Calendula

Calendula officinalis

The bright orange 'pot marigold' — the West's classic skin-healing ally for cuts, rashes, and inflammation.

At a glance

Resinous, slightly sticky petals with a warm honey-hay scent. Tea brews a deep gold and tastes faintly of grass and saffron.

  • Salves and balms for cuts and rashes
  • Radiation-burn skincare
  • Mouthwash and gargle
  • Broth coloring and digestive bitter

Modern research

Tradition

Called 'Mary's gold' in medieval Europe and a saffron substitute for the poor. The Eclectic American physicians of the 19th century considered it one of the finest wound remedies.

Modern evidence

A landmark RCT showed calendula ointment reduced grade-2 radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients vs trolamine. Triterpenoid faradiol esters drive the anti-inflammatory effect.