Calendula

Calendula, properly identified as calendula officinalis, is also known in many areas as the "pot marigold". The plant has a wonderful variety of colors of foliage, depending on which of the 20 species that is present. In addition the traditional orange, yellow and red calendula flowers are a welcome addition to both flower gardens and herb gardens, and they bloom almost year round in warm climates. In colder climates the calendulas are grown as annuals, but the herbal properties are still valued year round. Pictures of calendula flowers can be found in most gardening magazines or on the internet.

The calendula flower is the part of the plant that is used in medicinal treatments. The petals of the flower are dried and then used in a variety of fashions, typically in a calendula ointment preparation that is applied to the skin. There are some herbal teas that will contain very small amounts of the calendula flower in the tea mixture and these are used to help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with stomach ulcers, menstrual cramps and digestive upsets.

The more common use of the petals of the calendula herb is to be mixed with lotions, creams or soaps to be used as topical application for burns, cuts, wounds, rashes or bruises. Calendula essential oil is mixed with a base product to produce:

• Calendula lotion
  
• Calendula cream
  
• Calendula acne cream
  
• Calendula soap
  

The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of the calendula oil in these products results in rapid healing of blemishes, prevention of bacterial infections, and decreasing in the potential for scarring due to infections. Calendula for skin problems has been used for centuries in European countries such as Germany and France, and is very popular for daily use for those prone to acne. These products tend to be far less drying to the skin than the prescription acne treatment products that contain peroxides.

Finally, calendula oil is often used as a topical treatment for earaches and infections in children. A few drops of the oil are placed in the ear, and the herbal and medicinal effects of the oil include reduced pain, decreased secondary infections and decreased inflammation of the ear. As with any product a physician should be consulted prior to administering the calendula oil or if any secondary conditions develop.