Calendula Officinalis has many healing properties and is commonly found in Britain and the northern hemisphere.
Calendula Officinalis.
Also known as Field Marigold, Pot Marigold,
Summer’s Bride, Husbandman’s Dial, Mary’s Gold.
Asteraceae Family.
Parts used: Petals.
Culinary Uses:
Eat the young shoots and leaves either raw or cooked. The leaves are very rich in vitamins and minerals and are similar to Taraxacum Officinale, (Dandelion) in nutritional value. Flower heads can be pickled.
Medicinal Uses:
The leaves are diaphoretic. The flowers are said to be antispasmodic, emmenagogue and stimulant. The plant seems to have similar therapeutic properties to pot marigold, C. Officinalis. Pot marigold is one of the best known and versatile herbs in Western herbal medicine and is also a popular domestic remedy. It is, above all, a remedy for skin problems and is applied externally to bites and stings, sprains, wounds, sore eyes, varicose veins etc. It is also a cleansing and detoxifying herb and is taken internally in treating fevers and chronic infections. Only the common deep-orange flowered variety is considered to be of medicinal value. The whole plant, but especially the flowers and the leaves, is antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aperient, astringent, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, skin stimulant and vulnerary. The leaves can be used fresh or dried. They are best harvested in the morning of a fine sunny day just after the dew has dried from them. The flowers are also used fresh or dried. They are harvested when fully open and need to be dried quickly in the shade. A tea of the petals tones up the circulation and, taken regularly, can ease varicose veins. An application of the crushed stems to corns and warts will soon render them easily removable. It is widely used as an additive to cosmetic skin creams. It is wonderful for any skin condition helping it to heal and rejuvenate. It is available in creams, eyedrops, teas and tinctures.
Historical / Myths & Legends:
Originating in Egypt, Calendula is a member of the marigold family and is valued for its medicinal and culinary properties. The word officinalis means ~medicinal~ and the Latin word ~calendae~ means ~throughout the months~ meaning that the plant flowers for many months.
Holistic / Spiritual Properties:
It is often used to decorate church altars. It is a general all purpose, master healer herb. It is said to be effective against evil. It is a herb of love. If you put it under your mattress it will bring prophetic dreams. It is traditionally burned during Beltane. Leos and Arians have an affinity with the herb. The leaves, blossoms and buds are used to make a homeopathic remedy. It is used internally in order to speed the healing of wounds.
