Calendula

Calendula officinalis

Asteraceae/ Compositae

Common Names: bride of the sun, bull flower, butterwort, common or pot marigold, garden marigold, gold bloom, marybud, ringflower

Calendula (Calendula officinalis), commonly known as pot marigold, is a flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae/ Compositae family. It is widely cultivated for its vibrant yellow and orange flowers and is renowned for its medicinal, cosmetic, and culinary applications. This monograph explores its botanical characteristics, traditional and modern uses, active constituents, pharmacological properties, cultivation, magical uses, and safety considerations (Arora et al., 2013).

Calendula is an annual or short-lived perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 24 inches in height. It has branched stems with lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate leaves. The flowers are bright yellow to deep orange and are arranged in capitula (flower heads) with both ray and disk florets. The plant produces curved, spiky achenes (seeds) for reproduction (Dinda et al., 2016).

Native to southern Europe, Calendula is now widely grown in temperate regions worldwide. It thrives in well-drained, loamy soils with full to partial sunlight. It is relatively drought-resistant and prefers moderate watering. Cultivation is commonly done by direct sowing seeds in early spring or autumn (Arora et al., 2013).

Active Constituents: Calendula flowers contain a variety of bioactive compounds that contribute to its medicinal properties. These include flavonoids such as quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Triterpenoids, including faradiol esters and calendulosides, play a key role in wound healing and reducing inflammation (Preethi et al., 2009). Carotenoids like lutein and beta-carotene give Calendula its vibrant coloration and offer additional antioxidant support. Essential oils composed of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes contribute to its antimicrobial effects. Additionally, polysaccharides and saponins support immune modulation and skin regeneration (Dinda et al., 2016).

Herbal Actions: Anti-fungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, Antiviral, Astringent, Cholagogue, Demulcent, Diaphoretic, Emmenagogue, Hepatic, Immune tonic, Lymphatic, Vulnerary.

Traditional and Modern Uses: Historically, Calendula has been utilized for treating wounds, skin irritations, and digestive ailments. It has been a staple in herbal medicine for centuries, known for its ability to accelerate wound healing and soothe inflammatory conditions (Dinda et al., 2016). In modern applications, Calendula is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and culinary preparations. Medicinally, it is found in ointments, tinctures, and creams designed for burns, rashes, and minor infections (Preethi et al., 2009). It is also used in skincare products due to its ability to hydrate, calm irritation, and support skin repair. In the culinary world, Calendula flowers are edible and often used as a garnish, in teas, or as a natural food dye to add color and nutritional value to dishes (Arora et al., 2013).

Pharmacological Properties Calendula possesses a wide range of pharmacological activities that support its traditional medicinal applications. It is known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties, primarily due to the presence of faradiol esters, which help reduce swelling and irritation in various conditions (Preethi et al., 2009). Its antimicrobial effects have been demonstrated against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making it an effective natural remedy for infections and skin ailments (Dinda et al., 2016). The plant’s wound-healing abilities stem from its capacity to enhance tissue regeneration and collagen production, accelerating the recovery of cuts, burns, and ulcers (Preethi et al., 2009). Calendula is also rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which help neutralize harmful free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative stress. Additionally, it exhibits gastroprotective properties and has been used to relieve symptoms of gastritis, ulcers, and inflammatory digestive disorders (Arora et al., 2013).

Magical Uses: Calendula has long been revered in magical traditions and folklore, where it is associated with protection, love, divination, and prosperity. It was commonly placed under pillows or scattered around doorways to ward off negative energy and unwanted influences. In love magic, Calendula was believed to enhance romantic connections and attract positive relationships when used in charms or rituals. The flowers have also been employed in divination practices, particularly in dream work or scrying, where they were infused into water to aid in gaining prophetic insights. Calendula was additionally carried in pockets or kept in wallets as a talisman to attract financial success and abundance. Its bright and sun-like appearance has linked it to solar energy, vitality, and positive transformation (Arora et al., 2013).

Several ritual practices involve Calendula to harness its magical properties. For protection, dried Calendula flowers can be burned as incense or sprinkled at entrances to ward off negative energy. A simple prosperity ritual involves placing Calendula petals in a small pouch along with a coin and carrying it to attract wealth. To promote love and harmony, Calendula flowers can be added to a bath or infused into a tea and shared between partners. For dream work and divination, placing a sachet of dried Calendula under a pillow is believed to enhance prophetic dreams, while using an infusion of the flowers to wash one’s hands before scrying or tarot reading is thought to improve intuition and clarity.

