Pot Marigold Flower: How Calendula Officinalis Encourages Healing From Within

Written By: Vivian Benjamin

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Calendula Officinalis
Calendula Officinalis, commonly known as pot marigold flower, is a fast-growing annual flower that is easy to germinate and care for. The genus name originated from the Latin word “calendae”, which means “first day of the month”.


Calendula Officinalis comes from the family Asteraceae and initially started growing in the region of the Mediterranean Sea. This medicinal flower has 29 species and is currently cultivated in several countries such as Asia, Europe and North America for its medicinal, cosmetic and ornamental reasons.


This herbaceous perennial plant grows 80cm tall with sparsely branched, lax or erect stems. The leaves are bright green and approximately 10cm long. The lower leaves are oval with rounded tips (spatulate), while the upper leaves are lance-shaped with pointed tips. The flowers are around 5-7cm in diameter and held on thick, sturdy stems. The colour of the flowers ranges from light yellow to bright yellow or gold and orange. The fruit is a thorny, curved achene.


Calendula Officinalis has an aromatic smell, however it tastes bitter. Pot marigold flower grows in most types of soils nonetheless, it cannot survive in harsh winter climates and hot summers. In temperate environments, seeds are sown in spring and bloom in 2 months throughout summer and autumn. Although they survive in sunny locations, they wither if summer is harsh.  




The Flower of Healing and Hope in Traditional Medicine
Calendula Officinalis is a medicinal flower that has been used since ancient times to treat various ailments in humans. In the past, people have used the flower, seeds, leaves, and stems to treat various disorders and promote wound healing.


Calendula officinalis flower has been said to follow the sun therefore, it was used to treat conditions caused by heat in the body such as fever. In addition to that, this medicinal plant was used for the treatment of skin conditions and to treat wounds from minor injuries. Apart from that, pot marigold flower is also useful to treat haemorrhoids, anal fissure, gastritis and duodenal ulcer.


Moreover, Calendula officinalis tea can be used as a mouth gargle, eye wash to cure conjunctivitis and diaper rash. Besides that, this medicinal flower is also used to cure mastitis, impetigo, varicose veins and sebaceous cysts. Not only does this medicinal flower nourish and heal from within, but it can also be applied in various insect repellent preparations. 

7 Calendula Officinalis Evidence-Backed Health Benefits

1. Antioxidant properties
As you know, antioxidants are beneficial to maintain healthy cells and prevent chronic illness. Calendula Officinalis flower contains several antioxidants like flavonoids, terpenoids and carotenoids, which make this plant valuable for human health. 


2. Reduces inflammation
Inflammation plays a key role in the development of many diseases such as cancer, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Several studies done on the pot marigold flower suggest that this flower helps fight acute and chronic inflammation, thus promoting health and wellness.



3. Regulates blood sugar and cholesterol levels
A poor diet can lead to the build-up of fats in the blood vessels, and eventually, people will end up developing heart disease. Sugar levels can increase abnormally in your body due to impairment of the pancreas. Several studies indicate that Calendula Officinalis flower can reduce blood glucose, urine sugar and serum lipid levels in the human body.



4. Protects your liver
The role of your liver is complex and if there is damage to the liver, it will affect all bodily systems. It is responsible for the metabolism of macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein and fat), storage of vitamins, bile creation, and drug metabolism. The liver is an important gland that flushes toxins out of the body. Therefore, protecting your liver health is vital. Research done on Calendula Officinalis flower reveal that this flower can protect your liver health.



5. Prevents cancer
Cancer is one of the major causes of death around the world. Studies reveal that pot marigold flower can protect against several cancers such as pancreatic cancer, leukaemia and colon cancer.



6. Support heart health
Globally, heart disease is one of the major illnesses that affects the human population and increases mortality. Thanks to the abundance of antioxidant benefits inside Calendula Officinalis flower, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease declines as this flower defends against ischemic heart disease.                                                  


7. Anti-bacterial properties
Bacterial infection can happen to anyone around the world. Exposing yourselves to unclean environments and practising unhygienic habits leads to microbes invading your body. This affects the physical and mental health of a person. According to several research studies, pot marigold flower inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli bacteria. 









All in All
Calendula Officinalis flower offers 7 evidence-backed health benefits that will nourish you from the inside and outside. No wonder it is called the flower of healing and hope. This flower has been used since the dawn of time to treat diseases and minor injuries.


You can consume the flower in a salad or use the dried flower petals to make tea. Share or ask questions if you would like to know more about the topic or if you have different insights that you would like to share. I am always happy to know about your journey in holistic approaches. 
 









References
1. Karthikeya P et al. (2022); A Review of Calendula Officinalis – Magic in Science; Journal Of Clinical and Diagnostic Research;
    16(2): ZE23 – ZE27.
2. Paridhi K et al. (2024); A Review on Traditional Uses, Photochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Calendula Officinalis;       
    Natural Product Communications; 19(6): 10.1177.
3. Simona O et al (2024); Calendula Officinalis  - Overview on Applications and Pharmaceutical Uses; Current Trends in
    Natural Sciences; 13(25): 268-279.
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