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The beneficial properties of calendula, a.k.a. marigoldGrab this swicki from eurekster.com 
As you read this page about calendula (also known as marigold)- please keep in mind the following: (1) Do not confuse it with the common French (Tagetes), Inca (T. minuta), or African types (T. erecta). This page is about C.officinalis. (2) If you're on any prescription medications, especially those to treat high blood pressure, insomnia, diabetes, or cholesterol-lowering agents, make your health care practitioner aware.
This is because the sunny looking plant can increase the therapeutic effects of some drugs, causing low blood pressure, lower than normal blood glucose levels, increased drowsiness, etc.
If it works for you, you may need to adjust the dose of your other medications! Please take this warning seriously
The plant belongs to the Asteraceae family, and it's known by a variety of names such as "summer's bride", "pot marigold", "golden flower of Mary", "kingscup", and "husband's dial", to name a few. The cheerful flowers in shades of reds, oranges and yellows bloom from early summer until late fall. (In the summertime, I use a photo of it as PC wallpaper - it brightens things up!) The stems and leaves contain beta carotene and lutein, so pay attention if you already use products containing these ingredients. The plant has a variety of therapeutic uses. For example, a scientific study demonstrated its ability (in the form of an ointment)to reduce the redness, pain and irritation experienced by many women following radiation therapy for breast cancer. The ointment was applied two or three times a day during treatment.
The plant has also shown encouraging results for the treatment of ear infections. Its pain relieving properties are equal to the non-herbal preparations (and I'd rather stick to herbs if at all possible, don't you?).
Dermatitis, minor skin wounds, acne and even skin cancer have also shown considerable improvement by the regular application of marigold ointment.
Calendula is sometimes used in soaps. Be careful, however, because not all soaps containing it are created equal. Actually, most soaps only have the artificial scent of it! Of the dozens of soaps I was presented with by various producers/distributors, only one made it to the shelf in my store. It's quite popular, and customers simply love it, especially during the summer months, when skin tends to redden. It really is an extraordinary soap, containing calendula extract, lecithin, and Ceylon coconut. I love it too!
Allergic reactions are not common. However, if you're allergic to plants such as daisies, ragweed, asters, chrysanthemums, you may want to start slowly with any calendula preparation, as the risk of an allergic reaction is slightly higher. Also, if you are pregnant, refrain from using marigold ointment/teas. They may cause miscarriage.
After receiving so many requests about the only calendula soap I sell and recommend, here it is, below. It is made by the Valobra Company located in the Italian Riviera (gorgeous place - I lived there for years!)
I believe you simply cannot find purer soaps. This 4oz. calendula soap contains lecithin, vitamin E and calendula extract. That's it! The Valobra soaps are made using techniques that go back hundreds of years - though modern equipment is used today,of course! And the formed soaps are left to cure naturally for at least 6 months. Let me tell you an interesting bit about curing. Have you ever had a soap crack? It's not that uncommon. Aside from poor-quality ingredients, the most common reason for cracking is what I call "artificial curing", where air is forced on the soaps to make them dry faster. The center of the soap, however, is still quite soft, and it will eventually crack. This hasn't happened to any of the soaps I sell. Mind you, it's not going to "hurt" anything, but I find it irritating and unsightly. The calendula soap will help with skin dryness and it'll impart a fresh, glowing look. $9.50
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