Definition of Calendula

Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.) is a flower commonly known as the marigold. The flowers range in color from yellow to a vibrant orange. Marigolds are widely used as a decorative flower in India, and as a food garnish in Europe and the United States, but calendula is best known as a healing agent.

Medicinal Uses

• Calendula is primarily recommended for skin problems such as minor rashes and small wounds; it is also a popular treatment for diaper rash. Some studies show that in liquid form it may alleviate earache. As Medline Plus points out, there are very few human clinical studies on the effects of calendula and most of the information about its medicinal properties is based on animal research. Most knowledge about its healing properties comes from traditional herbalists.

Growing Calendula

• Calendula or marigold flowers are a popular vegetable patch plant as they are said to repel destructive insects, while at the same time attracting helpful predators such as ladybugs that will eat aphids. Gardening experts state that the flowers are easy to grow but are not suitable as an indoor plant as they emit an unpleasant smell. Calendula skin products come in cream, ointment and drops forms. Alternatively, you can make calendula cream at home by adding petals to a mixture of lanolin, olive oil and beeswax, according to Herb Expert.

Warning

• People with an allergy to plants in the same family as the marigold, such as chrysanthemums and daisies, may have an allergic reaction to calendula. However, there are very few examples of severe reactions to it.