Calendula officinalis
Asteraceae
Form
-a native to Southern Europe, grows 9-20 inches in height
Culture
-well drained to poor soil, in full sun
-remove old flower heads to continue flowering and prevent excessive self seeding
-powdery mildew, rust, caterpillars, or cucumber mosaic virus may attack foliage
Foliage
-bright yellow and orange flowers above evergreen lanceolate leaves of 6 inches
Use
-ornamental, as well as culinary and medicinal purposes
Medicinal Uses:
-The flowers are antimicrobial, antiviral, antiphlogistic, antifungal, and antibacterial.
-Used in folk medicine as a tumor inhibitor, varicosis, phlebitis, wounds, eczema, conjuctivitis, and acne.
Conditions Treated in Modern Medicine:
-Inflammation of the mouth and pharynx
-Wounds and Burns
Pharmacological Substances and Properties:
-Flavinoids
-Polyynes
-Volatile Oil
-The water-soluble polysacharides rhamnoarabinogalactans and arabinogalactans
-Sesquiterpene glucosides
-The hydroxycoumarins umbelliferone, scopoletine
Medicinal Parts Used:
-whole plant can be macerated and applied by tincture, liquid extract, or as an infusion
Banner Photo by Mathew J. Wilson