Known as Mary’s gold (Marigold) and symbolizes “winning grace.”
One of the first plants that spoke to me at the beginning of my herbal journey was #calendulaofficinalis. I have found Calendula to be one of my favorite herbs to work with for both external and internal uses. It is resembles the sun in appearance as well as in spirit.
The Roots of Marigold
Calendula is called marigold because it was dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the Middle Ages (McIntyre, 1996); however, calendula is a different species than the marigold in the genus Tagetes that is commonly sold in garden nurseries today. (source: The Herbal Academy)
The Birth Flower of October is the Calendula – commonly known as the Marigold. It has been used for centuries, by Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Hindu people and Mexico used internally, topically and spiritually, to heal wounds, burns, rashes, enhance eyesight, honor the deceased and more. The “sun” flowers are a traditional remedy for supporting the skin, immune & lymphatic systems and lifting the spirits. “If that weren’t enough, the edible ray florets of the flower heads (which look like yellow petals) are bursting with antioxidant compounds.” (source: Chestnut Herbs)
A Powerful Ally
Calendula is a powerful vulnerary both externally and internally. It has long been used to soothe and mend cuts, burns, bites, sprains, bruises, rashes, sunburns, and abrasions due to its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, and vulnerary
actions. Calendula also contains salicylic acid (Foster, 1993) so it works as an analgesic to help ease the pain associated with these types of wounds and skin irritations, including nettle stings. Calendula also soothes itching. Due to its vulnerary and regenerative properties, calendula is even used on persistent wounds and old scars.
It is an ally for healthy menstruation due to its antispasmodic, emmenagogue, and estrogenic effects which regulate menstruation, resolve delayed menstruation, ease tension, cramping and pain associated with menstruation, and soothe menopausal symptoms (McIntyre, 1996; Hoffmann, 2003). Herbalist David Hoffmann considers it “a normalizer of the menstrual process.”
Calendula is an anti-fungal herb used both internally and externally for fungal skin infections (e.g. athlete’s foot and jock itch) and yeast overgrowths (e.g. candida in the gut, thrush, and vaginal yeast infections). Calendula’s antimicrobial action is also employed in cases of eye infections such as pink eye/conjunctivitis. (source: The Herbal Academy)
Spiritual Influences
Calendula builds up the solar force, raises vitality, boosts immunity, and helps to shine the light onto the dark places in both the body and the mind. ( source: Evolutionary Herbalism)
Ruled by the Sun and fire and it is considered the herb of internal sunshine, bringing joy and happiness especially for those experiencing grief. It is a strong ally when you need to communicate for both listener and speaker and for when you have to face your fears.
My Calendula Story
For as long as I can remember I have had skin eruptions in the form of acne down to eczema. Calendula has been a faithful friend to my skin and it also helped me to face my fears when I felt like I was backed into a corner. Bathing in my signature milk bath Sweet Incanto was one of the first ways that I experienced calendula‘s sunshine because living in NYC will have you down in the dumps from time to time and this lovely sun herb supports me whenever I need a pick me up. For these reasons, it will always be near and dear to my heart.
Available at Our Store
We use calendula in several of our products found in our proprietary herbal teas, skin healing salves, body butters, perfume oils, custom baby products, vaginal steams and milk baths. Just type calendula in the search bar and each product will reveal itself to you.
New to the Apothecary we are also offering dried calendula flowers from EarthWise Aromatics by the ounce. For a limited time only!
Remember due to Covd-19 our offerings right now are limited, however, if you email me I may be able whip up some herbal goodness just for you.
Xo,
Lea Afia
Herbalist & Proprietress of Toussaint Tincture Aromatherapy Apothecary and Little Love Affairs Boutique