Definition:

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a flowering plant with bright orange or yellow blossoms. Native to the Mediterranean, it is widely cultivated and commonly used in herbal medicine and skincare for its gentle yet powerful healing properties.

Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis

Common Name: Calendula, Pot Marigold

Family: Asteraceae

Part Used: Flowers

Energetics:

• Taste: Slightly bitter, salty
• Temperature: Cooling, drying

Actions:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Vulnerary (promotes wound healing)
• Antiseptic
• Antimicrobial
• Lymphatic
• Astringent

Body Systems:

• Skin: Calendula is renowned for its ability to heal skin conditions, wounds, burns, and rashes. It reduces inflammation and promotes tissue regeneration, making it ideal for use in salves and creams.
• Lymphatic System: Calendula supports the lymphatic system, helping to reduce swollen lymph nodes and encourage detoxification.
• Digestive System: Calendula is soothing to the digestive tract and is used to treat ulcers, gastritis, and inflammation of the gastrointestinal lining.
• Immune System: Its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties make it useful for treating infections, both topically and internally.

Primary Constituents:

• Triterpenoids: Responsible for anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties
• Flavonoids: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
• Carotenoids: Promote skin healing and regeneration
• Volatile oils: Provide antiseptic action

Safety Precautions:

• Pregnancy & Lactation: Not recommended during pregnancy, as high doses of berberine can stimulate uterine contractions.
• Long-term Use: Prolonged use of high doses can irritate the gut lining; best used for short-term or in moderate amounts under guidance.

Traditional & Modern Uses:

• Wound Healing: Calendula is commonly used in salves and creams for healing cuts, burns, and other skin irritations. Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties promote faster healing while reducing the risk of infection.
• Skin Conditions: Calendula is effective for treating eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It soothes irritated skin, reduces inflammation, and helps regenerate damaged tissues.
• Lymphatic Support: Calendula helps stimulate the lymphatic system, making it useful for swollen lymph nodes and detoxification.
• Digestive Health: Calendula is used internally to treat ulcers and inflammation in the digestive tract, soothing irritated tissues and promoting healing.

Preparations & Dosage:

• Infusion (Tea): 1-2 tsp of dried calendula flowers per cup of hot water, steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink 1-3 cups daily for digestive or immune support.
• Tincture: 2-4 ml, up to three times daily.
• Salve: Calendula flowers can be infused in oil and used in salves for topical application to wounds, burns, and skin conditions.
• Compress: A calendula infusion can be applied as a compress to treat skin irritations, bruises, or sprains.