🎙️ Episode 2: Calendula — The Sunshine Herb for Healing and Self-Care

Welcome back to the LoveGarden!

In this episode, we dive into the golden, powerful world of Calendula (Calendula officinalis), the pioneer herb that truly started my own wellness journey.

Known as the "Sunshine Herb" for its vibrant, cheerful flowers, Calendula is one of the most versatile and valuable plants you can add to your garden and your life. We'll explore:

• The Healing Power: Why Calendula is a top-tier herb for skin healing, soothing inflammation, and supporting the lymphatic system.
• Practical Use #1: Calendula Oil: A simple, step-by-step guide on how to make your own infused Calendula oil at home—the perfect base for homemade salves and lotions.
• Practical Use #2: Tincture Benefits: The convenient way to use Calendula Tincture to support your immune and digestive health from the inside out.

Whether you're a beginner herbalist or just looking for a powerful natural boost to your self-care routine, this episode is your guide to this beautiful, nurturing flower.

New to LoveGarden? Catch up on Episode 1 to hear my story on the farm in the Swartland!

 🎙️ Episode 1: Welcome to LoveGarden — My Unexpected Journey to Herbal Wellness 

Welcome to LoveGarden! In this very first episode, I'm Lerene, your host, and I'm sharing the surprising origin story of this podcast and my journey into natural wellness.

If you think I’m a seasoned gardener, think again! I'll reveal why my passion for herbs started not with a green thumb, but with a simple desire for convenient and cheaper ingredients. You'll hear about my new beginning on a farm in the Swartland, Western Cape of South Africa, and how a few wise, older friends sparked my fascination with medicinal plants.

This episode details the challenges of starting a garden from scratch, the supportive role of my partner Jon, and how my patch of earth ultimately became a "garden of love".

Get comfortable and grab a cup of your favorite tea. We're also giving you a sneak peek at the incredible pioneer herb—Calendula—that started it all and will be the topic of our next deep dive! Thanks for listening, and welcome to the LoveGarden family!