What is calendula?

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a flowering plant in the daisy family that has been traditionally used since the 13th century to treat wounds, digestive problems, and menstrual pain.^[1] The flower petals can be compounded to prepare oral and topical products for medicinal purposes. Calendula can also be consumed as tea. Calendula petals contain flavonoids, compounds which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect cells from being damaged by radicals, or unstable molecules.^[2] Therefore, it is thought that calendula can fight inflammation. Additionally, calendula is often used to help wounds heal by promoting blood flow to the area.^[3] Calendula should not be confused with the marigold plant, a different orange flower often grown in gardens, which is part of the genus Tagetes.