Calendula - Calendula officinalis

Calendula is an annual plant. It has a branched stem with small hairs on it, which grow 1 to 2 feet high. The alternate leaves are also hairy with widely spaced teeth. It flowers large yellow or orange flowerheads during June to October. The leaves and flowers of the calendula plant are antispasmodic, aperient, cholagogue, diaphoretic and vulnerary.

You can use an infusion of the flowers for gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers, stomach cramps, colitis and diarrhea. This can also be taken internally for fever, boils, abscesses and to prevent vomiting. Used externally, a salve can be made from the dried flowers and leaves and the juice pressed from the fresh plant. This is good for bruises, sprains, pulled muscles, sores and boils. Rub the fresh juice on the skin to get rid of warts. A tincture of the plant can be used for gastritis and menstrual difficulties.