Calendula

Sometimes called Marigold, the essential oil can help to relieve cold sores, stop fungal infections, ringworm, and thrush. Calendula is also good for the liver, including those suffering from hepatitis.

Calendula is a versatile and easy-to-grow herb suitable for Florida as an annual, or as a perennial in USDA hardiness zones 8-11. To grow calendula as an annual, sow seeds in late winter or early spring, post the last frost date. Calendula thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. While Calendula officinalis is technically a short-lived perennial, it will not withstand Florida's hot summers or the cold winters of the north.

Medicinal Uses

Calendula is renowned for its use in the topical treatment of skin ailments, including stings, bites, rashes, and varicose veins. It's also ingested to combat fevers and infections. Its crushed stems have been traditionally used for wart removal. The plant's medicinal uses extend to reducing inflammation, acting as an antiseptic, providing antispasmodic benefits, offering laxative effects, among others. Calendula has been employed for an array of medicinal purposes.

Edible Parts

Both the leaves and flowers of calendula are edible, rich in vitamins and minerals. The flowers are typically consumed more than the leaves. Fresh petals can enhance salads, while dried petals serve as a seasoning, a saffron alternative, or for brewing tea.

Gathering and Using

When in bloom, calendula petals and flowers, the most utilized parts, can be collected for immediate raw use or drying, leveraging their medicinal and culinary properties.