• Scientific name: Calendula officianalis
• Family: Asteraceae
• Origin: Europe to Africa
• Height: 12-15 inches
• Parts used: Flowers, fresh or dried.
• Culinary uses: food coloring for soups, rice, chowders and its colorful petals are a popular addition to salads.

Calendula also known as pot marigold is a versatile herb. It came to America with settlers from Europe and was used during the Civil War to stop bleeding and promote healing of wounds. Calendula has a yellow-to-deep-orange flowers that bloom from early summer to fall. Flowers close up at night and reopen in the morning, its flower attract beneficial insects. Calendula (calendula officianalis) should not be confused with the common garden plant marigold (Tagetes species), which also has bright orange and yellow flowers.

Harvesting of Calendula flowers: Calendula bloom once a month or every new moon. The flowers are harvested by hand when they are fully open. One source reported that flowers need to be picked at least 3 times per week for optimal quality.

Components of Calendula: calendulin, beta-carotene, other carotenoids, isoquercitrin, narcissin, rutin, amyrin, lupeol, sterols, and volatile oils.

Medicinal Benefits:

• Calendula extract is use to treat bee stings and scorpion bites.
• Calendula tincture is recommended in the treatment of fever, cramps, flu, and stomache.
• Calendula oil when applied directly to the ear can reduce earache and the tea is helpful in treating ear infections.
• Calendula helps in the formation of new blood vessels, and is important in healing of wound such as cuts and scratches.
• Calendula oil is use as a solution for diaper rash.
• Calendula and arnica are often combined as a treatment for burns and bruises.
• Calendula tea can be used as eyewash for sore, reddened eyes.
• Calendula brings out highlight in blond and brunette hair.
• The volatile oils in calendula stimulate blood circulation and induce sweating, thus reducing body heat and fever.
• Calendula increases urination.
• Calendula tea aids digestion.
• Calendula tea can help stimulate the immune system.
• Calendula help stimulate the production of collagen.
• Calendula tea may be gargled to help relieve sore throat and inflammations of the mouth.
• Calendula tea help detoxify the body.
• Calendula tea may help regulate the menstruation cycle.
• Calendula relieves athlete's foot because of its anti-fungal effect.

Forms sold in the market: gel, ointment, tincture, tea, shampoo, cream and lotion.

Preparation of Calendula Tea: To make a tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1/2 teaspoon of dried florets (flower tops) and steep for 10 minutes.

Cautions: If you have an allergy to ragweed or other members of the aster family, you may also be allergic to calendula.