THE HISTORY AND USES OF CALENDULA

Calendula Officinalis, also known as "pot marigold" is a flower and herb that has been a part of human civilization for thousands of years. Calendula name derives from the Latin calendae, referring to its long blooming season. The species name officinalis refers to its historical use in apothecaries and pharmacopeias as the official medicinal species of its genus. 

The ancient Romans were well acquainted with this plant as well as other civilizations around the Mediterranean. Chances are, this area is mostly likely where the flower originated from. It has been used for centuries, both internally and topically, to heal wounds, burns, and rashes. These sunshine flowers are a traditional remedy for lifting the spirits as well as boosting the immune system.

This all-purpose flower is used for a multitude of aliments. Here are a few.

1. HEALING WOUNDS 

Scrapes, cuts and sores often present issues for infections.  Studies show that calendula oil has the ability to speed up the recovery of the skin. Research indicates that calendula and aloe vera extract lotions increased episiotomy recovery. Calendula oil will also help relieve the symptoms of swelling, bruising, redness, and inflammation from the wound.

2. SOOTHES DRY SKIN

Does your skin dry out and crack easily? Using a calendula-infused body lotion on your skin every day keeps it hydrated. As the largest organ of the human body, the skin lets us known how it’s feeling by its appearance. Using calendula lotions and balms help to significantly improve the skin's health and appearance. Use calendula-infused facial lotions to hydrate your face as well. The polyphenols in the calendar extract kill off free radicals responsible for the signs of aging.

3. IMPROVES DIGESTIVE HEALTH 

Calendula may offer you some relief from your symptoms of bloating, gas, and distention. Drinking calendula tea with your meals helps to reduce digestive inflammation from meals, enhancing biome health while ensuring that you obtain more nutrition from your food. Steep the tea in hot water for 5-minutes before your meal to allow the tea to absorb all of the polyphenols from the calendula. After boiling the kettle, I recommend you wait a few minutes to let the water cool slightly before pouring. Boiling water may damage the polyphenols in the tea, preventing their absorption.

CALENDULA PLANT PROFILE 

Common names: Pot Marigold, garden marigold 

Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis, C. arvensis 

Family: Asteraceae

Parts Used: flower buds, flower, leaves 

Plant Taste: Pungent, bitter 

Plant Energetics: Warming, Drying

Plants Properties: astringent, vulnerary, inflammatory, and immune modulating, antimicrobial, hepatic, lymphatic

Plant Uses: numerous skin issues from eczema to wounds, ulcers, minor infections, UV protection

Plant Preparations: infusion, tincture, vinegar, food, oil, salve

SOURCES: 

https://chestnutherbs.com/topical-uses-of-calendula/

https://chestnutherbs.com/calendula-sunshine-incarnate-an-edible-and-medicinal-flower/

https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-calendula-8187.html