The common name for Calendula is marigold or more specifically pot marigold because there are so many varieties. Calendula is the Latin name. This cheery sunny annual flower is easy to grow from seed and I plant it every year, but sometimes if you are lucky they will seed themselves. Calendula is like Echinacea it clears toxic heat, inflammation while reducing infection internally and externally. It is one of the best first aid remedies for injuries and burns. Many preparations made from Calendula like swabs, compresses, gargles, creams, salves, infusions and tinctures are easy to use and very healing.
Besides external use Calendula petals are used like saffron added to rice after cooking. It is a nice addition to salads and makes a good cold infusion tea and tincture.
| Common Name | Calendula/ Pot Marigold petals |
| Latin Name | Calendula officinalis |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Parts Used | Annual easily grows from seeds- flower petals picked Summer/ Fall |
| Target Organs | Skin, lymphatic, cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, digestion, liver/ gallbladder |
| Common Uses | Skin:wounds, bruises, strains, infections, ulcers, skin infections, ulcers, inflammation
nLymphatic: ear infections, congested lymph Digestion: indigestion, Female reproductive: delayed menses, pain, Immune vascular tonic Allergies, infections, detoxify, fever, skin conditions, inflammation |
| Properties | Antiallergenic, antibacterial, anti-catarrhal, antifungal, anti-inflammatory(local, systemic) antineoplastic, anti-protozoa, anti-rheumatic, aperient, appetite stimulant, anti-ulcerogenic, antiviral, astringent, detoxicant, decongestant, depurative, diaphoretic, febrifuge, haemostatic, immune stimulant, lymphatic, nervine, relaxant, tranquilizer, uterine tonic, vascular tonic, neural, peripheral vasodilator, vulnerary |
| Constituents | Essential Oil-(alcohol, terpene lactones)triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids(quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin) carotenoids( carotene, calendulin, lycopin) bitters, phytosterols, resin, mucilage, polysaccharides, trace minerals, potassium chloride, palmitic/malic/salicylic acid mucilage, |
| Cautions | Mild remedy: Avoid internal use during pregnancy it is a uterine stimulant |
| Dosage | Tincture: 2-4ml Tea: 8-14g 1-2 tsp |
