Calendula

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Calendula

Calendula (/kəˈlɛndjuːlə/), also known as marigold, is a genus of about 15–20 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants in the daisy family Asteraceae.

Etymology

The name Calendula is a modern Latin diminutive of calendae, meaning "little calendar", "little clock" or possibly "little weather-glass". The name may refer to the plant's tendency to bloom with the calendar, usually once a month or with every new moon.

Description

Calendula plants are known for their large, bright yellow or orange flowers. They are native to southwestern Asia, western Europe, and the Mediterranean. The leaves are spirally arranged, 5–18 cm long, simple, and slightly hairy. The flower heads range from pastel yellow to deep orange, and are 3–7 cm across, with both ray florets and disc florets.

Medicinal Uses

Calendula has been used traditionally as both a culinary and medicinal herb. The petals are edible and can be used fresh in salads or dried and used to color cheese or as a replacement for saffron. A yellow dye has also been extracted from the flower, by boiling.

Medicinally, Calendula has been used to treat conjunctivitis, blepharitis, eczema, gastritis, minor burns including sunburns, warts, and minor injuries such as sprains and wounds. It has also been used to treat cramps, coughs, and snake bites.

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