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Herbal and Medicinal uses of the English Marigold Plant

Calendula officinalis

by Barb Blair

This plant grows best with full sun for most of the dayThis plant requires or will tolerate shade during the heat of the dayOnce established this plant requires little or no supplemental wateringThis plant will tolerate some drought, but benefits from periodic wateringButterfly FlowerWhite flowering plantRed flowering plantYellow flowering plantorange flowering plantA photograph of Calendula officinalisis availableHow to Use the Plant Care Icons at The Garden Helper
English Marigolds have been grown and culltivated as garden and greenhouse plants throughout North America and Europe for nearly a century.
The golden yellow flowers of Calendula officinalis have been used in herbal remedies
and medicine for centuries as well.
Traditionally, English Marigolds have been used to treat conjunctivitis, blepharitis, eczema, gastritis, minor burns including sunburns, warts, and minor injuries such as sprains and wounds.
It has also been used to treat cramps, coughs, and snake bites.
Historically, English Marigold flowers have been considered beneficial in reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, and used as an antiseptic.
Calendula has been used to treat a variety of skin diseases and has been seen effective in treatment of skin ulcerations and eczema.
Taken internally through a tea, it has been used for treatment of stomach ulcers, and inflammation.
A sterile tea has been used to treat infections of the eye, like conjunctivitis,
however, this practice is not recommended.		 Anglen the Garden Gnome

Research continues into the other healing properties that Calendula officianalis may provide.

Today, Calendula officianalis is being investigated for it's anticancer properties. In conjunction with other herbs such as Echinacea purpurea, Scorzonera humilis L., and Aconitum moldavicum, there has been evidence of success in treating certain cancers (Heren's carcinoma) according to the Fedkovich Chernivtsi State University in the Ukraine.
Calendula has been effective in treating juvenile acne and dry phthiriasis.
Improvement has been seen in as little as 3-4 days of treatment according to the Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie.
Western Australia has been investigating Calendula for control of the Redlegged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor, which is a major pest of pastures and crops in Australia. In some cases, the crops had better growth and production when Calendula were planted as a decoy crop.
The Calendula were heavily attacked while the damage to crops were less.

English Marigold Herbal Tea

Calendula tea can be made from the flowers growing in the garden.
Dry the flower petals and use 1 -2 teaspoons of the petals per 200 ml of water.
Pour the boiling water over the petals and allow to steep for 10 - 15 minutes.
Strain and drink. Generally 3 cups of tea a day is beneficial.
A tincture can also be purchased and 1 - 2 ml can be added to water
or tea 3 times a day.
Unless you are allergic to Calendula, there has been no reported side effects or interactions, but always talk to your doctor before considering using Calendula internally.

How to grow and care for English Marigold Plants


English Marigold
Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis


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