Medicinal Properties of Calendula Officinalis

• Calendula officinalis is a hardy annual bush with bright yellow or orange flowers. Commonly known as marigolds, the famous herbalist Nicholas Culpepper called it a "comforter of the heart and spirits." The University of Maryland Medical Center asserts that calendula possesses "flavonoids, plant-based antioxidants that protect the body against cell-damaging free radicals." Do not confuse calendula officinalis with French or African marigolds of the Tagetes species: they are toxic if taken internally.

Skin Conditions

• Calendula essential oil mixed with unscented pure plant cream makes a soothing salve for dry and cracked skin. Nursing mothers may use it for sore and dry nipples, or for soothing a diaper rash. The oil also is useful in helping relieve cradle cap, a condition in babies and adults which causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas such as the scalp or inside the ear. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that calendula may help prevent dermatitis in breast cancer patients while undergoing radiation treatment.

Helps Bites, Cuts and Wounds

• Calendula is an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent, making it a good choice for cleaning cuts, scrapes and wounds. Its anti-inflammatory elements help ease the pain of insect bites, as well as to ease the pain of minor burns. Midwives may use a calendula preparation in either a bath or as a salve after childbirth to help stem bleeding of perineal tears in the new mother. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that calendula speeds healing by "helping the body produce collagen proteins, which are used to heal skin and connective tissue." Gargle with a calendula tea to help heal the wound from an extracted tooth and use it as an effective treatment for hemorrhoids.

Other Uses

• Women who have irregular menstrual cycles may find relief with calendula. According to Dr. C. Norman Shealy, author of "Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies," it may help to regulate the female reproductive cycle when taken internally. It is sometimes used to treat otitis media by putting drops containing calendula in the ear. Calendula officinalis is also an antispasmodic. A wrapped compress made up of a tincture of calendula can help relax and increase blood circulation of the affected area.

  Traditional folk medicine asserts that calendula has mood lifting abilities, and a weak tea made from the leaves may help a colicky baby. For adults, a tea made from the leaves lifts the spirits, as well. The antifungal properties help eliminate thrush and vaginal infections, when used as a douche.