Organic Calendula Flowers (Calendula officinalis)

Herbs are Sold By the Ounce, Price is Per Ounce

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Botanical Information:

• Common Names: Pot Marigold, Garden Marigold
• Family: Asteraceae
• Origin: Southern Europe, the Mediterranean region
• Plant Type: Herbaceous annual or short-lived perennial

Botany & Growth:

• Habitat: Calendula thrives in well-drained soils with full sun exposure. It is commonly found in gardens and can be easily grown in a variety of climates.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11
• Growing: Sow seeds in early spring or late summer. Calendula is relatively low-maintenance and can self-seed, making it a good choice for low-effort gardens.
• Harvesting: Flowers should be harvested in the morning after the dew has dried. They can be used fresh or dried for later use.

Constituents:

• Active Compounds: Flavonoids, triterpenoids, saponins, essential oils, and carotenoids (such as lutein and beta-carotene).

Energetics & Taste:

• Energetics: Cooling, drying
• Taste: Slightly bitter, peppery

Medicinal Actions:

• Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation internally and externally.
• Antimicrobial: Fights bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
• Astringent: Tightens tissues, often used for wound healing.
• Vulnerary: Promotes healing of wounds and skin tissue.
• Emmenagogue: Stimulates menstrual flow.

System Affinities:

• Skin: Calendula is widely known for its benefits to the skin, particularly in treating wounds, burns, rashes, and insect bites.
• Digestive System: Internally, calendula can be used to soothe ulcers and inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Lymphatic System: Helps support the body in detoxifying by promoting lymphatic drainage.

Uses:

• Topical Applications: Calendula is often used in creams, ointments, and salves for treating minor skin irritations, wounds, and rashes.
• Internal Use: Taken as a tea or tincture, calendula can support digestive health and ease inflammation.
• Cosmetic: Calendula is a popular ingredient in natural skincare products due to its soothing and healing properties.

Cautions:

• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, particularly those allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult with a healthcare provider before using calendula internally during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it can act as a mild emmenagogue.

Scientific Studies:

1. Wound Healing: A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that calendula significantly accelerated wound healing and reduced inflammation compared to control groups .
2. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Research in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology demonstrated calendula's efficacy in reducing inflammatory markers in vitro and in animal models .
3. Antimicrobial Properties: A study in Phytotherapy Research highlighted calendula's broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, including bacteria and fungi.