Information on Calendula

Calendula is often mistaken for marigold, but they are not the same species. Common names for calendula such as pot marigold, marygold and the golden flower of Mary reflect this notion. The scientific name for this herbaceous annual is Calendula officinalis. Calendula offers scientifically proven healing properties for skin tissue.

History

Historical information gathered and published by Georgetown University Medical Center gives insight into the history of this medicinal plant. Calendula flowers were used as a coloring ingredient in cheese preparation and as an inexpensive saffron substitute in soups and other food. It was also mixed with milk to produce an anti-cancer folk medicine soak.

Native Plant

The United States Department of Agriculture Plant Database says calendula is native to Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin, Washington and California.

Cultivation

Calendula reseeds itself easily, so you won't need to plant it every year. Start your seeds indoors or outside. The Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station recommends spacing the seeds or plants 10 to 12 inches apart. Anticipate an 80 percent germination rate and sprouts within seven to 14 days. Calendula is easy to grow, but may attract whiteflies, thrips and aphids to your garden.

Breast Cancer

Patients with breast cancer can look to calendula as a non-steroid topical to prevent acute dermatitis during radiation therapy, according to a study conducted by the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Léon Bérard Center and published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The findings show that Calendula can prevent grade 2 or higher acute dermatitis. Because of this study, the National Institutes of Health gives calendula a grade of "B" for radiation skin protection. The B-rating indicates that NIH feels there is "Good scientific evidence for this use."

Otitis Media

Doctors from Tel Aviv University Sackler Faculty of Medicine performed a successful scientific study on calendula. Subsequently published by the medical journal Pediatrics, the study examined the effects of a naturopathic calendula remedy in children suffering from a common ear condition called otitis media. This ailment affects 93 percent of all children in the United States before the age of 7.
Participants received five drops, three times a day of a naturopathic calendula remedy into their ears for three days. Other children took amoxicillin, or a combination of the two. The doctors found patients receiving the naturopathic calendula remedy alone did better than those given the combination including amoxicillin. They recommend Calendula as an adequate treatment for otitis media, especially for parents seeking a natural solution.