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Know Your Medicinal Plant—Calendula*

Common names: Pot marigold, common marigold, English marigold

Latin name: Calendula officinalis (Asteraceae)

Appearance: An annual that can reach three feet high with bright orange flowers that resemble daisies.

Habitat: Native to Southern Europe but can be found in temperate regions worldwide.

Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent, hemostatic, antimicrobial, wound healing

Parts used: Flower heads and petals

Primary preparations: Infusion, tincture, cream, ointment, infused oil

Practical uses: Acne; athlete’s foot; bites and stings; inflammed skin rashes, hives, diaper rash; wounds; bruises and varicose veins 

Calendula vs. marigold: Though its common names suggest otherwise, calendula is NOT a marigold. While both are from the sunflower (Asteraceae) family, marigold is from the Tagetes genus, with over 50 species, whereas calendula is from the calendula genus, with ~20 species. Besides differences in petal and seed shapes, calendula is edible and pleasant smelling, whereas marigold is toxic and unpleasant smelling (a great pest deterrent in the garden). 

*Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before attempting to self-treat ailments.

SOURCE: Chevallier A. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. New York, NY: DK Publishing; 2016:56.  

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