Marigold (Calendula Officinalis)

What Is Calendula Officinalis (Pot Marigold)?

Because calendula flowers promptly at the beginning of the new moon or calendar month, the name calendula is derived from the Latin word 'Calendae', which means "little clock" or "little calendar."

It is a herb that can grow up to one or two feet tall and is either annual or perennial. Native to southern Europe, it is. These days, it's grown all throughout the world and can be easily found in gardens. It typically grows in soil that is well-drained & rich in organic matter. It's often grown indoors in pots as an ornamental plant. Calendula comes in a variety of forms, but the majority of them have yellow or orange flowers.

It is traditionally used to manufacture dye and in a variety of meals, including salads. In India, flowers have long been considered sacred and used in religious ceremonies. Calendula is a wonderful herb with many medicinal uses. As a result, it is utilized in cosmetics and other medical items. In the past, troops used it to treat wounds during the American Civil War.

Common Names & Regional Synonyms:

• Latin Name - Calendula officinalis
• Family - Compositae, Asteraceae
• English Name - Marigold, Calendula, Scotch marigold, Pot Marigold
• Unani - Zergul
• Siddha / Tamil - Thulvkka Saamanthi

Systemic Classification of Calendula Officinalis:

• Kingdom - Plantae
• Family - Asteraceae
• Genus - Calendula
• Species - officinalis

Since many years ago, calendula has been used extensively in Ayurveda and other complementary and alternative medicine as a natural plant that may help with a variety of health problems.

Ayurvedic Properties of Calendula:

Rasa, Guna, Virya & Vipaka:

Particular	Hindi / Sanskrit	English
Rasa (Taste)	Kashaya, Tikta	Astringent, Bitter
Guna (Physical Property)	Laghu, Ruksha	Lightness, Dryness
Virya (Potency)	Sheet	Cold
Vipaka (Post-Digestive Taste)	Katu	Pungent

Effects on Kapha & Pitta Doshas:

It pacifies Kapha and Pitta doshas.

Chemical Composition of Calendula Officinalis:

Calendula contains triterpenes, sterols, volatile oil, polysaccharides, flavonoids, carotenes, bitter glycosides, resins, zeaxanthin, lutein, mucilage, and more.

Pharmacological Actions of Calendula:

Every component of the plant has unique qualities and pharmacological effects.

1. Actions of Flowers (Pushpa):

Anti-spasmodic, antihaemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antiviral properties.

2. Actions of Leaves (Patra):

The body responds to leaves' antimicrobial and anti-protozoal properties.

Health Benefits & Therapeutic Uses of Calendula:

I. Promotes Healing of Ulcers:

Carotene is responsible for both the anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects. Consequently, applying petals to ulcers promotes faster healing. In cases of bleeding ulcers, it is employed despite its anti-hemorrhagic properties. Marigold petals can also be used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers.

II. Effective in Skin Lesions & Dermatitis:

Due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities, calendula is useful in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions, including dermatitis, acne, eczema, cracked heels, and corns. Skin issues are primarily treated with calendula tincture and ointments. For burns and scalds, marigold is even beneficial.

III. Resolves Menstrual Irregularities:

Menstrual irregularities such as dysmenorrhea (painful menses) can also be effectively managed with the help of calendula. This is because marigold flower extract has estrogenic action, which makes it able to control irregular menstrual cycles. Additionally, because marigold flowers have anti-spasmodic properties, they can aid with pain management. Calendula flowers are helpful in treating various other gynecological issues.

IV. Anti-Cancer & Anti-Tumor Properties:

Flowers' polysaccharides have anti-tumor and immune-stimulating properties. As a result, it aids in the battle against cancer and tumors.

V. Treats Bruises & Bleeding Disorders:

Leukemia patients frequently sustain bruises (blood cancer). Calendula is hence the recommended plant for treating them.

VI. Effective in Hepatitis:

The extract includes all of the polyphenols that have been shown to be helpful in treating hepatitis.

VII. Maintains Oral Health:

It helps with cavities, gingivitis, and other conditions because of its antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities.

How to Use Calendula at Home:

A. Topical Applications (Paste, Oil & Tincture):

Flower paste is applied externally to treat wounds, injuries, scalds, and burns. Applying marigold paste helps reduce irritation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa, it can be used both externally and internally, and the decoction made from marigold petals works well for gargles. The external application of petal paste is very helpful in mending non-healing wounds because of the Vrana ropaka feature. Calendula decoction or tea can also be used as a wound wash. Skin lesions are treated topically with the tincture made from the petals. Applying essential oil externally on bruises is also beneficial.

B. Aromatherapy with Calendula Essential Oil:

Aromatherapy is a widespread application for essential oils. Concentrated volatile plant components are found in essential oils. Calendula is a popular essential oil used to cure a variety of illnesses.

C. Calendula Tea (Internal Use):

The only marigold that is suitable for internal use is calendula. Tea is made solely from the petals. Rich in nutrients and antioxidants, this herbal tea is excellent for both your body and mind. It also possesses a number of therapeutic qualities.

Calendula is used extensively these days to make body lotions, soaps, cosmetics, oils, dyes (for fabrics and foods), and other products due to its many advantages.

Which Parts of Calendula Are Used?

While the entire plant is beneficial, only the edible petals are used for medical purposes. The flowers and leaves are also used.

Modes of Administration:

Both internal and exterior uses are possible for calendula. It can be used as an oil (oil derived from the petals), decoction (by boiling it in water or in some other liquid media), paste (by grinding the petals alone or in conjunction with some other herbs), and tea. As a poultice, the leaves can also be utilized.

Caution & Safety Notes: 

Because calendula might cause allergic responses in certain people, it should be avoided when pregnant or nursing.