Calendula (Calendula officinalis) vs Cleavers (Galium aparine)

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Cleavers (Galium aparine)

About

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) has bright orange daisy-like flowers.

Cleavers is a straggling, square-stemmed annual growing to 4 feet with whorls of lance-shaped leaves, clusters of small white flowers, and small round green fruits covered with hooked prickles. The name refers to the plant's ability to cling (or cleave) to fur or clothing. Common throughout Europe and North America and found in many other temperate regions including Australia, it grows prolifically in gardens and along roadsides. The Greek physician Dioscorides in the 1st century CE noted that shepherds used the stems to make sieves for straining milk.

Safety & precautions

Internal Use & Pregnancy: Not advised during pregnancy when taken internally. Topical Use: Allergic skin reactions may occur. General Note: Calendula has a mild estrogenic effect and may influence menstruation.

Ask a qualified professional before medicinal use.

Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.