Said to bloom on the calends of the month, hence its Latin name (Calendula officinalis), it is a native of Southern Europe, but does grow in the UK where it grows as a hardy annual. It can be directly sown into the raked soil in either the spring or autumn, if the latter, it will flower in the early summer. With judicious dead-heading it will bloom all summer long and it you let it shed some seeds, if it is happy where you have put it, it will germinate and populate your flower borders for year after year.You will need to differentiate this herb, from the French and African Marigolds, as these are different plants entirely.
A 'pot herb' it has been widely grown in physick and kitchen gardens and has been known as a medicinal plant for centuries. To the 17th Century radical herbalist Nicholas Culpeper, this was a herb of the Sun and under the sign of Leo and as such it was a remedy for the heart and a comforter of the spirits. Interestingly, its affect on the heart is not much mentioned in modern literature, but it is known that high doses can have a sedating effect, which may calm nervous palpitations. It could be conjectured that, as another cordial herb (see blog on roses below) may indeed be cheerer of the spirits through its action on the heart or help the heart by cheering the spirits.
Indeed it was used by country people as a remedy for the heart and a conserve was made of the flowers which given in the time of plague and pestilence. The famed Physicians of Myddfai also had it as a good preservative against the plague. Although these are all serious diseases, it is possible that the anti-microbial and skin healing properties of Calendula could have helped and it is still sometimes given as a specific for chickepox.
In modern herbal medicine it has many uses and most herbalists would not be without it in their dispensaries. The list of its properties and uses is a long one and I can only but hint at its myriad uses here.
It is well known as a 'skin herb' and is widely used topically as a wound-healing and remedy for skin lesions of all kinds: burns, abcesses, cuts, leg ulcers etc. It has a wide range of action as it is anti-bacterial/anti-septic/bacteriostatic and is particularly effective against staphylococcal and streptococcal problems. It is styptic and haemostatic, so it is a good wound healer and can be used for varicose veins and haemorrhoids.
It is seemingly useful against microbes of all sorts, as it is also anti-protazoal, antiviral and anti-parasitic against helminths. As an anti-fungal it is sometimes used in preparations to help with vaginal thrush and athlete's foot.
Its antispasmodic and anti-haemorrhagic properties indicate its usefulness for spasmodic and antinflammatory conditions of the gastro-intestinal tract, such as inflammation of the gall bladder, gastric and duodenal ulcers. It is also and an anti-emetic
This wonderful little herb is also an anti-histamine, provided you are not allergic to members of the daisy family. It is thought to be a stimulant to the immune stimulant and is used to treat colds and deep fevers. It also acts on the lymphatic system, improving lymphatic drainage from wounds and is good for enlarged or inflamed lymph glands.
It is somewhat oestrogenic and has been used as for menstrual problems in cases of absent or painful menstruation - however, for this reason, do not use it in pregnancy.
Seeds for Calendula are as cheap as chips and are so easy to grow, so cast a few around a sunny border and wait for the pale green leaves to emerge followed by a succession of the flowers. I have found the 'official' species (i.e. the medicinal species) more difficult to come by, but some of the cultivars are very ornamental, but maybe not so good for medicinal purposes.
Finally, if this plant has not given us enough - use it as a companion plant, with your beans, lettuces, potatoes, tomatoes and roses, or add the petals fresh to salads, use them as a cheap alternative to saffron in rice dishes and to give colour to cakes. Of course, make really sure you have the right plant.
This information is meant for educational purposes only and not intended as a guide to self-treatment. You should always seek professional advice. Remember that herbs can interact with other drugs and may be contra-indicated if you have certain medical conditions, are pregnant or lactating. Take care when using wild plants or herbs, that you have the correct species from a reliable source.
Catherine Schofield BSc MNIMH Herbalist Cheshire Herbs and Herbal Medicine