Family: Compositae.

Synonyms: Caltha officinalis, Golds. Ruddes, Mary Gowles, Oculus Christi, Pot Marigold, Marygold, Fiore d’ogni mese and Solis Sponsa.

Parts Used: Flowers, herb and leaves.

Medicinal Actions and Uses

As a blood cleanser, it is a great helper in infectious hepatitis. Calendula cleanses, stimulates circulation and improves the healing of wounds.  The ointment brings swift relief in phlebitis, varicose ulcers, fistulas, frost bites and burns.

It has been asserted that a Marigold flower, rubbed on the affected part, is an admirable remedy for the pain and swelling caused by the sting of a wasp or bee. A lotion made from the flowers is most useful for sprains and wounds, and a water distilled from them is good for inflamed and sore eyes.

Use the ointment and also the residue of ointment preparations for ulcers on the breast, even if they are malignant. The Calendula ointment is also excellent for Athlete’s foot.

Since Calendula is also beneficial for infectious hepatitis, it is an excellent remedy in disorders of the liver.  Cancer like ulcers and growths, cracked feet, ulcerated legs, thigh ulcers and also malignant, suppurating, non-healing wounds are helped by washing with an infusion of equal parts of Calendula and Horsetail.

An infusion of the freshly-gathered flowers is employed in fevers, as it gently promotes perspiration and throws out any eruption - a decoction of the flowers is much in use in country districts to bring out smallpox and measles, in the same manner as Saffron. Marigold flowers are in demand for children’s ailments.