Calendula, also called pot marigold, is a member of the daisy
family that is native to Europe and cultivated as an annual in cooler
climates and as a perennial in warmer regions. It is a companion plant
to other species in the garden that are affected by soil nematodes and
those that benefit from the presence of pollen beetles.
Since the time of the ancient Romans and Greeks, calendula has been used
to make a natural dye for cloth. A strong infusion (tea) of the flowers
adds golden highlights to fair hair. The flowers are also fed to
canaries to enhance the color of their feathers.
Although the ancients could not have known that calendula contains
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory carotenes, the herb has been used for
centuries to make topical preparations to ease eczema, psoriasis, insect
bites, abrasions and other irritations.
