Calendula

Calendula, also known as Pot Marigold, is a versatile perennial herb in the Aster/Daisy family, often grown as an annual. While not native to North America, it thrives in gardens worldwide. Calendula is well known for its vibrant yellow or orange flowers and its medicinal properties, which make it a valuable addition to herbal remedies.

Identification

Calendula typically grows between 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) tall, with sprawling or erect stems. Its oblong, lance-like leaves range from 2 to 7 inches (5 to 18 cm) long and are covered in fine hairs. Furthermore, the leaves’ margins can vary from smooth to weakly toothed. The striking flowers bloom year-round in warmer climates and are characterized by a 2 to 3-inch (5 to 7.5 cm) flower head, with two rows of hairy bracts. Some varieties feature multiple rows of ray florets, which make them even more potent for medicinal purposes. Calendula produces a small, curved achene as its fruit.

Edible Uses

Calendula flowers are not only beautiful but also edible. They can be used fresh in salads or dried as a seasoning. While some people use them as a saffron substitute for color, they don’t provide the same flavor. Additionally, you can brew the petals into a tea. However, the leaves are bitter and generally unpalatable.

Medicinal Uses

Calendula offers numerous healing benefits. You can use it in several forms, including tea, infused oils, salves, compresses, or poultices. Below are some of the most common medicinal applications:

Skin Healing and Soothing

Calendula excels at healing and soothing skin conditions. For example, it can treat various skin ailments such as cuts, wounds, and burns. Applying a poultice made from the bruised leaves directly on the skin reduces inflammation and speeds up healing. Moreover, Calendula is effective against rashes, acne, and sunburn, including diaper rash. Calendula oil or salve can be applied to affected areas multiple times a day, promoting faster healing. Because of its antiviral properties, Calendula also soothes cold sores and chickenpox. While it possesses antifungal properties, it is less potent than other herbs like black walnut hull powder or oregano oil. Therefore, it works well as a preventative or for chronic skin infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.

Anti-aging and Collagen Production

Calendula stimulates collagen production and inhibits its degradation, making it an excellent choice for anti-aging treatments. It promotes skin firmness and hydration, helping prevent wrinkles and sagging. Using a blend of Calendula and Cottonwood Buds infused in almond oil as a natural alternative to commercial face creams offers significant benefits for daily skincare routines.

Muscle Spasms and Cramping

Calendula’s muscle-relaxing properties make it ideal for soothing muscle spasms and abdominal cramps. For instance, drinking Calendula tea helps ease cramps caused by constipation or menstruation. It also alleviates muscle pain associated with spasms.

Wound Healing and Hemorrhoids

Calendula ointment or salve is highly effective in treating slow-healing wounds, such as ulcers and hemorrhoids. It speeds up healing by increasing blood and oxygen flow to the area, which in turn promotes tissue repair.

Stomach and Intestinal Health

Calendula’s anti-inflammatory properties also extend to gastrointestinal issues. It helps soothe conditions like intestinal colitis, GERD, and peptic ulcers by calming irritation and promoting healing. Moreover, it benefits individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.

Immune and Lymphatic System Support

Calendula boosts the immune system and stimulates the lymphatic system, making it a valuable remedy for swollen lymph nodes and infections. Its astringent properties further help the body fight off infections and viruses, which reduces congestion in the lymph glands.

Menstrual Health and PMS Relief

Calendula tea effectively reduces menstrual discomfort by relaxing the muscles and improving blood flow. Additionally, it can help induce menstruation and ease symptoms of PMS, including hot flashes.

Oral Health

Calendula’s antibacterial and antimicrobial effects make it a potent treatment for oral health issues. It effectively treats gingivitis, plaque, and cavities. A Calendula tea mouthwash can enhance oral hygiene and prevent infections.

Cancer Treatment Support

Calendula supports cancer treatment by activating the lymphatic system, helping the body fight cancer cells. It also soothes skin irritation caused by radiation treatments, reducing inflammation and promoting skin healing.

Liver and Gallbladder Detoxification

Calendula’s detoxifying properties extend to liver and gallbladder health. It also helps clear up chronic skin problems like eczema or acne, which often result from toxin buildup in the body. Drinking Calendula extract internally supports overall detoxification.

Harvesting Calendula

To promote continuous flowering, it’s important to harvest Calendula flowers every two days. Dry them on screens or by hanging them in a warm, well-ventilated space.

Recipes

Soothing Calendula Salve

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup organic olive oil
• 1/3 cup solid organic coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons dried Calendula flowers
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers
• 1 to 2 ounces beeswax

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler, melt the olive oil and coconut oil together.
2. Add the flower petals and let the mixture steep for 2-3 hours, ensuring it doesn’t overheat.
3. Strain out the petals and return the pan to the heat.
4. Add the beeswax and stir until it melts.
5. Pour the mixture into containers and allow it to cool completely before use.

Calendula Extract

Ingredients:

• 1 pint loosely packed Calendula flowers
• 1 pint 80-proof vodka or higher

Instructions:

1. Fill a jar with Calendula flowers and cover them with alcohol.
2. Seal the jar tightly and let it steep in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking it daily.
3. Strain out the flowers and store the extract in a cool, dark place.

Conclusion

Calendula’s medicinal properties make it a powerful ally in treating a range of health conditions, from skin irritations to digestive issues and menstrual discomfort. Whether applied as a salve for healing wounds or consumed as tea for digestive relief, Calendula is a versatile herb that should have a place in every herbalist’s toolkit. For more natural remedies, check out our article on Elderberry, another herb with incredible healing properties.