Calendula (Calendula officinalis) belongs to the Asteraceae family’s diminutive genus calendula. This annual flowering plant natively occurs in the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Europe.
Today, it is a common plant in domestic gardens all over the world. It grows easily and blooms wherever it is planted, and it is also simple to cultivate for use in making oil, tea, and other products. Both physically and inwardly, the bloom’s orange-yellow petals are utilized as medicine.
The edible, bright yellow to deep orange blooms have a somewhat honey-like scent and taste slightly spicy and bitter. The petals are frequently added to salads or used to color food.
Carotenoids and flavonoids, which are antioxidants, are abundant in these petals. The body absorbs and transforms the lutein and beta-carotene found in calendula into vitamin A.
It also contains fatty acids, of which calendric and linoleic acids are the two main types. Additionally, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which are oxygenated oils, are abundant in flower heads.
Since at least the 12th century, this herb has been utilized medicinally. When the Romans discovered the plant blossomed on the first day of every month, they gave it the name calendula (calends).
It was frequently used for cooking and medicinal since it was a symbol of happiness in Roman gardens and it produced an endless supply of blossoms and soft leaves.
The flowers were utilized in religious events in the ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations and are revered in India where they are used to embellish monuments of gods. Additionally, they are still utilized in Mexico during the Day of the Dead processions.
Calendula officinalis is a short-lived scented herbaceous perennial that reaches a height of 80 cm (31 in) and has loose or erect stems with few branches.
The leaves are hairy on both sides, oblong-lanceolate, 5–17 cm (2–7 in) long, and have whole or sporadic wavy or weakly toothed margins. The inflorescences are yellow and have two rows of hairy bracts surrounding a thick capitulum or flowerhead that is 4–7 cm in diameter.
In the wild plant, the inflorescences have a single ring of ray florets that surround the central disc florets. In general, the disc florets are more intensely orange-yellow in color than the female, tridentate, peripheral ray florets because they are tubular and hermaphrodite. Where the conditions are right, flowers may bloom all year.
The Germans gave it the nickname “pot marigold” because they used it in stews and soups as well as a saffron alternative in substantial large pot recipes.
Calendula shouldn’t be used if you have an allergy to Asteraceae/Compositae plants. Ragweed, chamomile, and echinacea are other members of this plant family.
Calendula tea is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, or even for those trying to get pregnant because of its extraordinarily potent pro-menstruation properties, which have the potential to result in miscarriage.
Due to its muscle-relaxing properties, as well as blood pressure and diabetic drugs, calendula may interact poorly with sedatives.
Calendula has a potent ability to heal both internally and externally. The powerful flavonoids that may both cure and protect our bodies are what give calendula flowers their brilliant, lovely colors. It’s a fantastic natural medicine with almost any negative side effects.
The small yellow flower’s potent antioxidants hold the secret to assisting in reducing and soothing many inflammatory health conditions.
This beautiful, mild herb can be added to a variety of natural and homeopathic goods, from creams to teas. It has also been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory properties, reduce muscle spasms, treat ulcers, wounds, and hemorrhoids, facilitate menstruation, have antibacterial and antiviral components, enhance dental health, and prevent cancer.
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7 Health Benefits of Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

1. Anti-inflammatory
Strong flavonoids contained in calendula have been discovered to have anti-inflammatory effects. These antioxidants from plants shield cells from oxidative stress and inflammatory substances including C-reactive protein and cytokines.
Calendula contains significant amounts of linoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Because of its strong anti-inflammatory characteristics, it is an effective treatment for a variety of inflammatory conditions, including dermatitis, ear infections, ulcers, sore throats, and more. Children’s ear infections can occasionally be treated with calendula-infused ear drops.
2. Calms Muscle Spasm
Muscle spasms can be prevented and soothed using calendula. According to data from one study, the Aga Khan University Medical College in Pakistan’s Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, the crude extract of this plant’s blossoms can reduce spontaneous muscular spasms. The traditional usage of this herb for constipation and stomach pains now has a scientific basis according to this study.
3. Heals Ulcer And Wound
Calendula-based topical ointments and gels have been reported to hasten healing and recovery in studies for exposed ulcers and slow-healing wounds.
According to one study, animals treated with the medication within an eight-day window had a 90% closure rate for their wounds as opposed to only 51% for those who had not applied the plant-based topical treatment.
Additionally, calendula is utilized to increase skin moisture and firmness. Even more astounding, it helps the body heal more quickly by increasing blood flow and oxygen to wounds and infected regions.
Because of this, it may also be useful in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Today, there are numerous lotions and ointments that can effectively treat these exterior maladies naturally, such as Boiron Calendula Cream. It can be beneficial for internal duodenal and gastric ulcer symptoms when consumed as a tea.
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4. Aids Menstruation
Calendula tea can aid women with PMS pains and other uncomfortable menstrual side effects by bringing on the menstrual cycle. The abundance of flavonoids promotes easier menstruation by relaxing muscles, blood flow, and information. It may even help with hot flashes.
5. Contains Antimicrobial Properties
By starting the menstrual cycle, calendula tea can help women with PMS symptoms and other undesirable menstrual side effects. By relaxing muscles, blood flow, and information, flavonoid abundance encourages simpler menstruation. Even hot flashes might benefit from it.
6. Oral Health
Calendula’s potent antibacterial and antimicrobial capabilities have made it a popular ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwashes during the past few years. It aids in the fight against gingivitis, cavities, plaque, and other conditions as well as reducing gum irritation. It also has astringent properties that aid in promoting a healthy oral environment and battling oral microorganisms.
7. Fights Cancer
Calendula’s ability to reduce inflammation makes it useful in the battle against cancer and the rashes brought on by cancer therapies like chemotherapy and radiation. Studies on animals have demonstrated that it not only combats the carcinogenic activity found within tumors but also activates the lymphocytes, which defend against invading pathogens and foreign invaders.
Calendula looks more beneficial than generally advised topical medications at lowering and preventing the occurrence of dermatitis brought on by radiation used in breast cancer treatment, according to research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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