Another interesting blossom

Somewhere I read that a healthy calendula plant could have as many as five flowers open simultaneously. Just prior to taking this photo I removed six blossoms for a bouquet for my wife, and if I counted correctly this specimen had at least twenty one.

In addition to being edible I found that the plant is a virtual pharmacy. This quote is from the site More Than Alive:

Excerpts from Practical Herbalism

Calendula is a remedy long used throughout Europe and the Americas for wound healing and ulcer treatments. Culpeper speaks of the flowers, either fresh or dried as being “much used in possets, broth, and drink as a comforter of the heart and spirits, and to expel any malignant or pestilential quality which might annoy them.” Ellingwood recommend it for varicose veins, chronic ulcers, capillary, engorgement, hepatic and splenic congestion, recent wounds and open sores, and severe burns. Calendula petals have often been used to add color and flavor to breads, soups, pickles, and salad oils.

Internal Usages:

Bleeding, Hemorrhoids	Cramps
Fever	Hemorrhage
Measles	Skin Eruptions, Fungal Conditions
Ulcers, Digestive Inflammation

External Usages:

Bee Stings, Insect Bites	Earache
Hemorrhoids	Sinus Lavage
Skin Diseases, Eczema, Psoriasis	Sunburn, Burns, Scalds, Ulcerations
Vaginal Discharge	Varicose Veins
Wash wounds	Wounds, Abrasions

Special Considerations:

Do not confuse this plant with the more common garden Marigold, French Marigold, or Tagetes.

Notes:

Calendula is one of the best herbs for treating local skin problems. It may be used safely wherever there is an inflammation on the skin, whether due to infection or physical damage. It may be used for any external bleeding or wounds, bruising, or strains. It will also be of benefit in slow-healing wounds and skin ulcers. A very useful anti-septic ointment can be made by combining it with Comfrey root, Oregon Grape Root and Myrrh.