Organic Calendula Flowers (Calendula officinalis)
Herbs are Sold By the Ounce, Price is Per Ounce
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Botanical Information:
- Common Names: Pot Marigold, Garden Marigold
- Family: Asteraceae
- Origin: Southern Europe, the Mediterranean region
- Plant Type: Herbaceous annual or short-lived perennial
Botany & Growth:
- Habitat: Calendula thrives in well-drained soils with full sun exposure. It is commonly found in gardens and can be easily grown in a variety of climates.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11
- Growing: Sow seeds in early spring or late summer. Calendula is relatively low-maintenance and can self-seed, making it a good choice for low-effort gardens.
- Harvesting: Flowers should be harvested in the morning after the dew has dried. They can be used fresh or dried for later use.
Constituents:
- Active Compounds: Flavonoids, triterpenoids, saponins, essential oils, and carotenoids (such as lutein and beta-carotene).
Energetics & Taste:
- Energetics: Cooling, drying
- Taste: Slightly bitter, peppery
Medicinal Actions:
- Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation internally and externally.
- Antimicrobial: Fights bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
- Astringent: Tightens tissues, often used for wound healing.
- Vulnerary: Promotes healing of wounds and skin tissue.
- Emmenagogue: Stimulates menstrual flow.
System Affinities:
- Skin: Calendula is widely known for its benefits to the skin, particularly in treating wounds, burns, rashes, and insect bites.
- Digestive System: Internally, calendula can be used to soothe ulcers and inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Lymphatic System: Helps support the body in detoxifying by promoting lymphatic drainage.
Uses:
- Topical Applications: Calendula is often used in creams, ointments, and salves for treating minor skin irritations, wounds, and rashes.
- Internal Use: Taken as a tea or tincture, calendula can support digestive health and ease inflammation.
- Cosmetic: Calendula is a popular ingredient in natural skincare products due to its soothing and healing properties.
Cautions:
- Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, particularly those allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult with a healthcare provider before using calendula internally during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it can act as a mild emmenagogue.
Scientific Studies:
- Wound Healing: A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that calendula significantly accelerated wound healing and reduced inflammation compared to control groups .
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Research in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology demonstrated calendula's efficacy in reducing inflammatory markers in vitro and in animal models .
- Antimicrobial Properties: A study in Phytotherapy Research highlighted calendula's broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, including bacteria and fungi.
This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not meant to treat, cure, or diagnose any ailment. Please always consult your doctor before adopting new herbal or skincare regimens, especially in cases of pre-existing conditions, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.