Calendula
Calendula () is a genus of about 15–20 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants in the daisy family Asteraceae that are often known as marigolds. They are native to southwestern Asia, western Europe, Macaronesia, and the Mediterranean. (Other plants also known as marigolds, are corn marigold, desert marigold, marsh marigold, and plants of the genus "Tagetes"). The genus name "Calendula" is a modern Latin diminutive of "calendae", meaning "little calendar", "little clock" or possibly "little weather-glass". The common name "marigold" refers to the Virgin Mary. The most commonly cultivated and used member of the genus is "Calendula officinalis , the pot marigold. Popular herbal and cosmetic products named Calendula" invariably derive from "C. officinalis". "Calendula" is one of the two birth flowers for the month of October, the other being "Cosmos". Uses. History. "Calendula" was not a major medicinal herb but it was used in historic times for headaches, red eye, fever and toothaches. As late as the 17th century Nicholas Culpeper claimed "Calendula" benefited the heart, but it was not considered an especially efficacious medicine. In historic times "Calendula" was more often used for magical purposes than medicinal ones. One 16th-century potion containing "Calendula" claimed to reveal  fairies. An unmarried woman with two suitors would take a blend of powdered "Calendula", marjoram, wormwood and thyme simmered in honey and white wine used as an ointment in a ritual to reveal her true match. Romans and Greeks used the golden "Calendula" in many rituals and ceremonies, sometimes wearing crowns or garlands made from the flowers. One of its nicknames is "Mary's Gold", referring to the flowers' use in early Christian events in some countries. "Calendula" flowers are sacred flowers in India and have been used to decorate the statues of Hindu deities since early times. However, the  most common use in historic times was culinary, and the plant was used for both its color and its flavor. They were used for dumplings, wine, oatmeal and puddings. In English cuisine "Calendula" were often cooked in the same pot with spinach, or used to flavor stewed birds. According to sixteenth-century Englishman John Gerard, every proper soup of Dutch cuisine in his era would include "Calendula" petals. Culinary. Also known as "poor man's saffron," the petals are edible and can be used fresh in salads or dried and used to color cheese or as a substitute for saffron . Calendulas have a mildly sweet taste that is slightly bitter, and as it dries these flavors become more intense. It can be used to add color to soups, stews, poultry dishes, custards and liquors. The common name for "Calendula officinalis" in Britain is 'pot-marigold,' named so because of its use in broths and soups. Dyes. Dye can be extracted from the flower and produce shades of honey, gold oranges, light browns, and vibrant yellows. Chemistry. The flowers of "C. officinalis" contain flavonol glycosides, triterpene oligoglycosides, oleanane-type triterpene glycosides, saponins, and a sesquiterpene glucoside. Pharmacological effects. "Calendula officinalis" oil  is still used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory and a remedy for healing wounds. "Calendula" ointments are skin products available for use on minor cuts, burns, and skin irritation; however, evidence of their effectiveness is weak. Plant pharmacological studies have suggested that "Calendula" extracts have antiviral, antigenotoxic, and anti-inflammatory properties "in vitro". In herbalism, "Calendula" in suspension or in tincture is used topically for treating acne, reducing inflammation, controlling bleeding, and soothing irritated tissue. Limited evidence indicates "Calendula" cream or ointment is effective in treating radiation dermatitis. Topical application of "C. officinalis" ointment has helped to prevent dermatitis and  pain; thus reducing the incidence rate of skipped radiation treatments in randomized trials. "Calendula" has been used traditionally for abdominal cramps and constipation. In experiments with rabbit jejunum, the aqueous-ethanol extract of "C. officinalis" flowers was shown to have both spasmolytic and spasmogenic effects, thus providing a scientific rationale for this traditional use. An aqueous extract of "C. officinalis" obtained by a novel extraction method has demonstrated antitumor (cytotoxic) activity and immunomodulatory properties (lymphocyte activation) "in vitro", as well as antitumor activity in mice. "Calendula" plants are known to cause allergic reactions, and should be avoided during pregnancy. Diversity . Species include: