That pretty little bright yellow or orange garden flower, the marigold, has anti-aging, wound healing and anti-tumor properties along with several other health benefits. Calendula is a pretty impressive little plant. Also calendula can be  planted in our gardens in the spring to suppress nematodes and microscopic worms that attack the roots of garden vegetables.

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Tidbits About Calendula

Native to Mediterranean countries, Calendula is an aromatic annual or biennial flower bearing many petaled orange or gold flower heads. Its name refers to its tendency to bear flowers by the calendar. For instance, calendula blooms once a month, usually correlating with the new moon. Furthermore the flowers are a good weather predictor because the flowers will close when rain is coming.

Calendula’s Latin name, Calendula officinalis, is commonly referred to as pot calendula or pot marigold. In the Catholic tradition calendula flowers are referred to as “Mary’s Gold” in reference to the Virgin Mary as they were used traditionally in Catholic celebrations. Thus the nic-name marigold. The Romans and Greeks were using golden calendula in rituals and ceremonies, wearing crowns and garlands made from the flowers. Interestingly, in the Middle Ages Marigolds were a symbol of jealousy.

While there are no known accounts of calendulas first medicinal uses you can find accountings as far back as the 12th century. The petals and flowers are the elements that are used for medicinal purposes. Also, the petals can also be used in culinary dishes by scattering over rice and salad dishes and can also be used in sweet dishes like custard  or puddings. If your recipe calls for saffron, calendula petals can be used as an alternative for color. Hence it was called ‘poor man’s saffron’ in the Middle Ages. Traditionally calendula is used to color cheese and is a good alternative to the chemical soup you’ll find in processed yellow/orange foods. The dye can be extracted from the flower by boiling.

Benefits of Calendula Flower

Food Allergies & Gastric Distress

Calendula prevents overgrowth of yeast in the bowels and improves digestion. This makes it a good addition for helping those with food allergies. Germans have studied Calendula and found that calendula prevents the hormonal reactions that produce inflammation and swelling in the stomach lining.

Moreover calendula has bactericidal effects that may counteract infections associated with peptic ulcers and gastritis. For instance, the main bacterium responsible for chronic gastritis is Helicobacter pylori, which is increasingly hard to treat with modern pharmaceuticals. Calendula taken internally has been shown to have positive healing effects on duodenal and peptic ulcers. (1) (2)

Anti-Inflammatory

In a 2017 study to determine the biologically active substances from Calendula, it was found that all parts of the plant showed anti-inflammatory activity with the highest anti-inflammatory action noted from a tincture of the leaves. (3)  Most noteworthy, the antioxidants in the plant protect your cells from the free radical damage that can promote inflammation. 

The powerful anti-inflammatory properties make it a good remedy for all kinds of inflammation. For instance, it can be used to reduce inflammation due to ear infections, sore throats, diaper rash, dermatitis, ulcers and other inflammatory discomforts.

Anti-Aging, Wound Healer & Skin Disorders

Calendula helps to increase blood flow and oxygen to damaged skin and promotes healing of ulcers and slow-healing wounds. Therefore its antibacterial action assists with preventing various types of skin infections. Calendula is widely used as an additive in cosmetic skin creams because of its ability to stimulate collagen production, filling in wrinkles. Furthermore it hydrates dry skin and can relieve pain and inflammation due to conditions such as hemorrhoids and mastitis. Calendula is also useful for alleviating vaginal itching and pain associated with menopausal symptoms.

In Europe Calendula creams are used to prevent dry skin, insect bites and sunburn. It also helps to soothe, heal and protect a baby’s sensitive skin, preventing diaper rash when used externally. (4)  Calendula sprays are effective at healing infections in abrasions, burns and cuts, while helping to stop bleeding from cuts and scrapes. Above all external use of Calendula helps injured skin to rejuvenate.

