Most keen gardeners know that aromas and extractions from marigold roots are invaluable to other plants. They kill parasitic nematodes in soil as well as whitefly, and are especially beneficial to grow with potatoes and tomatoes. It is common to adorn the gardens with fancy varieties of marygold while the little less flamboyant variety pot marigold or Calendula Officinalis is very often overlooked and sometimes even regarded as weed.

However, there is certainly much more to this plant then meets the eye.  Calendula Officinalis, also known as Pot Marigold, Poet's Marigold, Bride of the Sun, and Holigold has been highly valued amongst herbalist healers since ancient times.

In the 1664 posthumous edition of Dodoen’s herbal we are told that alchemists used marigolds in their endeavors to make gold. Unfortunately, no recipe is supplied.

I cannot say anything about alchemical or magical properties of Calendula but I could speak volumes about its wound healing and anti-infectious properties.

I first started using Calendula in homeopathic form during my time at the clinic for strays. The effect was astonishing to such extent, that I decided to bypass usual prolonged use of antibiotics during postoperative period.  Even after intrusive and excessive surgeries such as removal of large tumours not a single case of post operative infections or wound healing complications was recorded. In all cases wounds healed much quicker and with minimal scarring.

Since those days calendula has become integral part of all of my surgical protocols. Calendula is a miraculous plant not only for animals but also for their owners.

Apart from surgical wounds it can be used on all kinds of traumatic wounds, as long as they are thoroughly cleaned. Calendula will close up the wounds so quickly that dirt particles may remain trapped inside. It can also be used on inflamed and bleeding gums, burns, decubital wounds, cracked skin, abscesses, warts, boils and ulcers to great beneficial effect. If you are working hard in your garden and suffer from very dry and cracked skin on your hands apply calendula cream before bed. In no time the skin will become healthy, soft and smooth. For halitosis or gum disease, use calendula mouth wash twice a day.

In my experience the best effect with wounds  is accomplished with simultaneous internal and external use. For internal use I employ homeopathic preparation of Calendula granules 30C at least three times a day until the healing occurs while calendula cream or ointment is also applied several times a day on the affected place.  For periodontal disease and halitosis calendula is used as the mouth wash twice a day.

Calendula mother tincture is easily found in any better supplied regular pharmacy or homeopathic pharmacy. In case you have access to fresh Pot marigolds, making the tincture on your own could be fun.  For medicinal purposes, petals have the greatest value and its best to collect only the brightest flowers whilst avoiding the pale ones. Calendula flowers from May to October. Once you have collected enough fresh flowers put them in a glass jar   and cover with 70% alcohol in 1:5 ratio (10 g of flowers with 50g of alcohol). Place the sealed jar in a sunny and warm place for 15-20 days. When the liquid gets golden in colour the tincture has matured enough and after the straining it is ready to use.

To prepare a mouth wash use one teaspoon in 100 ml of water. For wounds, burns and cracked skin you can prepare cream by adding 20 drops in 50gr of pharmaceutical neutral hydro cream. Calendula cream will be ready to use after thorough mixing of at least 10 minutes..

Having all this in mind, I am sure you will now start looking at this modest flower, frequently regarded as weed with different eyes. It is always wise the have a bottle of Calendula tincture at home as you never know what kind of trouble your pets may get into.

Dr. Zoran is holistic veterinarian practicing in Malta. For more info visit www.vetmalta.com