Calendula

Species Name: calendula officinalis.

Other Names Calendula is known by: Pot Marigolds, Garden Marigold, Holigold, Marigold, and Mary Bud.

Considered by many to be the most versatile flower, and a must have in vegetable gardens, Calendula, or Pot Marigolds are beautiful, hardy, and functional. 

In addition to attracting butterflies and ladybugs, they help eliminate aphids from your tomato plants.

What is Calendula? Calendula is another name for pot Marigolds.  They are hardy plants that bloom quickly in a variety of bright yellows, reds, and oranges. They bloom throughout the summer and well into the fall.

Home Remedies using Calendula:

Benefits of Calendula:

The ointment of this herb is thought to cure a range of skin problems from burns to acne, as it has properties that reduce inflammation, control bleeding and soothes irritated tissue.

Use internally or topically for minor wounds, eczema and cysts as well as diaper rash and cradle cap in infants. Also, when planted near tomato plants in the garden, Marigolds help to eliminate aphids.

Marigold Infusion can be used to soothe chapped hands and may be used in infusion form in the bath to reduce body scars and soothe varicose veins. For inflamed areas prepare a strong marigold tea with equal parts of apple cider vinegar. Apply this with a compress to the effected area.

A few drops of Tincture of Calendula can be added to a cup or more of boiling water and applied as a compress to treat cuts, bruises and even open wounds.

Uses of Calendula:

An infusion of the flowers (either the ray flowers alone or the whole head) can be used for such gastrointestinal problems as ulcers, stomach cramps, colitis and diarrhea.

It is also useful taken internally for fever, boils, abscesses, and to prevent recurrent vomiting.

The fresh juice of the herbs or flowers can substitute for the infusions. For external use, a very good salve for wounds can be made from the dried flowers or leaves, from the juice pressed out of the fresh flowers, or from the tincture.

The salve or dilute tincture is also good for bruises, sprains, pulled muscles, sores, and boils. To get rid of warts, rub on the fresh juice. The tincture is often used internally for gastritis and for menstrual difficulties.

Calendula can be used as an infusion (of the flowers) eaten, made into a tea, tincture, or infusion. It can also be used in salves and applied topically.

Side Effects of Calendula:

Not to be used during pregnancy.