Calendula is the common name of Calendula officinalis species, from Compositae family.
Also known as: pot marigold, marybud, holligold.
A beautiful calendula flower
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Features of Calendula
Height to 20-28 inches. Spread to 20-28 inches. Annual.
crescent-shaped seed.
lance-shaped leaf.
daisy-like, large, yellow or orange flower.
Growing Calendula
- by seed during spring.
- by self-seed.
Nothing brings a smile to one's face as easily as a garden full of blooming calendula moving in a summer breeze.
This cheerful herb seems to flower continuously, providing a constant supply of petals and young leaves.
It has a long history of culinary and medicinally use.
Flower petals can be added to salads or act as an edible dye in rice, soups and cheese.
The herb has also been added to chicken feed to intensify the colour of egg yolks.
In medicine, calendula is commonly used externally to speed the healing of cuts, burns and minor infections.
Using Calendula
Cosmetic
Lotion
Use in face and hand creams to cleanse and soften skin. (Use flower)
Culinary
Dessert
Add color to desserts. (Use flower)
Starches
Add saffron color, though not saffron flavour, to rice and bread. (Use flower)
Household
Dye
Boil to make a light yellow dye. (Use flower)
Medicinal
Essential oil
Calendula oil, extracted by soaking petals in vegetable oil, can soothe and rejuvenate skins. (Use flower)
First-aid
Use in antiseptic and antifungal ointment to soothe chapped skin, inflammations, ulcers, sunburn, athlete's foot, and insect bites. (Use flower)
Tea
Make a tea to help digestion. (Use flower)
Traditional Remedies
Traditional remedies may or may not be supported by scientific evidences.
Cautions
- Please consult with your doctor before using calendula for health related purposes.
Notes
Pot marigold (Calendula genus) is not the same as Marigold (Tagetes genus).
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