Calendula Officinalis is also Known as Pot Marigold

Calendula officinalis is also known as pot marigold, calendula is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant native to the areas from Macaronesia east throughout the Mediterranean region and to Iran.

Today, the plant is widespread in Western Asia, Europe, and the United States. Its name is derived from kalendae, a Latin word that means first day of the month.

This must be because presumably, the pot marigolds bloom at the beginning of the months of the year.

Calendula belongs to daisy family Asteraceae, to which, daisies, ragweed, and chrysanthemums are also members. The stems can grow to as high as 60 centimeters.

Beautiful Flowers Spring to Frost

From early spring to frost, the plants display marvelous orange-yellow flowers. Calendula is prized for its medicinal properties, particularly its flowers.

The use of pot marigold as medicines can be traced back to the 12th century in Mediterranean countries, where the plant was used as antiseptic. It was used to reduce inflammation and to cure wounds and many types of skin disorders.

Calendula Officinalis Benefits

Among the ailments that can be treated by calendula marigolds are upset stomach, ulcers, muscle spasms, fever, and menstrual cramps.

It is also used to accelerate the healing of wounds because it can increase the blood flow into the affected area and it helps the body produce more collagen proteins.

Flower Uses

The flowers are applied to the skin for treatment of inflammation and relief of pain. They can also treat leg ulcers, varicose veins, conjunctivitis, and nosebleeds.

In Germany, topical applications of calendula are very common. The dried petals of calendula are used in preparing ointments, tinctures, and antibacterial wash for treatment of cuts, bruises, minor infections, and burns.

There are also creams prepared to cure hemorrhoids. In more recent studies, calendula has been showing promising effects in preventing dermatitis in breast cancer patients when they are exposed to radiation.

The flowers contain abundant flavanoids, the plant-based antioxidants that provide protection against cell-deteriorating free radicals.

Active Ingredient

Its other active contents include carotenoids, and triterpenes, pentacylic alcohols like arnidiol, brein, chlorogenic acid, volatile oil, and heliantriol C and F, among others. Calendula has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-bacterial effects.

Calendula is a common garden plant. Its stems and leaves are characterized with fine hairs. The herbaceous plant prefers light and sandy soil that is also well-drained.

While pot marigold promises healing properties, it must be noted that calendula is not the same as other ‘marigold’ plants like desert marigold, corn marigold, marsh marigold, and plants that belong to genus Tagetes.

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