Organic Calendula - Petals (Calendula officinalis)

Herbs are Sold By the Ounce, Price is Per Ounce

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Family: Asteraceae

Common Names: Marigold, Pot Marigold, English Marigold

Botanical Description: Calendula is a hardy, herbaceous annual plant that typically grows 1 to 2 feet tall. It has bright green, lance-shaped leaves and produces striking, daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow to deep orange. The flowers are composed of multiple layers of petals, which are the part used medicinally. Calendula flowers bloom from early summer until the first frost, and they have a mildly spicy, resinous scent.

Habitat and Cultivation: Calendula is native to southern Europe but is now widely cultivated in gardens around the world for its ornamental beauty and medicinal properties. It thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight and is easy to grow, often reseeding itself. Calendula can be planted directly in the garden or started indoors and transplanted outside once the danger of frost has passed.

Parts Used: Flowers (petals)

Historical and Folklore Uses:

Calendula has been used in herbal medicine for centuries, dating back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where it was valued for its healing properties. It was used to treat skin conditions, wounds, and infections. In medieval Europe, calendula was often used in soups and stews, not only for its flavor but also for its believed health benefits. The bright yellow flowers were also used as a dye and were associated with the sun, symbolizing warmth and life. In folklore, calendula was thought to bring protection and was often planted near doorways to prevent evil from entering.

Energetics and Taste:

• Energetics: Cooling, drying
• Taste: Mild, slightly bitter, peppery

Medicinal Actions:

• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation, particularly in the skin and digestive tract.
• Vulnerary: Promotes wound healing and tissue repair.
• Antimicrobial: Fights bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
• Astringent: Tightens tissues, helping to reduce bleeding and inflammation.
• Lymphatic: Supports the lymphatic system and helps to clear lymphatic congestion.
• Antioxidant: Protects cells from oxidative stress and supports overall health.

System Affinities:

• Skin: Calendula is best known for its skin-healing properties. It is used to treat wounds, cuts, burns, rashes, and other skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it effective in reducing swelling, soothing irritation, and preventing infection.
• Digestive System: Calendula is used to soothe inflammation in the digestive tract, making it useful in treating gastritis, ulcers, and colitis. It helps to heal the mucous membranes and improve digestion.
• Immune System: The herb supports the immune system by fighting infections and reducing inflammation, particularly in the skin and digestive tract. It also helps to clear lymphatic congestion and supports detoxification.
• Reproductive System: Calendula is sometimes used to regulate the menstrual cycle and relieve menstrual cramps due to its mild emmenagogue (menstruation-promoting) effects.

Active Compounds:

• Flavonoids: Antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress.
• Carotenoids: Pigments that give calendula its bright orange color and have strong antioxidant and immune-boosting properties.
• Triterpenoids: Compounds with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects, contributing to calendula’s effectiveness in treating skin conditions.
• Essential Oils: Contain antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that support skin health and immune function.

Uses:

1. Skin Care: Calendula is widely used in creams, ointments, and balms to treat skin conditions such as cuts, burns, rashes, eczema, and dermatitis. It promotes wound healing, reduces inflammation, and prevents infection.
2. Wound Healing: The herb is applied topically to wounds, cuts, and abrasions to speed up healing and reduce the risk of infection. It can be used in poultices, salves, or infused oils.
3. Digestive Support: Calendula is used in teas or tinctures to soothe inflammation in the digestive tract, treat gastritis, ulcers, and improve overall digestion. It is also helpful in treating oral conditions like gingivitis and sore throats.
4. Immune Support: Due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, calendula supports the immune system and helps fight off infections, particularly in the skin and digestive system.
5. Menstrual Health: Calendula may be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, relieve menstrual cramps, and reduce inflammation associated with menstruation.

Cautions:

• Allergies: Individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (such as daisies, ragweed, or chrysanthemums) should use calendula with caution, as allergic reactions are possible.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: While calendula is generally considered safe, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using it during pregnancy or breastfeeding, especially in medicinal amounts.
• Internal Use: Although calendula is widely used in skincare, consult a healthcare provider before ingesting calendula, particularly if you are taking medications or have any health conditions.

Research and Studies:

1. A study published in Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition highlighted the wound-healing properties of calendula, supporting its traditional use in treating skin conditions and promoting tissue repair .
2. Research in Phytotherapy Research demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of calendula, validating its use in treating infections and reducing inflammation .
3. Another study in International Journal of Molecular Sciences confirmed the antioxidant capacity of calendula’s flavonoids and carotenoids, supporting its use in protecting against oxidative stress and promoting overall health.