Calendula (Calendula officinalis), has several aliases, like pot calendula, pot marigold, Garden Marigold, Gold-Bloom, Holligold, Marigold, Marybud, and Zergul. It has an orange or yellow flower and is native to the Mediterranean area.
Calendula got its name because it blooms every new moon. The name “marigold” refers to the Virgin Mary, and the flower is often used in Catholic events that honor her. With a name like marigold, some probably think they can use the annual flowers from their garden. That is probably either French marigold or African marigold and is a totally different species.
For those who like the technical facts, calendula contains these medicinal ingredients: calendulin, narcissin, beta-carotene and other carotenoids, lupeol, isoquercitrin, amyrin, rutin, volatile oils and sterols. Polysaccharides with properties that stimulate immunity are also found in the flowers.
Calendula can be taken internally or externally. Internally, calendula is especially used for gastrointestinal disorders. It protects the lining of the stomach and intestines by inhibiting the causes of swelling and inflammation, and by limiting the effects of the bacteria associated with gastritis, peptic ulcers, and stomach cancer. Taken orally calendula has been used to sooth stomach ulcers and inflammation. Some report it to be effective in fighting fever, boils, abscesses, and recurrent vomiting.
Calendula’s orange petals contain the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory secrets that make it effective externally. These two A’s have put calendula into the forefront of treatment for various infections. For example, some find it more effective in treating ear infections than leading prescription drugs. Calendula tea makes a great eye wash for those suffering from chronic conjunctivitis (pink eye). As an ointment, it attacks the bacteria causing swelling and thus will soothe inflammation. It is also used to treat vaginal itching caused by menopausal tissue changes, insect bites, eczema, diaper rash, acne, hemorrhoids, burns, scalds, and sunburn.
By using this herb on infections, healing is more pain-free, better, and faster when calendula is used. Cosmetic creams containing calendula decrease the appearance of wrinkles and hydrate skin. Gargling with calendula water or tea has helped ease the pain of a sore throat.
In addition, calendula is used to treat capillary engorgement, chronic ulcers, varicose veins, and congestion. Calendula flowers are edible, and may be added to salads cereals, rice, and soups to add flavor and color. The petals can also be dried for use in teas as mentioned above.
Calendula comes in creams, teas, tinctures, infusions, compresses, and washes. Making calendula tea: pour about a cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of calendula flowers and let sit for 15 minutes. You may drink a cup three times per day. Making calendula tincture: soak a cup of flowers in .5 quarts of rectified alcohol for 5 to 6 weeks. Five to fifteen drops of this may be taken per dose with water or tea with a three dose maximum per day. Making calendula salve: boil one ounce of dried flowers or leaves in one ounce of lard. This is for external application.
Calendula is a very safe herb but a few cautions are in order. Be especially sure wounds are clean before applying calendula. If you have ragweed allergy, be cautious as some have also experienced allergic reactions to calendula. The alcohol in the calendula tincture will burn the raw tissue of wounds. It would be better to use a different form of the herb.