A Grassroots Healing Project
Planting seeds and sharing herbs is a way to bring about positive change.
Our mission is to inspire more dialogue, support, and understanding of the root causes of violence and oppression by encouraging people to grow and dry calendula for healing purposes in their communities.
Violence against women* is prevalent worldwide.
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.
How can I start growing my own row of calendula?
Begin with the intention to help bring healing to women. Plant calendula seeds. Nurture them. Collect their bright flower blossoms. Dry them. Prepare the dried flowers into healing remedies to share with those who need them.
May 9th Workshop
Come learn how to grow, harvest, and dry Calendula blossoms and make Calendula healing salves that will be donated to a few local non-profit projects serving immigrant farm workers and adults and children who have experienced domestic violence.
May 9th, 2026 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Free. Advance registration is required. Spaces limited.
Event will be held at Avena Botanicals:
219 Mill Street, Rockport, ME 04856
