
- It is used in Arabic and Indian cultures to cure infections, skin wounds, sprains, sun burn, stings, cancer and ulcer.
- Its internal use helps to treat chronic infections.
- The stems (crushed) are used in corns and warts.
- The sap or tincture of flowers helps to lower swellings.
Can Calendula benefit your skin?
It’s speculated that calendula oil improves the general appearance of the skin, and while more research is required, studies have indicated that it promotes skin hydration and firmness. In addition to reducing inflammation, calendula is believed to be an effective treatment for some common skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
What are the medical uses of Calendula officinalis?
The Incredible Health Benefits of Calendula and Its Uses
- Botanical Information. Calendula Officinalis is an annual flower, originally from the Mediterranean region. ...
- Medicinal Uses & Other Benefits. Calendula has been used medicinally for generations, dating back to ancient civilizations. ...
- Growing Conditions. ...
- Tips to Grow Calendula. ...
- Pests & Diseases. ...
- Harvest & Storage. ...
How effective is Calendula for eczema?
What You Should Know About Treating Eczema?
- Be consistent.
- Use the treatment according to the directions.
- Consult with a health professional.
- Pay attention to things that trigger your eczema outbreaks.
How to make Calendula extract at home?
- Upon harvesting the flowers, bring them indoors — away from direct sunlight.
- Do NOT wash the flower heads.
- Pack your glass jar full of flower heads.
- Pour vodka to cover plant material entirely. ...
- Place in a warm (not hot), sunny location for at least 14 days. ...
See more

What part of calendula is medicinal?
The flower is widely used as a medicinal plant whose antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties make it a strong ingredient for healing. In addition to using whole petals, Calendula flowers can be ground into powder or made into oils, creams, and ointments.
Can you use calendula stems?
The most medicinal value is found in the green pedestal, not just the flower petals. If you aren't up for drying or using the fresh blooms, some calendula varieties have strong enough stems to make good cut flowers too.
What part of calendula is used for tea?
Calendula, a flowering plant also known as pot marigold, can be served as a tea or used as an ingredient in various herbal formulations. While the tea is made by steeping the flowers in boiling water, the extract is derived from both the flowers and the leaves ( 1 ).
Can you eat the whole calendula flower?
The whole flowers can also be dried and added to soups and stews as a winter immune tonic.
How do you make calendula oil from fresh flowers?
Directions:Fill a glass jar 2/3 of the way full with dried calendula flowers. ... Pour olive oil into the jar, making sure to cover the flowers by at least one inch with oil so they will have space to expand.Stir well and cap the jar tightly.Place the jar in a warm, sunny windowsill and shake once or more daily.More items...•
Can you eat the leaves of calendula?
Calendula Basics You can use the flowers and leaves for culinary and medicinal purposes, and consume them fresh or dried.
Can you use the whole calendula flower for tea?
If you're not growing your own, buy dried flowers intended for human use. To make a tea that soothes internal mucous membranes, add calendula flowers to water in a ratio of a tablespoon of fresh or two teaspoons of dried flowers to a cup of water. Bring to a boil and simmer or allow to steep for 10 minutes.
How do you use fresh calendula flowers?
How to Use CalendulaAdding the flowers to sugar for a simple sugar scrub.Making a balm for diaper rash and other conditions using coconut oil and beeswax.Infusing the dried flowers in water to make a facial toner.Using calendula flowers in homemade soap recipes.Using calendula in aloe vera gel for sunburn relief.More items...•
How do you make calendula extract?
Fresh Calendula Tincture Chop and crush enough calendula flowers to completely fill a 1-pint canning jar. Slowly pour in enough pure grain alcohol to completely cover the herb. Secure the lid tightly. Shake and turn the jar every day for 14 days.
Is calendula toxic to humans?
When taken by mouth: Preparations of calendula flower are likely safe for most people. When applied to the skin: Preparations of calendula flower are likely safe for most people.
How do you make a calendula tincture?
How to Make a Calendula TincturePlace about 1/4 – 1 cup of calendula petals in a jar, and cover them with twice as much 80-proof alcohol (40% vodka or rum etc.) ... Seal with a lid, and leave out of sunlight for 2-8 weeks.Strain, and transfer to an amber tincture bottle.Label and store in cool place out of sunlight.
How do you dry calendula flowers for tea?
