen counter. Plants spend all of their energy on growing their fruit. So when we pick the tomatoes it helps redirect their energy back to making the other tomatoes grow.
Some people say that tomato plants, because of what is inside their leaves, are effective mosquito repellents. There is a lipid compound called IBI-246. This compound is found in tomato stems. It seems to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and some other bugs as well. The smell when you crush tomato leaves can release compounds that deter insects. I read about the possibility of tomato leaves being a natural mosquito deterrent. We can crush the leaves and rub them on our skin. I am going to have my girlfriend try this out. Mosquitoes find her to be super tasty. I have also read that applying leftover tomato juice from cutting up tomatoes can help. It stops mosquito bites from itching. Tomatoes are also known to be rich in thiamine (vitamin B1). Thiamine might contribute to masking our natural human odors. These odors seem to attract insects, especially mosquitoes.
Tomatoes are great for our heart. They have Lycopene and this powerful antioxidant helps reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. They are also full of potassium which mean tomatoes can help regulate blood pressure. Both of these can potentially lower heart disease risk and help with heart health. Tomatoes are full of fiber which supports a healthy digestive system, that can also indirectly benefit heart health. Tomatoes are full of vitamin A which is great for our eyes and our skin. The vitamin C in tomatoes supports our immune function. The vitamin K and calcium in tomatoes helps with our bone strength.
There is so much health and goodness in tomatoes. Everyone should be growing tomatoes at their house. Grow a tomato plant at home! Tomatoes do best in the ground but you can also grow them in 5 gallon buckets. Don’t allow space to deter you from growing the best home grown tomatoes ever!
Benefits of Orange Peel Infused Vinegar for Cleaning. Its an effective cleaning solution. The infused vinegar can cut through grime and grease, deodorize surfaces, and leave behind a pleasant citrus scent. It also acts as a natural pest repellent especially with ants.Â
We decided to test the theory. Orange peels soaked in vinegar for two weeks in a dark cupboard produce a solution. This solution will remove ants. We used it in the kitchen area and it definitely has made a difference. But it seems to work best as a cleaner not so much as an ant repellent. As far as we are concerned.
Orange peels infused vinegar helps break down grease, grime, and soap scum. It is a powerful cleaning agent. The citrus scent of orange peels helps to mask the strong smell of vinegar, leaving behind a fresh, clean aroma.
How to make orange peel infusion
Fill a jar with orange peels (any combination of orange, lemon, or lime peels). Pour white vinegar over the peels to ensure they are fully submerged. Let the mixture sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks to infuse. After the 2-3 weeks we drain the vinegar from the peels and add water. Use a 1:1 ratio. If you have a cup of vinegar, add a cup of water. For two cups of vinegar, add two cups of water. Put it in a spray bottle for everyday use.
Growing Turmeric has been a interesting experience. A good friend had me buy some from this yummy Asian store. Â She told me that is how her family grew it. We both bought some roots. Then I planted them into a pot not knowing what to expect. I knew nothing about growing this magical plant. Â The pot is a pretty big. I am still learning about turmeric and its growing needs.
We have been using turmeric root powder in some of our herbal tea blends. It is great for inflammation. Turmeric’s main active component is curcumin and that is what gives the spice its yellow color. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties. Making this spice a potential treatment for a number of health conditions. Such as for  pain, asthma and decreased movement in people with osteoarthritis. Â
Cold and Flu Season is coming. Be Sure and check out our Elderberry Kits we have available. Everything you need to make your own syrup, just add honey!
