Commonly known as “pot marigold,” calendula is an exceptionally versatile herb native to the Mediterranean. For centuries, it has actively been grown in gardens to use as food and for its healing properties. Identified by its bright orange and yellow petals which hold medicinal properties, it should not be confused with the garden variety marigold.

The name calendula is derived from the plant’s tendency to bloom according to the calendar, either once a month or with the new moon. This annual flourishes in cool, temperate climates and grows to a height of 9-20 inches.

What can calendula do for me?

The flavenoids present in the calendula flower and its inherent anti-inflammatory, astringent, antifungal, and antiseptic properties result in an ideal topical agent. It can be applied to the skin to treat boils, rashes, sunburn, chafed skin, insect bites, and other skin irritations. The properties of calendula make it an attractive herb for treating and soothing the scalp.

How do I use calendula?

Calendula is usually found as dried flowers or essential oil. It can be used to create tinctures, ointments, lotions, infused oils, and body butters to name a few. When mixed with oils like olive oil, the effects of calendula are enhanced. Products containing calendula are readily available at health food stores and online – or create your own using one of these recipes!

Calendula Infused Oil

Pack a glass jar with dried calendula flowers
Cover packed flowers with olive oil
Cover with a tight lid
Store the jar in a dark cupboard and shake well every day for two weeks
After two weeks, strain oil into a clean glass jar or bottle
Add Vitamin E oil as a natural preservative
Apply directly to the skin, scalp, or hair
Tip:

Test the oil on a small area to test for allergic reactions

Calendula Cream

6 ounces calendula infused oil (above)
2 ounces sweet almond oil
3 ounces shea butter
2 ounces cocoa butter
Mix ingredients in a small pot on very low heat
Once the ingredients have melted, simmer for 20 minutes while stirring regularly
Carefully pour into plastic or glass jars and allow to solidify
Apply directly to the skin, scalp, or hair
Tips:

Store in the refrigerator to lengthen the shelf life

Increase or decrease ingredients for the desired consistency

Calendula Soothing Scalp Oil

6 ounces calendula infused oil (above)
2 ounces jojoba oil
10-15 drops of rosemary essential oil
10-15 drops tea tree essential oil
10-15 drops sage essential oil
Mix ingredients together in a spouted applicator bottle
Shake well prior to use
Apply directly to the scalp
Tip:

Use this oil on the scalp to sooth scalp conditions and combat dandruff

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Calendula aka Marigolds – one of the most popular and ancient medical plants. Medicines based on amazing properties of calendula seeds are widely spread in the modern pharmacy.

Calendula is a herbal medicine. It is usually used in the form of the mouth rinsing tincture or ointment to treat furuncles, wounds, ulcers.

Calendula plant also has strong bactericidal properties against some pathogens, particularly staphylococci and streptococci. Tinctures and calendula ointment are made from calendula officinalis. Calendula products made from calendula flowers are for external use to treat burns, minor wounds and fistulas, to rinse the mouth.

A great number of cosmetic calendula products are produced nowadays: calendula cream, calendula lotion, calendula shampoo, toothpaste. Calendula healthy influences oily skin. Calendula lotion normalizes the activity of the sebaceous glands. It is useful for oily hair.

Calendula cream with its gentle, soothing properties, is used for baby care – eliminates the itching and skin irritation.

Sphere of application

- In case of injuries, bruises, hematomas – to put immediately the cream on the injury;
- To moisten dry, sensitive skin – as needed;
- For oily and sensitive skin – can be used as a day cream;
- For regeneration (healing) of the skin after burns, frostbite – apply a thin layer to the wound;
- Painful menstruation – Two days before the expected time for the flow to begin, rub cream on the abdominal area;
- Indigestion – to rub the cream on the abdomen;
- Incisions – against keloid scars – regularly balsam the joints;
- Varicose veins (recommended to use in combination with foot balm) – regularly put on the sore places.

Calendula extract stimulates metabolism of skin cells, prevents free radicals formation and protects cells from their destructive effects. Calendula flower extract has bactericidal, anti-infective and wound healing effect.

Anti-inflammatory, healing, softening properties of calendula oil is very useful against skin diseases, as well as in caring for sensitive skin. It helps against dry eczema, psoriasis. Calendula protects the skin on hands and foot from cracking and chill.

Calendula ointment applied for external use for minor skin cuts, mosquito bites, superficial burns, etc.

Calendula lotion – cosmetic lotion for sensitive skin care with humidifying effect . It helps to protect your skin and prevents irritation, providing calming effect.

Calendula officinalis flowers tincture is used externally as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent for cuts, injuries, eczema, stomatitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and other similar diseases.

Calendula tincture is also used in gynecological practice for the treatment of cervical erosion. Calendula tincture can be taken orally as a choleretic agent

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