Healing Benefits of Calendula (Calendula officinalis) Herb

Calendula is the must have herb in any first aid kit. Here on the farm, I can’t live without a good supply of organic calendula in my herbal supply. I have it in bulk herb form, oil, cream and tincture. It is used both internally for digestive issues, and externally for rashes, bug bites and other skin issues.

Although Calendula is native to southern Europe, it is now grown worldwide. In gardens, it is mostly grown as an annual. It is easily grown by seed each year, and sometimes it actually self propagates. Calendula flourishes in almost any soil and is easily grown. The petals are harvested in summer, and dried for later use. Fresh Calendula leaves can be added to your favorite salad.

Calendula is antiseptic,antiviral, antibiotic, and anti-fungal. It is useful for all skin wounds and inflammations. It is above all else a skin remedy, but is also used internally. Calendula can be used as an oil, ointment, liniment, or cream for use on the skin. Use it on cuts, scrapes, wounds and minor burns. Calendula is a great topical cream for mild sunburn. The oil or cream is wonderful for relieving cradle cap in babies.

Taken internally it helps the digestive system with inflammatory and bacterial conditions. Calendula is cleansing for the liver and gallbladder and can be used to treat problems affecting these organs. To use orally, you would drink it as a tea, or take it as a tincture.

Calendula tincture is great for cleaning of a wound. Mix a 50/50 dilution of water and tincture in a small pan and thoroughly clean wound. Use Calendula ointment or cream topically 3-4 times a day while symptoms persist. Calendula, with it’s anti-bacterial properties, will help fight off infections.

Calendula is a definite essential herbal healer to add to your first aid kit for all parts of the body.