Calendula officinalis is an annual or short-lived perennial herb in the daisy family originating from southern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean area. It has long been cultivated and is a widespread garden escapee in cool, temperate climates. It has been used for many centuries for a range of culinary and medicinal purposes. This species has the common name pot marigold or English or Scotch marigold, which should not be confused with marigolds, which are several species.

The daisy-like flowers are typically bright orange or yellow but some white and bi-colored cultivars have been developed. The plants bloom over a long period, almost continuously until the first heavy frost and the flowers are good for cut flowers.

( source: University of Wisconsin - Madison)

Calendula has been used therapeutically since ancient times. The Egyptians valued its rejuvenation properties. Greeks and Romans later used the flower for culinary and therapeutic purposes. It has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to treat inflammatory, digestive, and menstrual conditions.

In modern medicine researchers have learned that the plant contains compounds known as flavonoids, triterpenoids, and carotenoids. These compounds are beneficial to health in that they have anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant properties.

Today one of the best uses of calendula is for skin health. Calendula is well-known for it's soothing and healing properties. It can help promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and skin irritations. Minor cuts, burns, rashes, insect bites, acne, eczema, and dermatitis are often treated with calendula topically in the form of an ointment, salve, or extract.

Our First Aid Salve is handcrafted from our superior calendula oil infusion. We use a slow infusion method in which the calendula compounds are infused into an all natural pure olive oil. This method utilizes time and sunlight and yields calendula compounds which have not been damaged by chemical or extreme heat extraction methods. 

Our First Aid Salve can be purchased online or in person. Take a look at my products page or come meet me in person at one of our upcoming events. You can find all of my upcoming events on our events page

If you would like to learn more about the history and uses on calendula you may refer to the journals below, from which information was sourced for this post:

Sources:

Ernst, E. (2002). Marigold therapy. British Journal of General Practice, 52(482), 364.
Dweck, A. C. (1997). Calendula. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 19(6), 167-185.
Preethi, K. C., & Kuttan, R. (2009). Wound healing activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis. Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, 20(1), 73-79.
Rahmani, A. H., Aldebasi, Y. H., & Khan, A. A. (2015). Saffron (Crocus sativus) and its active ingredients: Role in the prevention and treatment of disease. Pharmacognosy Journal, 7(1), 1-6.

Disclaimer:

When using calendula for therapeutic  purposes, it's important to follow recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding. The statements above are not medical advice. I am not a medical doctor. The information provided on this product label, website, or associated materials is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Any statements made regarding the benefits, properties, or uses of any product mentioned on this website are based on general knowledge and research and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product or any product mentioned or sold on this website or associated materials  is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.