Vegetable Oil Calendula (Calendula Oil)

Genus & Name

Calendula is a genus of 15–20 herbaceous plants in the family commonly known as Daisies (genus Asteraceae), which are often referred to as marigolds. They are native to southwestern Asia, western Europe, Macaronesia and the Mediterranean. 

The Latin name of the genus Calendula means “little calendar”, “little clock”. The most commonly cultivated member of the genus is Calendula officinalis, the pot marigold. The popular herbal and cosmetic products called "Calendula" always come from Calendula officinalis.

History
Calendula was used in historical times for headaches, red eyes, fever and toothaches.

The ancient Romans and Greeks used golden Calendula in many traditions, sometimes wearing crowns or garlands made from this flower.

However, the most common historical use was culinary, and the plant was used both for its color and its flavor. It was used in pasta, wine, bulgur and puddings. In English cuisine, marigolds were often cooked in the same pot as spinach and used to flavor food. According to the 16th-century Englishman John Gerard, every proper Dutch soup of his time would include marigold petals.

Uses

Cooking:
Also known as “poor man’s saffron”, the petals are edible and can be used fresh in salads or dried and used to colour cheese or as a substitute for saffron. Calendula flowers have a mildly sweet flavour that is slightly bitter, and as they dry these flavours become more intense. They can be used to add colour to soups, stews, meat dishes, creams and liqueurs.

Dyes:
Dye can be extracted from the flower and produce shades of honey, golden orange, light brown and vivid yellow.

Chemistry:
The flowers of Calendula officinalis contain flavonol glycosides, triterpene oligoglycosides, oleanane-type triterpenoid glycosides, saponins and a sesquiterpene glycoside.

Pharmacological effects:
The oil of Calendula officinalis is still used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory and as a remedy for wound healing and skin conditions. Calendula ointments are topical products available for use on minor cuts, burns, eczema and skin irritations. It has antiseptic and soothing properties.

Pharmacological studies on the plant have suggested that Calendula extracts have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. In herbal medicine, calendula in suspension or tincture form is used topically to treat acne, reduce inflammation, control bleeding and soothe irritated tissue. Limited evidence suggests that calendula cream or ointment is effective in treating radiation dermatitis.

Calendula has traditionally been used for abdominal cramps and constipation. In experiments, the aqueous-ethanolic extract of Calendula officinalis flowers was shown to have both spasmolytic and spasmogenic effects, thus providing a scientific rationale for this traditional use. Nevertheless, ingestion of the plant in large quantities should be approached with caution, as it can potentially become toxic.

In addition, ingestion should be avoided during pregnancy, as the necessary studies have not been carried out and allergic reactions have been observed.