- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Probably southern Europe; Calendula officinalis
Europe · Herb · № 49
Calendula officinalis
Herb · Europe
Pot marigold (calendula)
Calendula officinalis
An edible flower historically used as medicine and dye. Its oil is widely used in skin products.
Safety notes
May cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to the daisy family, such as ragweed or chamomile.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Natural skin and hair care: Not with an allergy to the daisy family.
Preparation
Petals in salads or as a saffron substitute; oil or ointment for external use.
Use in traditions
Used in Greek, Roman, Middle Eastern, and Indian cultures as a medicinal herb and as a dye for fabrics, food, and cosmetics. The species name 'officinalis' refers to medicinal use.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Astringent, antiseptic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, regulates menstruation, promotes bile flow.
Preparation and amount
Tea for gastritis, oesophagitis, menopausal and menstrual complaints; tincture 5 ml for liver and gallbladder complaints and irregular menstruation (with chaste tree for PMS); mouthwash for mouth ulcers and gum disease; compress on slow-healing wounds; cream for inflammation, dry eczema, sore nipples, minor burns and sunburn.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Calendula has long been used on small wounds and irritated skin; the European Medicines Agency recognises its traditional external use for minor skin inflammation.
Preparation and amount
External: flowers in a wound salve, an acne toner, a chamomile cleanser and a facial tonic. Internal: a little in sleep tea (see the recipes).
Caution: Not with an allergy to the daisy family.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Luck, prosperity, love, psychic abilities, harmony, as marigold (appendix): positive energy, protection, legal stress, peace.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Attributed effects
For skin irritation such as eczema, bruises, scars and grazes.
Preparation and amount
Edible (unlike the French marigold, Tagetes); edible flower.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)TinctureSalve and balmCompress, poultice and pastePowder and kitchen