Calendula (Calendula officianalis)

Calendula is such a cheerful plant with its beautiful hues of yellow and orange. An edible flower, it can be used to decorate salads, and is an inexpensive substitute for saffron. In addition to its many medicinal properties, beautiful fabric dyes can be made from the flowers.

The botanical name, Calendula, is derived from Latin, calendae, meaning little calendar or clock and has long been associated with the sun, as the flowers open at sunrise and close at sunset. As October’s flower, it symbolizes endurance, which makes sense since it blooms from April until the first frost.

A sun herb, it strengthens the heart and thus the spirits. It warms our hearts toward others, so that we can be compassionate to others. Some say calendula builds psychic powers and induces prophetic dreams.

This cheerful flower is a magical and powerful herb for healing wounds by promoting cell repair and growth, as well as being a noted antiseptic and anti-inflammatory herb. It is good for treating chapped skin, scrapes, burns, rashes, bruises, skin ulcers, skin infections, varicose veins, insect bites, fungal conditions such as athlete’s foot, and eczema. For babies it is helps treat cradle cap, diaper rash and other skin irritations.

It improves skin firmness and hydration, and improves blood flow and oxygen to wounds and infected areas, which helps the body grow new tissue and heal more rapidly. Thus it is useful for slow healing wounds and exposed ulcers and can also be effective for treating hemorrhoids.

A bath of calendula petals soothes irritated, inflamed or sunburnt skin. As a hair rinse, it can help itchy scalp conditions. It is used in ear drops to help heal earaches, is good as a mouth wash and for sore throats. Internally, it is used to treat abdominal cramps and constipation. It is effective for hemorrhoids.

It is an excellent women’s tea, as it can ease the painful side effects of menstruation, primarily PMS cramps, and may help induce the menstruation cycle. Calendula helps relax muscles and blood flow, and can also alleviate hot flashes. While it is not recommended to be taken internally for pregnant women, topical use is fine.

Calendula tea can be helpful for sore throats, swollen lymph nodes, and to alleviate internal duodenal and gastric ulcer symptoms.  It may help break a fever by causing sweat. Use strained tea as an eye rinse for itchy eyes due to allergies, dryness and viral pink-eye. Wash your face with calendula tea nightly, if prone to acne and breakouts.

As a mouth wash, it helps reduce gum inflammation as well as fight against inflamed gums, thrush, cavities, and plaque. It is an astringent, which helps fight mouth bacteria and promote a healthy oral environment.

Calendula also has been shown to help prevent dermatitis or skin inflammation in people with breast cancer during radiation therapy.

Calendula tea can safely be used on most non-pregnant animals including dogs, cats, horses, cows, rabbits, goats, chickens and ducks. It can be used as a soothing rinse for flea bites, eczema, scratches, scrapes, itchy coats or to help cleanse and heal minor wounds.

Inspiring many folktales, Calendula is a sacred plant in India and was used in ancient Mayan and Aztec ceremonies. Native to Egypt, it was introduced to England where it became a staple in medieval gardens. Europeans brought it to America. Colonists flavoured cooked greens, soups and oatmeal with calendula, and even made wine from it.

In Europe, Calendula flowers were scattered under the bed to protect the sleeper, and holding them protected the individual from plague and thieves. Flowers were strung and hung over doorways and windows for protection, and used for decorations for May Day and Beltaine.

During the American Civil War, soldiers carried calendula leaves and flowers with them into the battlefields to dress open wounds and burns.

Note:  Individuals who are allergic to ragweed may find that they are also sensitive to calendula.