CALENDULA MARIGOLD Calendula officinalis
Bull Flower
Butterwort
Calendula
Cowbloom
Death-flower
Garden Marigold
Golden Flower of Mary
Holigold
Marigold
Marsh Marigold
Mary Bud
Mary Golde
Mary Gowles
Pot Marigold
Solis Sponsa
Solsequia
Water Dragon
The ligulate florets, commonly (but erroneously) referred to as flower petals, of Calendula officinalis L. have been used in medicine since the very earliest times. The plant, a member of the family Asteraceae, is a common cultivated ornamental, also referred to as pot marigold or garden marigold. Calendula should not be confused with members of the genus Tagetes, also widely grown as garden ornamentals and commonly called marigolds. During its long history, calendula has been administered internally for a variety of ailments, including spasms, fevers, suppressed menstruation, and cancer. Its chief use, however, was as a local application to help heal and prevent infection of lacerated wounds. Modern herbalists recommend it in the form of a tincture, infusion, or ointment to heal a variety of skin conditions ranging from chapped hands to open wounds.
A large number of chemical studies of calendula flowers have been carried out, especially in Europe, without revealing any principles that are unique, or even outstanding, in their physiological properties. A volatile oil, bitter principles, carotenoids, mucilage, resin, polysaccharides, plant acids, various alcohols, saponins and other glycosides, and sterols are all present. Many of the individual constituents in these general groups have been identified. The active principles responsible for calendula's purported anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties when applied locally to the skin or mucous membranes remained unknown until the 
mid-1980s. Although some anti-inflammatory activity has been attributed to both polysaccharides and saponins, they are not present in lipophilic extracts of the medication. Recently, the faradiol monoester of a purified triterpenoid fraction of the flowers (in a CO 2 extract) has been shown to play an important role in anti-inflammatory activity. A recent study on a freezedried extract of the flowers showed that water-soluble flavonoids (or other components) increased the rate of neovascularization and induced deposition of hyaluronan, a major component of extracellular matrix, associated with the formation, alignment, and migration of newly formed capillaries. This research begins to provide some scientific evidence to confirm the medication's long-standing traditional use in wound healing.
The carotenoid pigments possess some utility as coloring agents in cosmetics, and the volatile oil is a useful ingredient in perfume, but none of the other known components has medicinal properties that are superior to other available remedies. Calendula is apparently nontoxic and, in an ointment, will be colored sufficiently to delineate a wound or other skin condition where applied. In this regard, it is probably as useful as Mercurochrome.
Its greatest value in either salve or dilute tincture form is for any kind of external skin, muscle or blood vessel problems-wounds, sores, varicose veins, pulled muscles, boils, bruises, sprains, athlete's foot, burns, frostbites, etc.
Two important medical studies published in Vol. 20 of the Soviet journal Vatreshni Bolesti for June 1981 confirm the value of calendula in healing duodenal ulcers, inflammation of both the stomach and duodenum, and intestinal colitis. In the first instance, an equal mixture of comfrey root and calendula brought healing relief to 19 patients with duodenal ulcers and 19 others suffering from gastroduodenitis. A tea made of both herbs (1 tbsp. of each herb in 1 quart boiling water, simmered 5 minutes, steeped 40 minutes) was administered to each patient (2 cups daily) with considerable success.
In the second study cited, 24 patients with chronic nonspecific colitis were treated with a combination of herbs consisting of equal parts of dandelion root, St. Johns wort, lemon balm, calendula and fennel seed, made into a strong tea (1 tsp. of each herb in 1-1/2 qts. boiling water, steeped 1 hour) and given to each of them three times a day, 1 cup at a time. According to the published medical report's brief English abstract: "As a result of the treatment, the spontaneous and palpable pains along the large intestine disappeared in 95.83% of the patients by the 15th day of their admission to the clinic." This is sufficient testimony to demonstrate the clinical validity of this wonderful herb for successfully treating all manner of inflammation.
Calendula has antiseptic and astringent properties, stimulating the immune system and helping the body fight against infections such as flu and herpes viruses. Calendula reduces lymphatic congestion and swollen lymph glands. Calendula is antibacterial, and is one of the best plants for treating fungal infections such as thrush. Calendula has been used for pelvic and bowel infections, including enteritis, dysentery, worms and amoebae, and for viral hepatitis. In hot infusion calendula stimulates the circulation and promotes perspiration, helping the body to deal with toxins and eruptions such as measles and chickenpox. Calendula has an affinity for the female reproductive system, regulating menstruation and relieving menstrual cramps. Its estrogenic effect helps at menopause and reduces breast congestion. Its astringent properties help reduce excessive bleeding and uterine congestion. It has a reputation for treating tumors and cysts. During childbirth it promotes contractions and delivery of the placenta. In the digestive tract calendula makes a wonderful healing remedy for gastritis and peptic ulcers, for inflammation and irritation of the lining of the stomach and bowels. Calendula checks diarrhea and stops bleeding. By enhancing the function of the liver, calendula helps to cleanse the body of toxins. Calendula has pride of place as a first aid remedy for cuts, abrasions, and as an antiseptic healer for sores and ulcers.
