Properties of Calendula

Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.), or the common marigold, has been around since the days of Rome. Because of its hardy nature and bright color, it is grown in pots and gardens around the world. Mostly known for its healing characteristics, calendula is a plant of many properties. It used as a spice, for coloring food or clothing, in skin creams, in gardens and for medicinal purposes.

Landscaping

Calendula, mostly known as the marigold or pot marigold, is planted widely in gardens and landscapes. It is popular for the lush color and aromatic scent it provides. It grows in sun or partial shade to about 12 inches in height and is easy to grow requiring little cultivation. Marigolds come in red, gold and yellow colors. In mild climates, calendula can bloom every month of the year.

Healing

In the September 2008 issue of "The Journal of Clinical Biochemical Nutrition," a laboratory study by the Amala Cancer Research Center in Kerala, India, concluded that calendula extract was effective at treating burns. It also found that it increased antioxidant activity in the body.
In a 2006 study on rabbits by the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, The Aga Khan University Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan concluded that calendula is effective at treating cramps and constipation.

Skin Creams

Marigold can be used in skin creams to protect the skin against dryness. A study in 2005 by the Department of Dermatology and Allergology at Friedrich-Schiller University Jena in Jena, Germany found a positive effect on irritant contact dermatitis using marigold and rosemary extracts. Calendula is also effective at treating dry lips and exfoliative cheilitis, a skin condition of the lips, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Cooking

The petals of the marigold flower are used in different foods for color and taste. The petals can be added to soups for color. Other foods that benefit from a little color are custards, rice and cookies. Calendula is also used in some crafts and vinegars, according to the North Carolina State University Horticultural Science.
Calendula is also referred to as "poor man's saffron," according to the Horticulture Department of Texas Agricultural and Mechanical College. In Rome, saffron was used as a spice and it was expensive. The common man discovered that calendula petals, when powered, were a good substitute for saffron. This is how the name "poor man's saffron" came into use.

Yellow Dye

The bright yellow petals of calendula can also be used as a fabric dye or even to color the hair. Marigold is one source of yellow color for dying wool and other fabrics. Wool dyed with marigold does not have the color fastness of other dyes, according to an article in the April 2008 issue of "Fibers and Polymer Journal."