The herb calendula (botanical name Calendula officinalis) is also known as the pot marigold and forms the basis for the homeopathic remedy calendula. The herb derives its name Calendula from the Latin term ‘kalendae' denoting the first day of the month, most possibly because pot marigolds blossom at the beginning of most of the months of the year. On the other hand, the common name of the herb ‘marigold' possibly denoted the Virgin Mary or may be from its ancient Saxon name that translated to English literally connotes ‘it turns with the sun'. People have been using this herb since times immemorial to cure numerous health conditions that vary from skin disorders to cancer. In the present day, calendula is among the most extensively used herbs that is especially applied externally and its extract is also used as a gargle to stop bleeding following a tooth extract.