PARTS USED
Flower head.
USES
Therapeutic properties - Calendula is antiseptic. Some constituents are antifungal (particularly the resins), antibacterial, and antiviral. The herb also astringes the capillaries, an action that 
explains its effectiveness for cuts, wounds, varicose veins, and various inflammatory conditions.
Skin remedy- Calendula is above all a remedy for the skin, providing effective treatment for most minor skin problems. Calendula is used for cuts, scrapes, and wounds; for red and inflamed skin, including minor burns and sunburn; for acne and many rashes; and for fungal conditions such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and thrush. Calendula is very helpful for diaper rash and cradle cap, and soothes nipples that are sore from breast-feeding.
Digestive disorders - Taken internally, calendula infusion or tincture helps inflammatory problems of the digestive system such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, regional ileitis, and colitis.
Detoxifying - Calendula has long been considered a detoxifying herb, and helps to treat the toxicity that underlies many fevers and infections, and systemic skin disorders, such as eczema and acne. Calendula is also considered cleansing for the liver and gallbladder and can be used to treat problems affecting these organs.
Gynecological uses - Calendula has a mild estrogenic action and is often used to help reduce menstrual pain and regulate menstrual bleeding. The infusion makes an effective douche for yeast infections.
Other medical uses - Abscess, Breast tenderness, Wrinkles.
Culinary uses - Add fresh young leaves to your favorite salads, and sprinkle tossed salads with chopped fresh flower petals.
Use the petals, fresh, dried, or powdered, to impart color and a subtle bittersweet flavor to seafood, chowders, soups, stews, rice, roast meats, vegetable dishes, and chicken.
To make a flavoring liquid from the petals, chop and bruise the petals, then soak them in milk or water. Strain the golden liquid and use as required.
Substitute calendula in recipes calling for saffron. The color is similarly vibrant, but the flavor is different, and while saffron is costly, calendula is not.
Calendula flowers are used commercially to color poultry products, butter and cheese, and to flavor ice cream, soft drinks, baked goods, and candy.
Craft uses - Cut pretty calendula throughout the summer for inclusion in fresh floral bouquets and arrangements.
Use the fragrant flower heads and petals in potpourris.
HOMEOPATHY
Today, calendula is one of the most commonly used medicinal herbs, especially for skin problems. In addition to the remedy, the tincture is used externally for cuts.
Calendula, which is mainly used externally in the form of a cream or tincture, is a popular homeopathic antiseptic and can be used to promote healing, even if the skin is broken. It helps control bleeding, for example from minor cuts, and abrasions. It is widely used in midwifery to treat perineal tears after childbirth.
The antiseptic properties of the tincture make it an effective gargle for mouth ulcers and sore throats and it helps control bleeding after tooth extractions. Calendula has been given internally for jaundice and fever where there is associated irritability and nervousness and acute hearing.
HABITAT AND CULTIVATION
Calendula, native to southern Europe, is cultivated in temperate regions around the world.
Calendula grows best in light, sandy, moderately rich, fairly moist but well-drained soil. Tolerated pH range is 4.5 to 8.3.
Prefers full sun, but will grow in light shade.
Grows easily from seed, which should be planted in the garden in spring, when all danger of frost is past. Plant seeds 6 mm (1/4 inch) deep. Seedlings usually emerge in 8 to 12 days.
Do not transplant the seedlings, as this often causes their large succulent leaves to wilt.
Thin seedlings to about 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 inches) between plants.
As the plants grow, remove side branches to encourage taller growth and larger blooms. Remove dead flower heads to keep plants flowering throughout the summer.
If left undisturbed, calendula will self-sow.
Usually pest- and disease-free.
Pot outdoor plants for indoor use by midsummer. Bring plants indoors several days before your estimated first fall frost date. Indoor plants require at least 5 hours of direct sunlight or 12 hours of strong artificial light each day. Avoid over watering, which can cause root rot. Keep the soil barely moist.
CONSTITUENTS
Calendula contains saponins, flavonoids, mucilage, essential oil, bitter principle, resin, steroidal compounds
