When herbalist Deb Soule first learned about the work of V (formerly Eve Ensler) in the Congo Region to assist women who have been raped and violated, she asked, “How can I be of help?” The answer that came to her was to “grow a row of calendula.”
Calendula is a remarkable herb for healing wounds and traumatized tissue and for filling the body and spirit with vitality and light. Used as an oil or salve, it repairs many kinds of wounds, soothes inflamed or infected vaginal tissue, and lessens scarring. As a tea, its sunny flowers assist in the easing of both physical and emotional pain.
*In using the term women here, we refer to women who are cisgender, transgender, non-binary, and those who hold fluid identities that are subject to gender-based violence.