Documented as a culinary herb and healing plant since the 12th century, this Mediterranean plant can be grown as an ornamental around the world. In Ontario it lasts only as an annual as the hard frosts are too damaging for this tender herb.

Traditionally, this herb calms upset stomach and ulcers when taken as a tincture or tisane. More often than not though, this plant is used in combination with others in a poultice. It heals wounds fast, increasing blood flow to the affected area, allowing for new tissue growth. The dried petals are used in tinctures, ointments, and washes to treat burns, bruises, and cuts, as well as the minor infections they cause. Excellent as a salve for burns, skin irritations, anti-HIV, and reduces inflammation. This has also been shown to help prevent dermatitis or skin inflammation in breast cancer patients during radiation therapy, and has some anti-tumor effects [1].

[1] Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre. (2013). About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products. Retrieved from: http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/calendula