Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – an annual herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family, growing from 15 to 70 cm tall, with bright orange flowers that can vary from light orange to dark red. The plant prefers sunny spots and grows well on various soils, including wet and moderately fertile ones. Blooming lasts from June to September, sometimes even until the first frost, which makes calendula available throughout the summer.
Calendula is renowned for its rich chemical composition: essential oil, carotenoids, salicylic acid, phytoncides, tannins, and antioxidants. These components give the plant anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, soothing, and immunomodulating properties. In traditional medicine, calendula is used to treat skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis), wounds, cuts, burns, as well as gastritis, stomach ulcers, and liver problems.
To obtain medicinal raw materials, flowers are usually collected on dry days, dried on fabric or in a well-ventilated room, avoiding direct sunlight. Dried inflorescences retain their quality for 1–2 years when stored in a dark and dry place. With proper processing, they can be used as ointments, emulsions, infusions, and extracts, which are applied to accelerate wound healing, improve the condition of skin and oral cavity, and reduce inflammation and pain. Calendula is also valued in cuisine and perfumery due to its aromatic oil, which is added to cheeses, oils, and spices.
