Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis

Color: Yellow-Orange

Description and Properties:

Calendula is a popular flower that is grown all over the world, and is a staple in most herbalists’ first aid kits. Calendula is a member of the sunflower family. It is also known as pot marigold, because it used to be a staple in German stew and soup recipes. It gets its name from the word “calendar”, as it tends to bloom once a month or with each new moon.

Calendula has been used for many different purposes worldwide. The Egyptians used it for its rejuvenating properties. In India, calendula flowers were used to adorn statues of Hindu gods in their temples. Calendula has also been used a colorant for food, cosmetics, clothing, and for a period during the 18^th and 19^th centuries, for coloring cheese. The ancient Greeks used calendula for its antifungal and disinfecting properties. As it is found in a number of countries and temperate climates, calendula has been used on the battlefield to treat wounded soldiers including during the Civil War and World War I.

Calendula has been shown to be effective in treating skin inflammation and healing cuts, wounds, insect bites, rashes and scratches. Calendula is used in a variety of skin treatments for both humans and animals because it is so effective in speeding the healing of wounds while also relieving pain and swelling and fighting off infection.

Calendula’s incredible properties include: antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and astringent. Calendula contains salicylic acid, which is the pain-relieving ingredient found in aspirin.

Calendula petals are edible and some regularly incorporate them into salads because calendula has been shown when used internally to stimulate the immune system, enhance liver function and calm the nervous system. Some studies have also shown calendula inhibits the growth of some tumors. Calendula can be given to your dog for internal use, in the form of tinctures or infusions.

Vintage Doggie Spa products that incorporate calendula include the Refreshing Spritz and the Herbal Healing Salve. If your dog has dry, itchy skin or abrasions that need healing, use these products to naturally soothe and treat.