Calendula (Calendula officinalis):

Botanical Description:
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region but is now cultivated worldwide for its medicinal and ornamental purposes.

Traditional Energetics:

Ayurvedic: Calendula is considered cooling and drying, balancing Pitta and Kapha doshas.
TCM: Calendula is not extensively used in TCM, but its properties align with those that clear heat and resolve toxins.

TCM Uses:

Calendula is occasionally used in TCM to alleviate skin conditions and promote wound healing.

Common Folk Uses:

Calendula flowers are used in herbal salves, creams, and oils for their skin-soothing and wound-healing properties.
It's used topically to treat minor cuts, burns, rashes, and inflammation.

Dosage:

Aqueous Decoction: 1-2 teaspoons of dried calendula flowers per cup of water, steeped for 10-15 minutes. Use topically as a wash or compress.
1:2 Tincture: 2-4 ml, three times a day.

Folk Tale:

In medieval Europe, calendula was believed to possess magical properties and was used in love divination rituals. It was said that placing calendula flowers under one's pillow would induce prophetic dreams about future lovers.