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Calendula: Herb of the Year

The Herb Society of America has declared calendula to be celebrated as herb of the year. Congratulations, Calendula! Here's the resume of calendula:

Calendula : Calendula officinalis

Calendula is modest in its medicinal exploits, but is definitely worth getting to know because it is one of the most versatile of herbs.

Calendula is a hardy annual with showy orange or yellow daisy-like flowers, easily grown from seeds scattered in the garden in spring. Often, if some flowers are allowed to set seed, it will come back to offer up a splash of color year after year.

The calendula flowers contain a variety of compounds which are believed to support wound healing. Calendula is thought to be anti-inflammatory, constricting blood vessels to stop bleeding. It may also be anti-bacterial. Calendula was used during the American Civil War to draw out infection. Topical uses of calendula would be for abrasions, acne, and burns.

Herbalists believe calendula is very versatile, speeding the healing of wounds, making the skin more supple by increasing blood supply to it, and soothing pain when used topically.

Calendula has also been traditionally used to support a healthy digestive process. Lutein, an antioxidant in marigold extract, is known to support the health of the eyes.