The next step in how to make calendula tea is to dry the harvested plant parts thoroughly. Spread them out on a dishtowel or newspaper in a dry indoor place that doesn't get direct sun. Turn them from time to time. When the flowers are dry to the point of being crispy, remove the petals and store them away for tea.
What is calendula good for?
What Calendula is Good For And The Natural Remedies Made With it. The most common use for Calendula is topical and it is used in the form of oil, lotions, salve, toner, and cream/ointment. This is in large part due to the antibacterial and inflammatory properties this plant is believed to have.
How to identify a calendula?
Fully grown, mature plants reach a height and width of 1 – 2 feet or 30 ½ – 61 centimeters. Overall Calendula is not difficult to identify. Leaf: The leaves are light green, hairy, sparsely toothed, broader at the base, and taper to a point.
How do I grow a Calendula officinalis?
How to Grow Calendula. Calendula officinalis loves full sun but can tolerate semi-shade if the climate/weather is warm. Well-drained soil that is high in organic material will lead to healthy plant growth. However, these plants can tolerate a wide range of soil pH and occasional watering once they are established.
What is the use of calidula?
Records from Ancient Greece and Rome indicate that Calendula was used to make garlands or crowns of flowers to be worn during rituals of various kinds. These blooms are viewed as sacred in India and have decorated Hindu temples and statues of deities.
Where is Calendula officinalis native to?
Calendula officinalis is thought to be native to the Mediterranean, Macaronesia (the Azores, Madeira, and Canaries islands), southwestern Asia, and western Europe. Thanks to how easy it is to grow and what a prolific bloomer it is, this plant has now been naturalized throughout southern Europe and large parts of the US and southern Africa.
What is the medicinal use of calidula?
When the plant was used as a medicinal one it was believed to ease headaches, toothache, eye irritations, and fever.
Can you self seed a calendula?
However, these plants can tolerate a wide range of soil pH and occasional watering once they are established. You can simply let your Calendula plants self-seed, or you can collect seeds and use them to propagate for the following season. You can either sow into containers or directly into the soil in your garden.
What is a calendula?
-. Calendula (Calendula officinalis, Asteraceae) is one of the easiest herbs to grow and a highly versatile medicinal plant —naturally, it finds its way into the hearts and gardens of all herb lovers. It has been used for centuries, both internally and topically, to heal wounds, burns, and rashes.
How to pick a calendula?
When you pick calendula, your fingers will be sticky from the resinous bracts, which form the green base of the flower head. Dry on screens or airy baskets in a well-ventilated, warm area.
What are some dishes made with calendula flowers?
Clockwise from the top left: scrambled eggs with nopalitos (fresh cactus pads), wild-greens saag paneer (garnished with calendula), salad with edible flowers (daylily, calendula, and viola) and cherry nopalitos salsa. -.
How long does it take for calendula to grow?
Sow the prehistoric-looking seeds directly in the ground in mid-spring; germination takes five to fourteen days. Thin to 12 inches (0.3 m) apart.
What is the name of the plant that is used as an ornamental?
Calendula is also called marigold and pot marigold, leading to confusion with members of the genus Tagetes, which go by the same common name. The marigolds that you’ve seen as common garden ornamentals are in ...
Why are calendulas yellow?
If that weren’t enough, the edible ray florets of the flower heads (which look like yellow petals) are bursting with antioxidant compounds. Calendula’s name derives from the Latin calendae, referring to its long blooming season—in certain locales it is said to bloom nearly every month of the calendar year.
Can you take calendula with antibiotics?
In the case of peptic ulcers, calendula can be taken concurrently with antibiotic therapy (to address the presence of the bacterial infection of H. pylori, or Helicobacter pylori), and then continued for two weeks after finishing treatment. See the notes below for important contraindications associated with calendula.
What is calendula used for?
Also known as pot marigold, calendula is a pretty, bright flower that adds cheer to garden beds. But did you know that this is also a medicinal plant? You should always talk to your doctor before trying any kind of herbal or supplement, but if calendula is safe for you, there are some medicinal purposes it may serve: 1 Helping wounds and burns heal faster 2 Treating hemorrhoids 3 Reducing skin inflammation 4 Preventing dermatitis 5 Healing ear infections 6 Healing diaper rash 7 Reducing inflammation 8 Helping to heal various skin ailments, like acne, eczema, and rashes
Where is calendula native to?
