Calendula is a perennial plant in the Aster/Daisy family. The flowers and petals are both edible and can be used in salads, as a seasoning, or a tea.
Medicinally, Calendula can be used as a tea, infused oil, salve, compress or poultice. It is good for skin diseases, cuts, rashes, wounds, burns, cold sores, herpes, chicken pox, and irritations. (source: The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies, Nicole Apelian, Ph.D & Claude Davis)
Calendula works by stimulating the immune system, inducing collagen production, and inhibiting collagen degradation. It is commonly used topically to speed tissue healing after injuries, burns, and bruises. It is useful for dry skin, eczema, and can ease pain in minor injuries when applied topically.(source: The Modern Herbal Dispensatory - A Medicine-Making Guide by Thomas Easley and Steven Horne)
I used Calendula Infused Olive Oil when making my Calendula Soap, Calendula & Carrot Soap, and Calendula & Lavender Soap.
I used Calendula Infused Sunflower Oil in my body polishes and Calendula Salve.
My infused oils are made with the full flower and infused for 6 weeks prior to use. I source dried full flower calendula from Mountain Rose Herbs. The dried petals used in the soap for color and tea are sourced from BrambleBerry or Forest & Meadow Apothecary in St. Louis.
Calendula extract in my Calendula Soaps is from BrambleBerry.