Calendula is a popular skin and tissue healing plant, both internally and externally. Complete with antimicrobial properties. Used medicinally in ancient Greek, Roman, Middle Eastern, and Indian cultures. Also used for dyes, fabrics, foods/salads, and cosmetics. Leaves are often added to creams balms and lotions and used for skin healing properties. Calendula plants are heavy in resins and essential oils and often found in the garden as particularly easy to grow. Great for wound healing, skin care/treatment, and diaper rash etc. Dosage and Preparation Bring 700ml filtered water in a stainless steel pan to a boil. 2 tablespoons of Calendula and let steep for 10 minutes. Calendula can be left in the pan and reused 2-3 times over 2 days, with strength increasing as the leaves break down. Drink the tea and apply leaves directly to problematic skin conditions. Names Calendula officinalis Calendula Pot marigold Common marigold Ruddles Scotch marigold Calendula ointment Calendula cream Calendula flowers Calendula extract Calendula oil Medicinal Component Triterpenoid esters Carotenoids flavoxanthin A Uroxanthin Carotenoids lutein (80%), zeaxanthin (5%), and beta-carotene. Saponins Scientifically Studied Medicinal Effects Anti-viral, anti-genotoxic, anti-inflammatory PMID: 16677386 Antibacterial, antifungal PMID: 22789794 Indigenous Historical Uses Used historically for wounds, ulcers, herpes, scars, skin damage, frostbite, and blood purification. A general skin aid. Side effects Calendula is well tolerated and on the whole benign, Habitat In the daisy family Asteraceae. Native to Southern Europe, and warmer climates. Also grown in the UK and northern Europe. Grows well in sunny conditions and in most soils. Usually an annual plant, not surviving particularly hot or cold periods. Considered one of the easiest plants to grow. Seeds grow in semi-sunny or sunny conditions. Calendula plants prefer sun and well-drained soil. Appearance An orange/yellow/gold flowering plant with a wide habitat.