Calendula Flowers - Calendula officinalis
Calendula Flowers - Calendula officinalis
Calendula Flowers - Calendula officinalis
Calendula Flowers - Calendula officinalis
Calendula Flowers - Calendula officinalis
Calendula Flowers - Calendula officinalis

Calendula Flowers

Calendula officinalis

Calendula officinalis is one of the most versatile plants that proffer various medicinal perks. This precious Asteraceae member outshines among thousands because of its vibrant orange-yellow flowers that are cheered around the globe as pot marigold.

  • Plant Family: Asteraceae/Compositae
  • Plant type: Annual
  • Other names: Pot Marigold
  • Medicinal: Yes
  • Culinary: Yes
  • Ceremonial: No
  • Parts Used: Flowers
  • Side Effects: It should not be used internally during pregnancy, as it has traditionally been used as an emmenagogue and is classed as a uterine stimulant.
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About Calendula

Calendula officinalis is one of the most versatile plants that proffer various medicinal perks. This precious Asteraceae member outshines among thousands because of its vibrant orange-yellow flowers that are cheered around the globe as pot marigold.

Calendula officinalis is a momentary herbaceous perennial that has 1-2 inch long, lanceolate-oblong, hairy leaves with intermittent wavy margins. This amazing plant stands tall with its erect stem and carries a probable height of 31 inches.

The leaves and flowers of this exquisite plant are edible but the leaves are not considered palatable due to their off-notes. They add a whole new spring to the dull salads due to its lively aura. Traditionally, calendula flowers were employed by ancient Greeks, Romans, and Indians as a dye and in cosmetics.

Besides, its medicinal uses make it one of the jazziest herbs. Its leaves were traditionally transformed in poultices to cater to cuts, abrasions, and they also aided in warding off the infections.

Researchers nowadays are striving hard to draw conclusions from previous textual shreds of evidence by implying the ideas in modern studies. Calendula flowers are now claimed as the best treatment of hemorrhoids. This cheerful garden plant acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent and serves in attenuating various skin diseases like rashes, eczema, dermatitis, acne, and whatnot.

Growing

Calendula officinalis can be initiated both indoors and outdoors. It prefers to thrive in full sun to light shade in warmer regions. It does not require much care and performs well in any well-drained, poor to average soil. Moreover, this smart and sassy flowering plant grows prolifically in few and far water showers.

Calendula is a low-maintenance flowering plant that desires cold season. The seeds should be planted after all the dangers of frost have vanished; before the last frost date in spring.

For indoor plantation, it requires specific grow lights exposure for 6 to 8 weeks.

The sown seeds germinate quickly within 5 to 15 days. With further exposure to favorable conditions, the plant steps into the bloom time in May and continues to do so till fall.

The sassy flowers shout out to the pollinators like bees and insects to carry out pollination in return for nectar. After pollination, the flower transforms into a thorny curved fruit with numerous green seeds that promise the perpetuation of calendula’s lifecycle.

Harvesting

Calendula flowers should be harvested on a bright sunny morning, when all the traces of dew have vanished. Also, another keynote that is of prime consideration is the magnitude of medicinal components. The flowers are brimmed with its chief ingredients when they are half-opened, so make sure to keep this element in your mind.

Calendula flowers are of utmost importance all around the world and are harvested by the gardeners to cash its vibrancy and medicinal perks.

On the other hand, its seeds are also saved for the further perpetuation of the calendula plant.

Calendula flowers are at their best when used fresh. They are usually dried for saving the seeds. The flowers are air-dried and the seeds are extracted to be saved for sowing them later in the spring and witness a dynamic generation of marigold.

Usage

Calendula flowers are insanely popular among the mortals probably because of their seemingly endless benefits. People incorporate this amazing plant in their diet to gain their perks.

  • Tincture - Infuse freshly chopped calendula flowers and leaves in grain alcohol for 4 to 6 weeks. Strain the liquid and place it in a dark and dry place.
  • Tea - Dried calendula flowers are simmered in water for 15 to 20 minutes. The liquid strained to be enjoyed as calendula tea.
  • Decoction - A handful of dried calendula flowers are rolled to boil with water for a half an hour. The plant material is strained and the decocted liquid is consumed to absorb its benefits.
  • Salve - Calendula oil is employed in formulating calendula salve.
  • Syrup - Fresh calendula flowers, sugar, and water are simmered together. The mixture is strained after the transition of color and the syrup is stored in an airtight jar.
  • Infused oil - Dried calendula flowers are infused with olive oil for 4 to 6 weeks. The jar is allowed to sit on a sunny windowsill and shaken twice daily to pace up the infusion. The plant material is then strained and the oil is stored in a cool, dark place.