Plant Family: Compositae

Common name: Caltha officinalis, Garden Marigold, Golds, Holigold, Marybud, Marygold, Pot Marigold

Origin: Native to Southern Europe

History: The name Calendula comes from the fact that it is in bloom all the time almost on every day of the calendar. Its botanical name is a corruption of the Anglo-Saxon word merso-meargealla.

Culpepper says: 'It is a herb of the Sun and under Leo and strengthens the heart exceedingly'.

The gypsies used Calendula for:

• skin problems
• sprains
• wounds

Tradition: 

• It was thought to have many magical properties
• It was thought to be one of the ingredients needed to see fairies

Plant Constituents

Medicinal Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, herb

Contains:   

• bitters
• oils
• resins

Usage

Calendula is used for:

Blood Conditions

• abscesses
• blood in urine
• boils

Cardiovascular Conditions

• stimulates circulation

Female Conditions

• menstrual difficulties

Gastrointestinal Conditions

• colitis
• diarrhea
• gastric and duodenal ulcers
• gastritis
• gastro-intestinal disorders
• inflammation of the large intestine
• prevents recurrent vomiting
• stomach cramps
• stomach ulcers

Genitourinary Conditions

• dropsy

Liver Conditions

• jaundice
• infectious hepatitis
• liver disorders
• stimulates the flow of bile

Parasitic Conditions

• worms and parasites

Other

• cancer
• brings out bruises
• cleanses
• children's ailments
• fever
• headaches
• helps to prevent internal complications if taken after an accident
• improves the healing of wounds
• visceral obstructions

Externally the infusion, ointment and/or oil of Calendula are used for:

• abscesses
• Athlete's foot
• bedsores
• bee or wasp stings
• boils
• bruises
• burns
• contusions
• eczema
• festering or cancer-like sores
• fistulas
• frost bites
• fungus infestation
• hemorrhoids
• phlebitis
• pigment spots
• preventing suppuration
• preventing the formation of scars or lessening old scars
• psoriasis
• pulled muscles
• scalds
• slow healing wounds
• sores
• sprains
• strengthening eyes and red eyes (bathe with lukewarm tea)
• swellings
• ulcers
• warts (rub on the fresh juice of plant)
• varicose ulcers
• varicose veins

Other Uses:

• Potpourri
• Yellow Dye

Action:

• antibacterial [an agent that destroys bacteria; bactericide]
• antiseptic [an agent for inhibiting the growth of microorganism on living tissue or destroying pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria]
• antispasmodic [an agent that relieves or checks spasms or cramps]
• aperient [a mild stimulant for the bowels; a gentle purgative]
• cholagogue [an agent for increasing the flow of bile into the intestines]
• diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration]
• stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]
• detergent [an agent that cleanses wounds and sores of diseased or dead matter]
• toning
• vulnerary [a healing application for wounds]