Information On The Calendula Herb

Other Common Names: Aklelmulk, Atunjaq, Chin Chan Hua, China, Kamisha Bahar, Maravilla, Marigold, Mercadela, Oqhuwan, Pot Marigold, Pot-marigold, Qaraqus, Tibbi Nergis, To-Kinsen-Ka, Virreina, Calendula officinalis

Range: Argentina; Chile; China; Iraq; Kurdistan; Mexico; Pakistan; Philippines; S. Europe; Spain; Trinidad; Turkey; Uruguay; Yugoslavia

Habitat: The original habitat is obscure but it is found as a garden escape on waste, cultivated and arable land and along roadsides

Pot marigold is one of the best known and versatile herbs in Western herbal medicine and is also a popular domestic remedy. It is, above all, a remedy for skin problems and is applied externally to bites and stings, sprains, wounds, sore eyes, varicose veins etc. It is also a cleansing and detoxifying herb and is taken internally for inflammation, stomach ulcers, menstrual cramps, fever, convulsions, liver disease, toothache, tired limbs, eye inflammations, extreme and persistent constipation, and worm infestation, and has been used as a stimulant for the heart. Only the common deep-orange flowered variety is considered to be of medicinal value.

The whole plant, but especially the flowers and the leaves, is antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aperient, astringent, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, skin, stimulant and vulnerary. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, they are best harvested in the morning of a fine sunny day just after the dew has dried from them. The flowers are also used fresh or dried, for drying they are harvested when fully open and need to be dried quickly in the shade.

A tea of the petals tones up the circulation and, taken regularly, can ease varicose veins. An application of the crushed stems to corns and warts will soon render them easily removeable.

The leaves, blossoms and buds are used to make a homeopathic remedy. It is used internally in order to speed the healing of wounds.

Leaves - raw. When eaten they first of all impart a viscid sweetness, followed by a strong penetrating taste of a saline nature. They are very rich in vitamins and minerals and are similar to Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) in nutritional value.

Fresh petals are chopped and added to salads. The dried petals have a more concentrated flavor and are used as a seasoning in soups, cakes etc. High in vitamins A and C. An edible yellow dye is obtained from the petals. A saffron substitute, it is used to color and flavor rice, soups etc. It is also used as a hair rinse, adding golden tints to brown or auburn hair.

A tea is made from the petals and flowers, that made from the petals is less bitter.

There is no record of the seed being edible, but it contains up to 37% protein and 46% oil.

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