Get To Know: Calendula

How to Identify Calendula

Key Features

Feature	Description
Plant Type	Annual herb
Height	12–24 inches (30–60 cm) tall
Leaves	Lance-shaped, slightly sticky, pale green, alternately arranged
Flowers	Bright yellow to orange, daisy-like with multiple petals (ray florets), bloom spring to fall
Scent	Mild, resinous, herbal
Stem	Soft and slightly hairy
Seeds	Curved, crescent moon-shaped, spiny

Habitat:

• Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean; cultivated globally.
• Grows easily in gardens, pots, or wildflower patches.

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Historical Uses of Calendula

Ancient and Medieval Medicine

• Used by Romans and Greeks for treating wounds, bruises, and digestive issues.
• The Doctrine of Signatures associated its golden color with the sun and healing power.

Christian Symbolism & Folk Lore

• Known as “Mary’s Gold” in reference to the Virgin Mary.
• Used in Catholic and pagan rituals, especially during feasts and festivals.
• Calendula flowers were scattered on doorsteps or added to soups to ward off evil and bring cheer.

Apothecaries & Herbalists

• By the Middle Ages, it became a go-to remedy for inflammatory conditions, ulcers, and skin infections.
• Calendula petals were used to color cheese and butter, and were sometimes called “poor man’s saffron.”

You can get a one pound bag of Calendula from Starwest Botanicals through our Amazon Affiliate here.

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Medicinal Benefits (Modern Herbal Uses)

Calendula is widely used today for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antifungal, and vulnerary (wound-healing) actions.

1. Wound & Skin Healing

• Speeds healing of cuts, burns, bruises, rashes, and surgical incisions.
• Useful for eczema, acne, diaper rash, cracked skin, and radiation burns.
• Stimulates collagen production and reduces scarring.

2. Anti-inflammatory

• Effective internally and topically for reducing inflammation in the skin, digestive tract, and oral cavity.

3. Antiseptic & Antifungal

• Used for fungal infections (like athlete’s foot or candida) and minor bacterial infections.

4. Digestive & Lymphatic Support

• Helps soothe gastritis, ulcers, and leaky gut.
• Supports the lymphatic system, helping to reduce swollen glands and promote detoxification.

5. Menstrual Regulation

• Mild emmenagogue: can help stimulate delayed menstruation and ease menstrual cramps.

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How to Use Calendula

Parts Used:

• Petals (ray florets) are most commonly used (fresh or dried).
• Resinous green base is strongest in medicinal compounds.

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Common Preparations:

Form	Use
Tea/Infusion	Internal inflammation, ulcers, lymphatic support
Tincture	Concentrated for lymph, digestion, immune health
Infused oil	Base for skin salves, balms, baby care
Salves & creams	Topical healing of wounds, rashes, eczema
Compress or wash	Applied to wounds, eyes (as eyewash), or infections
Gargle/mouthwash	For oral ulcers, sore throat, gingivitis

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Calendula Skin-Healing Oil (Basic Recipe)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried calendula petals
• 1 cup carrier oil (olive, jojoba, or sweet almond)

Instructions:

1. Place petals in a clean jar and cover with oil.
2. Let infuse for 4–6 weeks in a warm place (or heat gently for 2–3 hours for quicker method).
3. Strain and store in a dark glass bottle.
   Use alone or as the base for salves and lotions.

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Safety & Precautions

• Very safe for most people.
• Avoid internal use during pregnancy without professional guidance (mild emmenagogue).
• May cause allergic reactions in those sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family (e.g., ragweed, chamomile).
• Always use organically grown calendula for medicinal use to avoid pesticide contamination.

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