Calendula Flower

Calendula Flower (Calendula officinalis), also known as Pot Marigold, is one of the most widely used healing herbs in herbalism and skincare. It’s valued for its wound-healing, skin-soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. Let’s break it down:

Calendula

• Scientific name: Calendula officinalis
• Family: Asteraceae (daisy family).
• Common names: Pot Marigold (not to be confused with ornamental marigolds, Tagetes).
• Appearance: Bright orange or yellow daisy-like flowers, cultivated in gardens worldwide.
• Traditional uses: Herbal medicine, dye, food garnish, cosmetics.

Key Compounds

• Triterpenoids (faradiol esters): Anti-inflammatory, wound healing.
• Flavonoids: Antioxidant, capillary protection.
• Carotenoids (lutein, beta-carotene): Skin and eye health.
• Essential oils: Antimicrobial, soothing.
• Polysaccharides: Immune-modulating.

Health Benefits

🔹 Skin & Wound Healing

• Speeds up healing of cuts, scrapes, burns, and ulcers.
• Reduces inflammation, redness, and irritation.
• Used in creams for eczema, psoriasis, and rashes.

🔹 Antimicrobial & Antifungal

• Helps prevent infection in wounds.
• Used against Candida and skin fungi.

🔹 Anti-inflammatory

• Reduces swelling and pain.
• Beneficial for sore muscles, bruises, and joint inflammation.

🔹 Oral & Throat Health

• Gargles or lozenges soothe sore throats, mouth ulcers, and gum inflammation.

🔹 Women’s Health

• Traditionally used for menstrual regulation (mild emmenagogue).
• Vaginal rinses and creams for yeast infections and irritation.

🔹 Antioxidant & Immune

• Protects against oxidative stress.
• May support immune system activity.

How It’s Used

• Topical: Salves, balms, ointments, creams (for cuts, burns, rashes).
• Tea/Infusion: Made from dried petals for digestive and immune support.
• Tincture: Alcohol extract for internal use or external application.
• Mouth Rinse: Infusion for gum health.
• Cosmetics: Added to soaps, shampoos, baby creams, and lotions.

Safety & Precautions

• Generally safe for most people.
• Pregnancy: Avoid large internal doses (may stimulate uterus).
• Allergies: People sensitive to ragweed/daisy family may react.
• Topical: Usually safe even for babies, but always patch test.

Fun Fact

Calendula flowers were historically used as a food dye and added to soups and cheeses for their bright color — hence the nickname “poor man’s saffron.”