Calendula officinalis (Marigold) – this ornamental herb with orange-yellow flowers has a wide range of therapeutic properties. It is used both externally and internally. The flower, specifically the outer ray florets (Flos calendulae sine calice), or the entire flower with the base (Flos calendulae cum calice), is used as a medicinal plant. The Latin name "Calendula" is derived from the Roman name for the first day of the month, possibly referring to the plant's long flowering period or the number of ray florets, which corresponds to the number of days in a month.

Description: Calendula is an annual herb, 30-50 cm tall, with a taproot and an erect, branched stem covered with glandular hairs. The leaves are entire, the lower ones ovate, the upper ones oblong and lanceolate, and hairy. The flowers are orange or yellow composite flowers, 4-6 cm in diameter. The fruit is a curved achene, spiny on the dorsal side, and coarsely ribbed. Calendula grows well in sunny locations and on various types of soil. It requires sufficient moisture during germination. It blooms from June to autumn. If the marigold flowers are still closed before 7 am, it is likely to rain that day.

Distribution: Calendula is one of the oldest annual plants known from gardens and monastic grounds. It likely originated as an ancient hybrid of Calendula officinalis from the European Mediterranean region and Calendula stellata from Sicily and North Africa.

History of Use: Calendula has been known in our region since the 12th century and has become so common that it is sometimes considered a weed. Our ancestors appreciated its medicinal properties. However, it was also used by the ancient Egyptians as a rejuvenating agent, by Hindus to decorate altars in temples, and by Persians and Greeks to garnish food with its ray florets. Even today, calendula is added to soups and stews in many European countries to flavor or color cheeses and butter. In our country, it is cultivated in gardens as an ornamental flower, but also on a large scale for the pharmaceutical industry.

Harvesting: The petals or entire flowers of calendula are harvested from June to August, sometimes in September. The best time to harvest is on a sunny day, shortly before noon. It is best to select orange flowers, as they are said to be more effective than yellow ones. The plant material is dried in the shade or using artificial drying at temperatures up to 40 °C. The dried material should be protected from light. Because it readily absorbs moisture, it is recommended to occasionally re-dry it. The dried material should have the same color as the flowers that were originally harvested. The drying ratio is 6 to 8 : 1.

Cultivation: There are several varieties that differ in the color of the flowers (orange, yellow, with a darker center) or the height of the plant. Cultivation is very easy, making it a suitable plant for beginners of all ages. Calendula is not demanding in terms of location and will grow well in both full sun and partial shade. The soil should be fertile; drier conditions improve the quality of the flowers and leaves. It is propagated by seeds, which are sown directly in the ground in the autumn or spring (March to May), or the seedlings can be pre-grown in a greenhouse (February to March). The first flowers appear about 10 weeks after sowing.

Active Ingredients: The flowers of calendula contain valuable medicinal compounds, including essential oils, the bitter substance calandrin, organic pigments, salicylic acid, fats, waxes, saponins, resins, flavonoids, mucilage, organic acids, vitamin C, and other less-known and unknown substances.

Effects on the body: When applied topically, calendula has excellent effects in treating varicose veins, accelerates wound healing, and helps with bedsores. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. When taken internally, it favorably affects the function of the liver and gallbladder, and improves digestive function. It acts on the nervous system and has mild sedative effects. It improves heart function and is used in gynecology to treat various women's health issues, either alone or in combination with comfrey or St. John's Wort. Calendula has been shown to have anti-cancer properties, particularly in the digestive tract and female reproductive organs. Calendula can be used to treat ulcers, accelerates tissue granulation, and promotes healing and cleansing.

The herb has a clinically proven mild anti-spasmodic effect, promotes bile secretion, and reduces sweating. Due to its healing and antiseptic properties, it is considered an excellent remedy for dry skin and chapped lips. Calendula is therefore also widely used in cosmetics.

In traditional medicine, it is usually used in the form of tinctures or ointments for applying to bedsores. In modern medicine, calendula extract is also a component of ointments for leg ulcers, varicose veins, and bedsores. During the American Civil War, military doctors used it to treat open wounds.

