Calendula officinalis, often referred to simply as calendula or pot marigold, is a common plant found in most regions of the world. Thought of primarily as a bright addition to a garden, calendula's uses beyond the flowerbed are often overlooked. The petals, leaves and a plant extract can all be used in beneficial ways.
Medicinal Uses
Calendula has undergone several scientific studies to evaluate its effectiveness as a treatment for several medical conditions, but most of the studies have been performed on animals, with a smaller number on humans, according to the National Institutes of Health. Regardless of the subjects, the studies performed on calendula have offered compelling evidence for its medicinal benefits. Calendula has been shown to be effective as a skin protectant, wound healer, anti-inflammatory and mild anesthetic when it was used in the ear to reduce ear pain. Calendula may also offer protection against liver damage, according to a report in the March 2009 issue of the "Indian Journal of Experimental Biology." When researchers at the Amala Cancer Research Center in Thrissur, India, examined the effects of calendula extract on the kidney and liver, it was found to play a protective role against damaging free radical molecules. Researchers conclude that this may be due to calendula's antioxidant compounds.
Culinary Uses
Calendula offers nutritional benefits, as the leaves and the flower petals are edible. Nutritionally, calendula is high in antioxidant vitamins A and C, according to the Plants For A Future database. Yellow petals from calendula are used to produce a yellow dye, which is sometimes used in place of saffron to color rice. Calendula petals are also added to salads and soups to give color and flavor. PFAF reports that when eaten, the dried leaves of calendula start out tasting sweet, but then impart a bitter taste.
Cosmetic Uses
An extract of calendula is used in over 600 cosmetic products, listed by the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. These products range from toners and astringents to lip balms, shampoos and baby oil. Calendula is especially popular in skin treatments, due to its anti-inflammatory and skin soothing properties. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that calendula's skin-soothing and wound-healing actions may be due to its ability to increase blood flow to the skin and its assistance in producing collagen, which is the building block of healthy skin tissue.
Insect Repellent
Calendula also acts as an insect repellent. Skin creams with calendula can deter mosquitoes and pests from the skin. Michigan State University Extension recommends planting calendula next to tomatoes and asparagus, as it chases away tomato worms, asparagus beetles and other garden insects. However, it can also attract aphids and white flies, so do not grow it next to plants that are susceptible to those pests.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Calendula
- National Institutes of Health: Medline Plus: Calendula
- PubMed: Abstract: Indian Journal of Experimental Biology: Hepato and reno protective action of Calendula officinalis
- Plants For A Future: Calendula
- Environmental Working Group: Cosmetic Safety Database: Products Containing Calendula Officinalis
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