Preparation and Dosage Calendula can be used in various forms, including:

• Infusions: 1–2 teaspoons of dried flowers per cup of hot water, steeped for 10–15 minutes.

• Tinctures: Typically 1:5 ratio in 60% alcohol, 1 - 4 ml 3x/day (Hoffmann,2003).

• Topical Applications: Ointments and creams with 2–5% Calendula extract for skin conditions.

• Poultices and Compresses: Fresh flowers crushed and applied to wounds.

Calendula Salve Recipe A Calendula salve is an excellent way to utilize the plant’s healing properties for skin conditions, cuts, and burns.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried Calendula flowers

• 1 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1 ounce beeswax

• Optional: a few drops of essential oil (such as lavender for additional healing properties)

Instructions:

1. Infuse the oil: Place the dried Calendula flowers in a jar and cover with the carrier oil. Let it infuse in a warm place for 4–6 weeks, shaking occasionally. For a quicker method, gently heat the oil and flowers in a double boiler for 1–2 hours on low heat.

2. Strain the oil: Layering a few pieces of cheesecloth over a strainer or funnel to separate the flowers from the oil. After the has drained a bit from the calendula flowers, gather up the cheesecloth (with dry, clean hands) and squeeze any remaining oil out. You should now have around 1 cup of oil left.

3. Heat the oil (if it is not already heated) & melt the beeswax: In a double boiler, pour in the infused oil and add the beeswax, melt the beeswax.

4. Test your salve for desired consistency: Place a bit of salve on a spoon and place the spoon in the freezer. Wait a few minutes for the salve to set and then see if you like the consistency. If it is to hard, add a bit more oil to the mixture, if it is to soft, add a bit more beeswax then retest for desired consitency. Once you have the desired consistency, move onto the next step.

5. Add essential oils: (optional) and stir well.

6. Pour and set: Pour the mixture into small tins or jars and allow it to cool and solidify before use.

This salve can be applied to dry, irritated skin, minor wounds, or burns as needed.

Safety and Precautions: Calendula is generally regarded as safe for most individuals. However, considerations include:

• Allergic Reactions: Potential cross-reactivity with other Asteraceae family plants (e.g., chamomile, ragweed). Calendula is a possible allergen for those sensitive to the Asteraceae plant family (Brinker, 2010; Hoffmann, 2003).

• Pregnancy and Lactation: It should not be used during pregnancy, as it has traditionally been used as an emmenagogue and is classed as a uterine stimulant (Blankespoor, 2012; Brinker, 2010).

• Drug Interactions: May enhance sedative effects of certain medications. While not yet studied in human trials, the herb may have potential for enhancing hypnotic or anxiolytic drugs (Brinker, 2010) and it has been shown—only in animal studies thus far—to increase sedative and hypotensive effects; therefore, it may potentially interact with drugs or agents with these actions as well as those with hypoglycemic or cholesterol-lowering actions (Ashwlayan et al., 2018).

Calendula officinalis is a versatile plant with significant medicinal, cosmetic, culinary, and magical value. Its pharmacological properties support traditional uses, making it a valuable addition to herbal medicine and spiritual practices. Ongoing research continues to explore its therapeutic potential, reinforcing its importance in natural health and folklore traditions (Arora et al., 2013; Dinda et al., 2016; Preethi et al., 2009).

References

Arora, D., Rani, A., Sharma, A. (2013). “A review on phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological aspects of genus Calendula.” Pharmacognosy Review, 7(14), 179-187.

Ashwlayan, V.D., Kumar, A., Verma, M., Garg, V.K., & Gupta, S.K. (2018). Therapeutic potential of Calendula officinalis. Pharmacy & Pharmacology International Journal, 6(2),149-155. https://doi.org/10.15406/ppij.2018.06.00171

Blankespoor, J. (2012). Calendula’s herbal and edible uses: How to grow, gather, and prepare calendula as food and medicine. Retrieved from http://blog.chestnutherbs.com/calendula-sunshine-incarnate-an-edible-and-medicinal-flower.

Brinker, F. (2010). Herbal contraindications and drug interactions (4th ed.). Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Dinda, M., et al. (2016). “Bioactive constituents of Calendula officinalis and their pharmacological properties.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, 7, 219.

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.

Preethi, K.C., et al. (2009). “Antioxidant activity and immune-modulatory effects of Calendula officinalis.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 125(3), 476-480.

***The content provided in this article serves solely for educational purposes and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or medical condition. In case of any health concerns about yourself, or your family or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or currently taking any medication; it's highly recommended that you seek professional advice from a licensed healthcare practitioner.

Please note that Health Canada and the Food and Drug Administration have not assessed the information presented herein.