Printer Friendly Version. Image by Lena_Zajchikova. Native to the Mediterranean, calendula is a plant that has been used medicinally for centuries. It’s a pretty plant to grow in the garden, but there are also a lot of calendula uses that you could try.
Is calendula safe for pregnant women?
Calendula is safe for most people, but it should not be used by pregnant women or anyone allergic to plants in the aster or daisy family. There may be some interactions between this herb and specific medications. Printer Friendly Version. This article was last updated on 04/03/18. Read more about Calendula.
Is calendula a flower?
Also known as pot marigold, calendula is a pretty, bright flower that adds cheer to garden beds. But did you know that this is also a medicinal plant? You should always talk to your doctor before trying any kind of herbal or supplement, but if calendula is safe for you, there are some medicinal purposes it may serve:
What is the name of the plant that is called the Calendula?
The genus name Calendula is a modern Latin diminutive of calendae , meaning "little calendar", "little clock" or possibly "little weather-glass". The common name "marigold" refers to the Virgin Mary .
What was the Dutch calendula used for?
They were used for dumplings, wine, oatmeal and puddings. In English cuisine Calendula were often cooked in the same pot with spinach, or used to flavor stewed birds. According to sixteenth-century Englishman John Gerard, every proper soup of Dutch cuisine in his era would include Calendula petals.
What is the purpose of C. officinalis ointment?
Topical application of C. officinalis ointment has helped to prevent dermatitis and pain; thus reducing the incidence rate of skipped radiation treatments in randomized trials. Calendula has been used traditionally for abdominal cramps and constipation.
What is a calendula tincture?
In herbalism, Calendula in suspension or in tincture is used topically for treating acne, reducing inflammation, controlling bleeding, and soothing irritated tissue. Limited evidence indicates Calendula cream or ointment is effective in treating radiation dermatitis.
What are the flowers that are used to decorate statues of Hindu deities?
Calendula flowers are sacred flowers in India and have been used to decorate the statues of Hindu deities since early times. However, the most common use in historic times was culinary, and the plant was used for both its color and its flavor. They were used for dumplings, wine, oatmeal and puddings.
What is the name of the flower that the Romans used to wear in their ceremonies?
Romans and Greeks used the golden Calendula in many rituals and ceremonies, sometimes wearing crowns or garlands made from the flowers. One of its nicknames is "Mary's Gold," referring to the flowers' use in early Catholic events in some countries.
What is the common name for marigold?
The common name "marigold" refers to the Virgin Mary . The most commonly cultivated and used member of the genus is Calendula officinalis, the pot marigold. Popular herbal and cosmetic products named "Calendula" invariably derive from C. officinalis .
What is a pot marigold?
To support our efforts please browse our store (books with medicinal info, etc.). Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is at the top of the most popular annuals in the garden list. Well known for its healing properties and edible flowers (leaves also), this flower looks great in any garden. Easy to grow, seeds can be started indoors in ...
Is calendula good for acne?
The antibac terial and anti-inflam matory properties of calendula make it a good face wash for dry, irritated skin and acne. Fresh calendula petals can also be infused in boiling water and used to treat minor infections, conjunctivitis, and mouth sores.
Elderberry Calendula Cold and Flu Elixir
The changing of seasons, right around late summer, is the perfect time of year to prepare one of our favorite cold and flu recipes using both calendula and elderberry.
A Simple Calendula Tea
Drinking tea made from calendula can help in the treatment of urinary tract infections. Additionally, the healing and anti-inflammatory properties of the herb make it very soothing on the throat. Simply use your calendula tea as a gargle when your throat feels sore.
Homemade Sugar Scrub
You can use this herbal sugar scrub every time you shower, or you can alternate it with soap as often as you’d like. Gently massaging it into your skin feels great and the oils will leave your skin soft, nourished, and glowing.
Herbal Deodorant
If you too have been struggling with finding the perfect natural deodorant that keeps you from stinking, here it is.
Calendula Infused Facial Toner
This homemade toner is not only hydrating to the skin, but slightly astringent, anti-inflammatory, and promotes healing of skin thanks to the calendula.
Calendula Soap
Jan, author of Cold Process Soap Basics and Recipes and blogger over at The Nerdy Farm Wife shares with us two great recipes using calendula! This is a mild, unscented calendula soap bar that is gentle enough to use on almost everyone from babies to grandmothers.
