The flower petals of the calendula plant (Calendula officinalis), or pot marigold, have been used for medicinal purposes since at least the 12th century. Calendula is native to Mediterranean countries but is now grown as an ornamental plant throughout the world. However, it is not the same as the annual marigold plant that is often grown in gardens.
The dried petals of the calendula plant are used in tinctures, ointments, and washes to treat burns, bruises, and cuts, as well as the minor infections they cause. Calendula also has been shown to help prevent dermatitis or skin inflammation in people with breast cancer during radiation therapy. Calendula has high amounts of flavonoids, plant-based antioxidants that protect cells from being damaged by unstable molecules called free radicals. Calendula appears to fight inflammation, viruses, and bacteria.

These are some of the potential health benefits of calendula:

May promote skin health:

Pot marigolds (calendula) may play a role in improving your skin’s appearance. One small study of 21 adults found that using a topical cream of pot marigold extract may help make skin firmer and more hydrated. There was also a very slight improvement in the elasticity of the skin. But more research is needed.

Gold Bloom Wound Healing:

Plant compounds in calendula, like flavonoids and saponins, may help prevent your body from releasing enzymes that cause inflammation and sensitivity. Calendula also has other active ingredients, like triterpenoids, that have anti-inflammatory properties.

Calendula (Flower Petals) Bacterial vaginosis:

Bacterial vaginosis is inflammation of the vagina. It’s caused by overgrowth of a type of bacteria that’s naturally found in your vagina.

Gold Bloom Eczema:

Some people use marigolds (calendula) to treat their eczema. However, there have been few research studies in support of this use. One study on people receiving post-op radiation therapy for breast cancer found that calendula was able to relieve pain from dermatitis caused by radiation.

Gold Bloom Diaper rash:

Researchers found that calendula creams aren’t as effective as bentonite clay when treating diaper rash. Bentonite is a type of mineral that's used to moisturize and protect skin.

Marigold Nutritional Value:

Extracts of pot marigold flowers have been found to contain 15 amino acids and phytonutrients like flavonoids. They also have plant chemicals called carotenoids, including:
 
Neoxanthin
Luteoxanthin
Lycopene
Lutein
Beta-carotene

Precautions:

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use calendula. In theory, calendula could interfere with conception, and possibly cause miscarriage, so couples trying to get pregnant should not use calendula.
Calendula is generally considered safe to use on your skin. DO NOT apply it to an open wound without a doctor's supervision. People who are allergic to plants in the daisy or aster family, including chrysanthemums and ragweed, may also have an allergic reaction to calendula (usually a skin rash).

How to Make Calendula Tea:

Bring water to a boil
Add about two teaspoons of dried flowers to a tea infuser or teapot
Pour hot water over the leaves and allow it to steep for 10 minutes
Strain and add any type of flavoring you'd like such as cinnamon, vanilla, honey, etc.

Other Names: calendula, Kelendula, Celendula, Calandula, Calendula Officinalis, Pot Marigold, Gold Bloom, Canendula