Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a garden plant with orange-gold or yellow blooms that has a strong and distinctive scent. Calendula is also known as garden marigold, Mary bud, holligold, goldbloom, golds, ruddes, bull's eyes, and pot marigold. The calendula herb should not be mistaken for plants belonging to the genus Tagetes - which are true marigolds. Calendula got its name because it blooms every new moon. The name "marigold" refers to the Virgin Mary, and the flower is often used in Catholic events that honor her. With a name like marigold, some probably think they can use the annual flowers from their garden. That is probably either French marigold or African marigold and is a totally different species.

Calendula is native to Southern Europe around the Mediterranean Sea. It has been used by ancient Greeks, and was known to Indian and Arabic cultures before the Greeks. The botanical name comes from the Latin clandulae or calends meaning 'throughout the months', which was intended to emphasize the very long flowering period of the Marigold. Calendula is an annual garden plant with an angular, branched, hairy stem 1 to 2 feet high. From June to October the plant bears large, yellow or orange flower heads.

The medicinal qualities of Calendula have been known for centuries. More recently, its antioxidant properties have been cited as one of the reasons for its effectiveness. Calendula has been proven to aid in wound healing, and is frequently included in first aid ointments. And what is really wonderful you can make up an ointment of calendula marigold very easily yourself. Many already have Pot Marigold growing in the yards but if not one can get it at the local nursery - just make sure you ask specifically for Calendula Officinalis.

Once the calendula ointment has already cooled down, you may now start using it on your skin. Lather it gently on areas affected by skin irritation, eczema, psoriasis and many others. And since this is remedy made from 100 percent natural ingredients, you can even use it on kids whenever they get insect bites. This would prevent them from itching and scratching the bite. Those who have dry feet can also lather the DIY calendula at night and cover it using a sock as well.

The chemical composition of Calendula is what makes it such a powerful healer. The plant contains triterpene saponins and mucilage, both of which exert a softening and healing effect on external skin surfaces and also on internal mucous membranes. Calendula also contains carotenoids which speed up the healing rate of skin, and flavonoids which reduce cellular aging and maximize the integrity of cell walls. The Calendula Plant actually has many healing properties that range from anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and even anti-viral. The Calendula plant has actually proven to be quite helpful in healing various types of wounds, including burns. It speeds up healing, and even reduces inflammation. Modern medicine would be lost without it.

As an antioxidant, calendula extracts protect the body from damage caused by an immuno-suppressing function called oxidation. Calendula essential oil has been proven to aid in wound healing. Combined with olive oil, it becomes an excellent salve even for serious burns, bruises and cuts. It can heal external lacerations, abrasions and skin blemishes, rashes, wounds, chapped lips, diaper rash, gum and tooth infections, hemorrhoids, sore throats and tonsillitis.To treat varicose veins, Calendula is added to a cream or lotion and applied directly to affected areas. Creams made with Calendula can reduce the inflammation associated with varicose veins and can regenerate weak, damaged veins and spider veins.

Research shows that calendula has miraculous regenerative, anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties, so it can work wonders for psoriasis. It soothes and lessens the itching. Since psoriasis makes the skin dry, this essential oil can hydrate the skin.