Calendula, the Little Plant that Could
Calendula officinalis, is a perky little flower from a very worthy family of plants. Related to—and sometimes confused with—Marigold (Tagetes), they’re both little cousins of the Sunflower and daisy family of Asteraceae or Compositae. And like its family members, there are many calendula benefits and uses worth knowing and putting to good use.
Also known as Pot Marigold, calendula is hardy as an annual early spring plant that lasts well through fall. The calendula flower is an amazing powerhouse of medicinal benefit. Calendula is beautiful, low maintenance, fights off bad guys, heals and feeds. What a lady!
Calendula benefits and uses are many! So buckle up and let’s dive in!
Uses and Benefits of Calendula
Calendula has been found to be beneficial for a number of ailments and especially for the skin.
As evidenced by its vivid yellow and orange colors, Calendula is rich in the flavonoids and carotenoids found in the yellow-orange range of fruits and vegetables.
CALENDULA NUTRITION
- Antioxidants –
- carotenoids
- flavonoids
- Vitamin A – good for skin and eyes
- lutein
- beta carotene
CALENDULA TOPICAL APPLICATIONS – Gels, Cream and Oils
Good for foot rubs, lip balms, hand creams, and all sorts of skin ailments, calendula uses include:
- Anti-fungal – good for
- athletes foot
- candida
- jock itch / vaginal itching
- ringworm
- Antimicrobial
- Antiseptic
- Inflammation
- Insect bites
- Acne
- Hemorrhoids
- Skin –
- eczema
- psoriasis
- post-radiation skin inflammation[1]https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/77/table-of-contents/article3229/
- rashes –
- Diaper rash
- soothes dry and cracked skin
- Soothes sore muscle
- Wounds –
- minor cuts
- sores
See also,
INTERNAL APPLICATIONS – Calendula Tea
- Antioxidant – protect cells from oxidative damage
- Digestive aid for digestive problems
- Stomach aches
- Abdominal cramps
- Constipation
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)*
- Menstrual cramps – (emmenagogic, which stimulates blood flow to the pelvis)
- Urinary tract problems
- Tonic for overall boost to vigor and wellbeing
- Induces sweating – (sudorific)
- Antispasmodic – (relaxant; natural muscle relaxant)
- Toothache
- Sore throat
*A GardensAll community member said her professional herbalists recommended calendula tea. Pour boiling water over calendula flower petals, cover and steep between 20 min to 18 hours, then strain and drink. “Boy was I happy. It has worked many times.”
Calendula Tea Dosage Guidelines
- Internally – 1.5-6.5 (3-12g) teaspoons of dried herb daily, steeped in water as a tea
- Externally – as a tea containing 1-2 tsp of dried herb per 8oz (240ml) of water [2]https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/herb_articles_Calendula2.aspx
- Fluid extract (1:1 in 40 percent alcohol): 0.5 – 1.0 milliliters three times per day
- Skin ointments with two to five percent calendula. [3]https://www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/herbs/calendula/
Calendula is also beneficial for eyes and cataract prevention and for use as an eye wash. Here’s a simple eye wash recipe from NerdyFarmWife.com,[4]https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/calendula-a-natural-remedy-for-irritated-eyes/, and a pink eye poultice recipe from DrAxe.com.[5]https://draxe.com/home-remedy-for-pink-eye/.
Resource: Image by Jan Berry of TheNerdyFarmWife.com [6]https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/calendula-a-natural-remedy-for-irritated-eyes/
Calendula Officinalis Deters Garden Pests
Calendula repels tomato hornworms and asparagus beetles, while marigolds deter cabbage maggots, Mexican bean beetles, aphids and many other pests. Plant both along crop rows and between plants for a little extra color and added insect protection.[7]https://www.hobbyfarms.com/keep-garden-pests-away-with-companion-planting-4/
Lovely Garden Gifts
Our favorite gifts ever are those from the garden. Consider turning your lovely calendula flowers (and other kinds) into gifts for holidays, birthdays and Mother’s Day.
Or you may wish to gift a calendula plant. Here we cover some of the best medicinal calendula, and also, making calendula salve.
Turn your dried calendula flowers into:
- Calendula cream – place it in these cute reusable hinged lid jars
- Calendula oil – or you can get it on Amazon.
- Calendula salve – healing / medicinal; see how to make calendula salve
- Calendula tea – wrap the dried flowers with a tea infuser and teapot or tea cup
- Greeting cards – press calendula flowers onto card stock for homemade cards
For your gift giving homemade goodies, you can find your choice of cool labels to personalize your gift.
Enjoy growing and using this beautiful flower that can heal and help keep your skin healthy!
Calendula flower has anti-inflammatory properties known to protect cells from free radical damage.[8]https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/77/table-of-contents/article3229/