A Natural Remedy for Irritated Eyes
This is another one of The Nerdy Farm Wife’s recipes, a great natural remedy for irritated eyes caused by: allergies, pool water, dryness, dust, wind, eye strain and even pink eye. Of course, be sure to read the caveats and precautions at the end of her post before going ahead with the remedy!
History of The Calendula
The Calendula flower, which also goes by the names of Marigold, Mary-Gold, and Poor Man’s Saffron, is one of the world’s oldest flowers, with its cultivation spanning over six centuries. In Latin, Calendula is known as Calendae, which quite literally means “ the first day of the month ”.
Uses of the Calendula
Thanks to the soothing and healing properties of calendula, it should come as no surprise to hear that it can be used to serve a variety of different purposes. Let’s explore some of the ways that calendula can be used:
Benefits of the Calendula
Whether used in herbal tea or within the formula of a facial cream that you’ve had your eyes on, calendula is often described as being a star ingredient – and it’s no wonder when you take a look at its benefits. Let’s discover them below:
Where does the Calendula come from?
Calendula, pot marigold, or garden marigold ( Calendula officinalis) is a plant of the Compositae family native to the Mediterranean region, Egypt and Southern Europe. It is speculated that the plant is the result of natural hybridization between other types of marigolds, wild marigold probably ( Calendula arvensis ).
Why is calendula used for healing?
Because you can find it almost all year, it is more practical and more preferable to use fresh plant as medicinal components are partly lost during drying. Calendula is used as a vulnerary, emmenagogue and analgesic remedy. It has properties to reduce inflammation, disinfect and improve the healing time of wounds.
Why do people use calendula lotion?
Because of its salicylic acid content, when applied topically, it is a remedy to prevent pimples and acne, as it opens the pores and fights harmful bacteria living in the skin. Calendula lotions are antibiotic and antiinflammatory and may be used to treat skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or dandruff.
What are the curative properties of calendula?
Other curative properties of calendula. Skin hardness: poultices with crushed leaves and marigold flowers are applied on skin hardnesses. It has mucilages and components that soften and smooth corns or other hardened skin parts (Apply a poultice of crushed leaves and flowers 34 times a day on the tough area).
Why do you use crushed leaves in poultice?
Because of its antibiotic properties, the crushed leaves are also applied in poultice for skin infections, for diaper rash, warts and acne . Being analgesic, it helps relieve symptoms of itching and rashes, burns and urticaria (Apply a compress on the affected area).
Does marigold help with menstrual cycle?
It has properties to reduce inflammation, disinfect and improve the healing time of wounds. For its wealth of flavonoids, the plant improves circulation and is able to regulate the cycles of women , reducing heavy menstrual periods and favoring those that are scarce . Photo of pot marigold plant ( Calendula officinalis)
Does calendula help with cramps?
Calendula choleretic effect stimulates the flow of bile into the digestive tract and,thus, improves the digestion process. It can be taken in case of slow digestion, and also for cramps, due to its antispasmodic properties. (Take 1g. 200g dried flower on. Infusion, after meals).
Overview
Pharmacological effects
Calendula officinalis oil is still used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory and a remedy for healing wounds. Calendula ointments are skin products available for use on minor cuts, burns, and skin irritation; however, evidence of their effectiveness is weak.
Plant pharmacological studies have suggested that Calendula extracts have antiviral, antigenotoxic, and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro. In herbalism, Calendula in suspension or in …
Uses
Calendula was not a major medicinal herb but it was used in historic times for headaches, red eye, fever and toothaches. As late as the 17th century Nicholas Culpeper claimed Calendula benefited the heart, but it was not considered an especially efficacious medicine.
In historic times Calendula was more often used for magical purposes than medicinal ones. One 16th-century potion containing Calendula claimed to reveal fairies. An unmarried woman with tw…
Chemistry
The flowers of C. officinalis contain flavonol glycosides, triterpene oligoglycosides, oleanane-type triterpene glycosides, saponins, and a sesquiterpene glucoside.
Diversity
Species include:
• Calendula arvensis (Vaill.) L. – field marigold, wild marigold
• Calendula denticulata Schousb. ex Willd.
• Calendula eckerleinii Ohle
External links
• Flora Europaea: Calendula
• Germplasm Resources Information Network: Calendula
• Botanical.com: Calendula