(Calendula officinalis)  Also known as Pot marigold, the ancient Romans named this plant after they saw it bloom the first day or "calends" of every month. For centuries this plant was associated with the sun and believed to open with the sunrise and close with the sunset.  Description: Calendula has erect angular branched stems with fine hairs. Flowers are rays in solitary terminal heads 1.5 to 4 inches across, yellow to orange in color and close up at night.

Calendula is a wound healer both internally and externally.  It can be used to treat gastritis and duodenal ulcers and it can break your fever or alleviate menstrual cramps.  Externally, it is a soothing remedy for burns and advances the healing process of sores and wounds.

Herbal uses are medicinal, culinary, decorative and cosmetic. Culinary: Flowers can be dried and ground and used as a good substitute for the color saffron provides in soups, stews, and poultry. Flowers can also be used for a culinary dye in butters and custards. Decorative: Dry flowers can be used in arrangements. Calendula also makes a pale yellow dye for fabrics. Cosmetic: Add to skin cream and also use in herbal bath mix to stimulate the body. Calendula is said to have some medicinal uses. Avoid use during pregnancy.