Also Known As - Calendula officinalis, pot marigold, Garden Marigold, Gold-Bloom, Holligold, Marigold, Marybud, Zergul.
Overview - Brilliant golden orange Calendula flowers have been used as a food, coloring agent for fabric and food (cheese), and have graced statues of Hindu deities in temples. The Genus, Calendula, contains about 20 different species of annual or perennial herbaceous plants and is native to the northern Mediterranean regions. The genus name is derived from the Latin word, “kalendae”, which means the first day of the month, probably referring to the fact that the flowers are in bloom at the start of most months in the year in their native regions. Although a common name of this plant is “Pot Marigold”, it is not related to the Tagetes or Marigold Genus. Calendula flower petals can be added as a flavoring to rice, grain dishes, salads and used as a replacement for Saffron.
Parts Used – The flowers and leaves.
Origin - Egypt
Preparations - Creams, teas, tinctures, infusions, compresses, and washes.
Medicinal - There are many uses for Calendula, both topically and internally. One study of 254 radiation patients compared its efficacy to trolamine for treatment of dermatitis. The flower contains many different antioxidant groups including lutein, lycopene, beta-carotene, quercitin, rutin, and a host of others. One could see how the use of this flower in an extract or oil could benefit the skin, nervous system and mucous membranes in many ways. It is theorized in testing done on the plant extract that the constituents in Calendula promote the development of collagen structures in the skin and mucous membranes, yet more research is needed to validate this activity.
Active Constituents - Antioxidants, Polysaccharides, Sterols, Volatile Oils
Other Uses - Calendula is often used as a less-expensive substitute for saffron, fresh or dried petals give subtle flavor and golden color to seafood, soups, stews, puddings, rice, and omelets. The dried petals, softened in hot milk, can be added to the batters of cakes, breads, and cookies. The fresh, tender young leaves are good in salads.
Precautions - Not for use during pregnancy and lactation.
Disclaimer - The information presented herein by Mountain Maus’ Remedies is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Posted by Delinda James on 11th Jul 2016
Absolutely beautiful. I cant believe the color of these calendula flowers, they are so vibrant. Thank you for providing such beautiful fresh harvest product. You can definitely tell the difference between Mountain Rose's Calendula and yours. I will continue to purchase from you MMR!
Posted by Danielle Stevens on 15th Mar 2016
I had the pleasure of visiting this little farm last summer during their harvest of calendula flowers. It was amazing and I couldn't believe that herbs could be grown without using pesticides to keep bugs from eating your plants.
I learned so much about companion planting and will be using it this year in my garden instead of spraying poisons. Patricia's knowledge and cultivation practices are superior and I would recommend that you purchase herbs from this shop and if at all possible, throw your certified organic herbs out the window and buy organically grown from this shop! This caldendula is AWESOME!