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Calendula (Calendula Officinalis)
Pot Marigold, compositae-Aster family. Native to south central Europe and North Africa, this worthy medicinal is cherished for its bright orange and yellow flowers. Calendula is often grown as an ornamental cut flower and as such, many selections have been developed for color and stem length. The single petaled orange and golden yellow plants have been shown to have the highest resin content for medicinal use. The flowers have been used medicinally for hundreds of years. Traditionally used as a remedy for jaundice and headaches, the petals were considered an alternative to expensive saffron.
Applied externally, calendula actually promotes the reconstruction of skin tissue and can reduce scarring from burns and abrasions. The bitter resins of the plant have shown anti-viral properties and helped situations with lymphatic congestion. Calendula is a favorite ingredient of infused oils used in baby salves, healing salves and skin creams. Although it is considered an annual, Calendula will tolerate some freezing. In milder climates they will overwinter, often blooming again in late winter or early spring; a much needed ray of sunshine when the rest of the garden lays dormant. If your climate is colder the plants will die off in late fall, but in most cases will reseed and you will have an abundance of baby plants for harvesting later in the summer. A colorful gem in your herb garden. Hardy Annual. To Zone 10.
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