Medicinal plant: CALENDULA
Scientific name: Calendula officinalis
Also know as: Pot marigold
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| Fuente: commons.wikimedia.org |
Of the dozen species of Calendula, the best known is Calendula officinalis. Calendula is both the scientific name and the common name for this widely grown herb. It is annual or perennial in warmer regions, with erect, branched, leaf stems from 8 to 20 inches. The alternate leaves are oblong lance shaped, usually wider at the top than toward the base. Leaves are somewhat hairy and 3 to 6 inches long and up to 1 1/2 inches broad. The flower heads have the typical disk and ray flower arrangement of a daisy, ranging from light yellow to vivid orange color. Dozens of cultivars are found in American, European, and Japanese horticulture, where calendula is highly developed as a cut flower for the floral trade
Growing habits:
Probably native to southern Europe and North Africa, calendula has been widespread in cultivation for centuries, its exact origins lost in time. It is found throughout Europe, mostly near gardens, where it escaped from cultivation.
In North America, calendula has escaped and naturalized, mostly as scattered localized plants. Calendula is found in eastern Canada, south through New England, west though Pennsylvania and Ohio, north to Michigan and Wisconsin. In thewest it has escaped from cultivation in California; there it is also an ornamental,as it is in Washington and southern British Columbia.
Cultivation and harvesting:
Calendula is cultivated in gardens worldwide from subarctic regions to the tropics. It is a plant that is adaptable to various growing conditions. It is easily grown from seed. Once if begins flowering after about 6 weeks of growth, it will continue to bloom even after the first frost. It succeeds well in any average garden soil with good drainage, thriving in full sun, though in the South dappled shade will improve its chance of flourishing during summer heat and humidity. Flowers can be picked continuously throughout the growing season. The flowers and the whole plant are used in herbal medicine. The dried ray flowers or whole flower heads are used for coloring and, given their somewhat sweet salty flavor, for flavoring as well. The whole plant is harvested fresh for tinctures and extracts. Usually the dried flower heads are used in teas.
Therapeutic Uses:
Calendula has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic properties and is also antibaterial and antifungal. It makes an excellent ointment for soothing irritated, chapped skin, eczema, insect bite and sunburn. It may also made into an infused oil, for the same purpose, by steeping petals in warm vegetable oil. The warm gold blossom of calendula have long been a signature remedy for skin ailments, from eczema and abscesses to acne and abrasions The german health authority has approved calendula for treating wounds, based on research showing its anti-inflammatory effects and effectiveness in helping wounds seal over with new tissue. Calendua is thought to have 2 main medicinal actions on skin. Calendula's anti-inflammatory effects and its effectiveness for various skin ailments may be more pronounced when the flowers are first extracted with high-dose alcohol, before being incorporated into creams or ointments.
How to use:
Topical preparations: Extracts are incorporated into many skin products: soaps, creams, ointments, salves, and locations with various concentrations of Calendula. Apply preparations 3 to 4 times daily to heal minor skin conditions.
Precautions:
Those allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family can develop a sensitivity to topical use. Should a rash develop, discontinue use.
Not to be confused with inedible marigold.
