Healing with plants: Calendula

Calendula officinalis - pot marigold

‘Somme use it to make theyr hair yelow … not being content with the colour’, William Turner, 1551.
’Calendula’ - derived from ‘Calends’, referring to the first day of the month. In its native Mediterranean climate, it is said to flower on the first of each month throughout the year.
‘Marigold’ - refers to its traditional use in church festivals in the Middle Ages, as a flower dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
   A bright, cheerful flower, Calendula has been used the world over for decoration as well as its many healing properties. In Culpepper’s time, marigold was given to “strengthen the heart” and also to ease the symptoms of smallpox and measles.
   Today, Calendula is used as an external preparation for many common skin problems, from sunburn to scalding, from eczema to dry skin and nappy rash. Internally, the petals are taken in infused form to help with many gynaecological problems, as well as for fevers, throat infections and to stimulate the production of bile.
The flower heads are harvested from early summer to late autumn.
Properties
Astringent, antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, healing for wounds, regulates menstrual cycle, stimulates bile production.
NOT to be confused with French Marigold (Tagetes Patula) which is used as an insecticide and weed killer, also for warts.

WARNING! DO NOT use during pregnancy. Calendula is said to aid contractions during childbirth.
CAUTION - May trigger an allergic response from those allergic to plants of the daisy family or for those with multiple allergies. External use may cause a rash. To be used with great caution for those under 10 years.

The article includes a recipe for making a herbal cream.