Bowel Disorders

Calendula relaxes the nervous system and reduces inflammation. Additionally it reduces nervous tension that can cause constriction of digestive muscles. A 2016 study done to determine the healing properties of Calendula afficinalis on acetic acid-induced colitis was performed on a group of 96 rats. As a result it was determined that the acute inflammation and granular atrophy after UC induction was completely resolved. (5)

Female Troubles

Calendula helps to prevent and reduce muscle spasms rendering it helpful for reducing cramping during menstruation as well as lessening abdominal cramps and constipation of the digestive system. Furthermore it is even rumored to alleviate some symptoms of menopause, notably hot flashes.

Antimicrobial and Antiviral

The oils and acids in Calendula have been shown to be effective at fighting pathogens. This is due to calendula  containing powerful antimicrobial and antiviral properties that are effective at fighting antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. Thus it is widely used in topical antiseptic sprays for its ability to fight pathogens.

Oral Health

Calendula is widely used for oral preparations because of its powerful antiviral and antimicrobial properties. It helps to promote a healthy mouth environment, reducing plaque and gingivitis. (6) Therefore Calendula can be found in mouthwashes, toothpastes and other oral care products.

Commercial mouthwashes have a lot of chemicals that I’d prefer to avoid so I like to make my own herbal mouthwash. This version has Calendula flowers , peppermint leaf, plantain leaf, rosemary leaf, which is antibacterial and cooling and dried cloves .

DIY Mouthwash

You will need:

• 1 Cup Vodka
• 2 TBS Calendula Flowers for the antiviral and antimicrobial properties
• 1 TBS Rosemary Leaf which is antibacterial and cooling
• 2 TBS Dried Plantain Leaf for its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties
• 1 tsp dried Clove Powder for its antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral properties
• 2 TBS Dried Peppermint Leaf for the minty taste and antiseptic properties
• 5 drops Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil
• 10 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil

You can mix up your essential oils to taste preference.

Place your herbs and spice in a 16 ounce Mason Jar. Everything except the essential oils. They will be added later. Pour boiling water to just cover the herb mixture. Allow to sit for a few minutes and add the Vodka. Shake well and place in a cool dark place. Leave for 3-4 Weeks, shaking the jar daily to agitate the herbs. This will release the plants goodness into your mouthwash.

After your mixture has been sitting for 3-4 weeks strain the herbs out of the vodka/water mixture. You can use a nut milk bag, cheesecloth or a very fine mesh strainer. Add desired essential oils and shake to mix well. Store on your bathroom counter with a shot glass. To use mix a small amount with half water and swish through your teeth and gums.

If you have trouble with bone loss and receding gums add 2 TBS Comfrey leaf to your herbal mix when you are making it. Comfrey leaf has the nickname “bone knit” and has been traditionally used to heal  and shore up broken and weak bones.

Precautions

• Calendula has very mild cumulative antibacterial toxins. Because of this it is advisable to only use calendula teas for 2 or less weeks or until symptoms subside. Wait 6 weeks before resuming drinking the tea.
• Calendula has the potential of increasing the sedative effects of anxiety and insomnia medications. Take caution when driving or operating machines if taking medications and calendula at the same time.
• Calendula promotes menstruation. Because of this it’s advisable to avoid calendula when pregnant or breast feeding to avoid an unintentional miscarriage.

The bright and beautiful sunshine flower, calendula, has many healing properties, both internally and externally. It has powerful antioxidants and offers the potential to reduce many inflammatory conditions. From use as an anti-aging agent, oral health care, antimicrobial, antioxidant properties to healing wounds, it has the potential for use in many areas.

You May Also Be Interested In These Articles:

• Dandelion for Liver Health, Clearer Skin & More
• Chamomile Herb Profile
• Burdock Herb Profile

Disclaimer

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to bolstering and strengthening the body and as a natural, chemical free way to treat disease. Always keep in mind that herbs can trigger side effects and interact with supplements, medications or other herbs,. Herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a qualified herbalist or doctor well versed in the field of botanical medicine.

I am not a doctor and do not claim to be. I am a seeker of pure, healthful living. Always talk with your doctor or qualified health care professional before taking any herbal remedies to ensure safety, especially if you are already on medications. The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of these statements are intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always consult with your medical practitioner or other qualified healthcare provider.