To Colour
Calendula produces a soft buttery yellow when used fresh and a golden olive when used dry.
Simply combine pre-washed, mordanted with soy milk fabric or yarn to a pot of hot water steeped in calendula; and watch the colour develop. Leave in longer and continue to heat for richer tones. Can even be left overnight in a jar or in the summer sun.
Why not experiment with calendula and colour changers like vinegar and salt or use alongside other yellow plant dyes like weld. St Johns Wort of onion skins.
To Nourish
Brewed as tea, sprinkled over salads, frozen into ice cubes or used to decorate our orange and calendula vegan cupcakes. Loaded with antioxidants, high in carotenoids and aids immunity in the winter months. The warmth of the summer sun in every bite whilst reducing inflammation and aiding pain relief.
Moisturise, heal and ease inflammation pain with these calendula bath melts.
Ingredients
- Combine 1/2 cup of shea butter, 1/2 cup of cocoa butter, 3/4 cup of dried calendula, a little bit of beeswax or soy wax (more if you like your bath hot! - less for easier melting) to retain the shape.
- Melt the butters and wax in a bain marie (small pot for melting over a water bath vessel and heat.) Steep the calendula flowers and petals keeping at a constant warm heat, not bubbling, not cooling. Heat for up to 8 house - the longer you leave it, the more healing properties are released from the calendula.
- Sift our the plant material, keeping the melted butters infused with calendula. Allow to cool a little before adding essential oils. We used chamomile, lavender and frankincense to heal and relax.
- Pour into moulds and allow to set. Store in a cool, dark place in an airtight container for up to a year.
- Pop in a warm bath and create a luxury herbal moment. Perfect treat for your loved ones or the gift of me time to yourself.