The use of calendula in preparing teas for stomach and gallbladder problems is now relatively rare. It was considered safe and gentle for patients with alcoholism. Extracts from the flowers are often used in preparations given after tooth extractions. Calendula oil, which is obtained by macerating the flowers, is very well known. Its beneficial medicinal properties are used in many skin care products and aromatherapy. It soothes and heals inflamed skin, frostbite, and cracks on the nipples during breastfeeding – and is not toxic to the baby.

Uses: Tea (or infusion) made from calendula is very effective for inflammatory conditions, gynecological problems, and helps regulate menstruation. It is also used for pancreatic diseases, digestive problems, and has anti-cancer properties, particularly for prevention (in gynecology). It has a beneficial effect on circulatory disorders and liver diseases, and is used for infectious jaundice, and to cleanse the blood. When taken regularly, it helps regulate the function of the heart muscle. It is used for stomach and intestinal problems, stomach cramps, and ulcers, as well as for inflammation of the colon. It is recommended for severe diarrhea, watery and bloody stools, and is also used to treat complications of typhoid fever. It can even help eliminate intestinal parasites. Gentle rinsing of the eyes with lukewarm tea can improve vision and generally helps heal eye and ear infections. The decoction can also be used as a mouthwash. The tea is prepared from one teaspoon of the herb per 100-150 ml of water, and the brewing time should not exceed 1-2 minutes. When preparing solutions for external use, it is recommended to increase the concentration of the decoction by 2-3 times. The main use is for washing and bathing inflamed wounds, leg ulcers, and areas affected by fungal infections.

Calendula ointment quickly relieves pain and tension associated with postoperative scars and significantly accelerates their healing. It is also recommended for use in varicose veins, vein inflammation, non-healing leg ulcers, frostbite, and burns. It is also used for breast ulcers, including those of cancerous origin. It is also suitable for use in treating athlete's foot. In general, it can be recommended for any skin problems.

Similar to a poultice for external use or an ointment, a tincture made from calendula flowers can also be used. Before use, it should be diluted in boiled water or (for increased effectiveness) in calendula tea.

The juice from fresh calendula flowers can be used to treat warts and scabies (however, in this case, it is essential to also consult a doctor).

Toxicity and side effects: When used in appropriate doses, this herb has no undesirable side effects and is not toxic.

Other uses: We also use calendula flowers in the household. By boiling the tongue-shaped flowers, we obtain a clear yellow dye, which can be added to foods to enhance their color. The petals can also be used occasionally to decorate meat, cold dishes, spreads, and fruit salads. A refreshing tea made from fresh flowers is also excellent. Both fresh and dried calendula flowers can be added to creams and baths for their healing, cleansing, and softening properties. The vibrant orange color of calendula looks beautiful even in dried bouquets. In early spring, we can cultivate calendula in a greenhouse.

Blood-cleansing blend: 30g calendula, 10g nettle, 10g comfrey; steep one teaspoon in 0.25 liters of boiling water for a short time. Drink 2-3 times a day in small sips.

Preparation of calendula ointment: For 1 kg of lard (you can render it yourself or buy pre-rendered lard without cracklings), you need a handful of calendula flower petals (don't be stingy). Of course, you can also use whole flowers, but the petals themselves are more suitable. If you don't have fresh petals, you can use dried ones. Some recipes recommend soaking the petals in pure alcohol for a while before mixing them with the melted lard, but it is perfectly sufficient to simply add them to the melted lard. For a better fragrance, you can add lavender. Then, let the lard with the petals solidify. Next, melt it again 2-3 times (do not boil, just melt and stir). Then, let the entire mixture sit in the refrigerator for at least a week. After a week, melt it again and strain it through cheesecloth or a plastic sieve (contact with metal is not suitable, so the pot used to melt the lard should be glass or enamel). In the cooling mixture, thoroughly mix in about a tablespoon of glycerin or a little indulon for moisturizing. This is not essential, but it makes the ointment easier to spread. Then, fill the prepared, perfectly dry jars with the ointment. Close them only after they have solidified, otherwise moisture may condense on the lid and the ointment may mold. For this reason, we must be careful during the entire manufacturing process to prevent water from getting into it.

Author: Jiří Široký

This article was published with the kind permission of the Sféra magazine.

DIOCHI

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