Calendula- The Seasonal Garden beauty with medicinal qualities
Calendula- The Seasonal Garden beauty with medicinal qualities
A beautiful garden with vibrant flowers is something that attracts many. Calendula is a seasonal flower that enhances the garden’s beauty in the winter months.
There are countless interesting things to know about the Calendula plant. It remained in use for medicinal purposes since the 12th century. The popularity of Calendula is more as a medicinal flower.
The Origin of Calendula
Often known as marigolds, Calendula is an annual, perennial plant of the daisy family Asteraceae. They are native to the Mediterranean, southwest Asia, and Western Europe. However, now it is grown as an ornamental plant globally.
It grows 30-60 cm tall that branches out into orange-yellow petals. It requires minimum care and can withstand poor soil conditions too.
History Of Calendula as a Medicinal plant
Calendula is said to have a long history in the medicinal world. People used it for headaches, toothaches, fever, and red eye. In the 17th century, Nicholas Culpeper claimed it benefitted the heart. But it is not proven scientifically as an effective medicine for heart care.
Historic claims from the 16th century reveal that Calendula also had magical pursuits. Many used it as an ingredient in a potion that claimed to reveal fairies.
Interesting Facts about Calendula (Pot Marigold)
A. Calendula’s botanical name is Calendula officinalis.
B. It is birth flower for October borns .
C. Some believe that if the flower opens in the morning, it will rain, and hence came its name, “flower of the rains”.
D. The flower symbolizes sympathy or sorrow according to the flower language.
E. Calendula leaves are edible and bitter, and slightly peppery in taste. You can have it raw or cooked.
F. Do you know the nickname of the flower? It is “poor man’s saffron” because it substitutes expensive saffron.
G. It is an excellent natural fabric dye.
H. It is a genus of about 15-20 different species.
I. You can see its application in perfumes, cosmetics, and other beauty products.
J. It has herbal properties and is traditionally used to treat wounds, burns, eczema, and insect bites.
In short, Calendula is a well-known herbaceous plant with a long medicinal history. And that’s not all; it also has industrial, culinary, and ornamental uses.
One can grow Calendula in their garden as it requires no special soil. My experience with Calendula is more like a seasonal flower. Every winter, you will find the Calendula blooming in my garden. I am sure you have all heard about an antiseptic cream Boro Calendula. One of the ingredients in it was Calendula which was popular in the 80s.
This post is part of #BlogchatterA2Z
I’d have confused this one for a sunflower for sure.
Good to know about such a beautiful flower and happy to learn its now grown globally
This is an impressive post. Well researched!