Overview

The daisy family, Asteraceae, contains the flowering plant Calendula, also known as pot marigold.
People cultivate it worldwide for its ornamental, culinary, and medicinal purposes, and it is native to the Mediterranean region.
Calendula flowers are bright and cheerful, typically ranging in color from yellow to orange.
They have a daisy-like appearance, with numerous petals surrounding a central disk.
Some cultivars produce larger blooms, while others do not.
Calendula flowers are edible and have been used for culinary purposes for centuries.
You can add them to salads, soups, and other dishes as a colorful garnish.
You can dry the petals and use them to make herbal teas or infuse them into oils and vinegars for flavoring.

Benefits

Skin Healing:

Calendula flowers contain flavonoids, carotenoids, and triterpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
Calendula extracts or ointments are commonly used topically to promote the healing of minor cuts, wounds, burns, and insect bites.
They can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and accelerate the formation of new tissue.

Skin Soothing:

Calendula flowers have emollient properties, making them effective for soothing and moisturizing the skin.
Calendula-infused creams, lotions, and balms can help hydrate dry or irritated skin, relieve itching, and reduce redness and swelling associated with conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and sunburn.

Antimicrobial Activity:

Calendula flowers have antimicrobial and antifungal properties, thanks to compounds like flavonoids and saponins.
Calendula preparations can help inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi on the skin, making them useful for preventing and treating minor skin infections, acne, and fungal conditions like athlete’s foot.

Anti-inflammatory Effects:

Calendula flowers contain compounds that help reduce inflammation and swelling in the body.
Calendula extracts or teas may be consumed orally or applied topically to alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, sore muscles, and joint pain.

Antioxidant Protection:

Calendula flowers protect cells from oxidative damage by neutralizing harmful free radicals with carotenoids and flavonoids.
Regular consumption or topical application of calendula may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and slow the aging process by combating oxidative stress.

Menstrual Relief:

People use calendula tea to relieve menstrual cramps and discomfort.
These properties can help alleviate menstrual pain and promote relaxation during menstruation.

Digestive Support:

Calendula tea may help soothe digestive discomfort and promote gastrointestinal health.
Its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties can help relieve symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gastritis.