Calendula

Wound Healing:
Calendula has been used for centuries as a wound-healing herb. Its flowers are applied topically to treat cuts, scrapes, burns, and insect bites. Calendula’s ability to stimulate collagen production helps accelerate the healing of wounds, while its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties prevent infection.

Skin Conditions:
Calendula is widely used in the treatment of skin irritations, such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and acne. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe inflamed skin, while its natural ability to hydrate and nourish the skin promotes overall skin health. It is commonly used in creams, ointments, and salves for treating rashes and sunburn.

Anti-inflammatory and Antiseptic:
Calendula has been traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic herb, particularly in treating minor infections and swelling. Calendula extracts are also used in mouthwashes to reduce inflammation in the gums and sore throat. In folk medicine, it has been used as an internal remedy for gastric ulcers and inflammatory digestive conditions.

Menstrual Support:
Historically, Calendula was used to help regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate menstrual cramps. Its gentle action on the uterus made it useful for supporting women’s reproductive health.

Digestive Health:
Calendula is also used as a mild tonic to support digestive health. It helps to soothe the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, making it useful for gastritis, ulcers, and other digestive issues where inflammation is present.

Cautions

General Considerations:

Calendula is considered a very safe herb, including for children. It is gentle enough for topical and internal use in infants and young children. There are no known serious side effects or drug interactions. However, individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (such as daisies, ragweed, or chamomile) should use caution, as allergic reactions are possible.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
Calendula is generally considered safe for topical use during pregnancy, but internal use should be approached with caution.

Known Chemical Constituents

Flavonoids:
Calendula contains flavonoids, such as quercetin and isorhamnetin, which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help reduce oxidative stress and protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

Triterpenoids:
The flowers of Calendula are rich in triterpenoids, such as faradiol and lupeol, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. These compounds play a significant role in reducing swelling and promoting tissue repair.

Saponins:
Calendula contains saponins, which help to boost the immune system and contribute to the plant’s antimicrobial action. Saponins are also known to aid in healing skin and promoting cellular regeneration.

Carotenoids:
The bright orange and yellow color of Calendula flowers comes from carotenoids, such as beta-carotene and lutein, which are powerful antioxidants that support skin health and provide anti-aging benefits.

Essential Oils:
Calendula contains volatile oils that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. These oils are part of what makes Calendula effective in treating minor wounds and skin irritations.

Polysaccharides:
Calendula’s polysaccharides are responsible for its immune-boosting and hydrating properties. They help to moisturize the skin and enhance overall tissue repair.

Bitter Resin (calendulin & caledin)

The two key compounds, calendulin and caledin. These resins contribute to Calendula’s anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and wound-healing properties. Their bitter nature stimulates digestion and supports the body’s natural detoxification processes by promoting liver and gallbladder function. Bitter resins like calendulin and caledin also play a role in protecting the skin and enhancing its ability to repair itself.

Xanthophylls (lutein & zeaxanthin):

Xanthophylls are a class of oxygenated carotenoids found in Calendula officinalis. These pigments, including lutein and zeaxanthin, are responsible for the bright yellow and orange hues of Calendula flowers. Xanthophylls are known for their antioxidant properties, which protect cells from oxidative damage, particularly in the eyes, supporting eye health and reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, they help maintain skin health by protecting against damage from UV radiation.

Botanical Description

Plant Type:
Calendula officinalis is an herbaceous annual or short-lived perennial plant that grows between 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 inches) in height.

Leaves:
The leaves are simple, oblong, and slightly hairy with a sticky texture. They are alternately arranged along the stem, with the lower leaves being more oval and the upper leaves narrower and lance-shaped.

Flowers:
The flowers are bright yellow to deep orange and are composed of multiple layers of ray florets that resemble daisy-like heads. The flower heads can measure 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3 inches) in diameter. Calendula flowers bloom throughout the summer and fall and are known for their strong, distinctive fragrance. Each flower contains both male and female organs, making them hermaphroditic.

Stem:
The stem is green, branched, and somewhat hairy, often sticky due to glandular hairs. The plant tends to grow upright but may also spread out as it matures.

Root System:
Calendula officinalis has a fibrous root system, which helps it establish in various soil types, particularly in well-drained soils.

Habitat:
Calendula thrives in sunny locations and prefers well-drained soils. It is commonly found in gardens, fields, and wild spaces in temperate regions, though it is native to Southern Europe.

Fun Facts

Calendula officinalis has a long history of being used as a natural dye for fabrics and textiles.

Parts Used

Flower heads

Harvest

Best Time to Harvest:
Calendula flowers are best harvested in the late morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. The flowers are at their peak potency when they are fully open, typically from mid-summer to early fall. The more you harvest Calendula, the more flowers it will produce, making it a highly productive plant.

Parts Used:
The flowers (petals and flower heads) are the most commonly harvested part of the plant. These contain the highest concentration of beneficial compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and essential oils. While the petals are often used in skin preparations, the entire flower head may be harvested for making tinctures or infused oils.

Harvesting Method:
Gently pinch or cut off the flower heads using sharp scissors or garden shears. Be careful not to pull too hard, as you may damage the plant. Once harvested, spread the flowers in a single layer to dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Drying can take several days to a week, depending on humidity. Store dried flowers in an airtight container for later use in teas, tinctures, salves, or oils.

Preparations

Infusion (Tea), Tincture, Oil Infusion, Salve, & Compress.

Sacred Rituals

Calendula petals can be used in ritual baths to cleanse and purify both the physical and energetic body. The petals, with their sun-like energy, are believed to draw in positivity and dispel negativity or darkness from one’s aura.

Affirmations

“I am filled with joy and abundance. Like the calendula flower, I bloom with resilience and optimism.”

Spiritual Associations

Calendula officinalis has long been associated with protection, healing, and purification in various spiritual traditions. The vibrant orange and yellow hues of Calendula’s flowers are believed to symbolize the sun, making it a powerful herb for invoking warmth, positivity, and clarity in spiritual practices.

Functions

Products containing Calendula

Focused Mind Tea Blend

A naturally caffeine-free herbal tea crafted to enhance mental clarity and cognitive vitality. With refreshing peppermint, brain-boosting gotu kola and ginkgo, and energizing lemongrass, this blend awakens the senses and inspires creativity.

Learn More

Viral Defense Tea Blend

A naturally caffeine-free herbal tea designed to support your immune system and promote overall wellness. With warming ginger, soothing anise seed, and immune-boosting elderberry and yarrow, this blend fortifies your body’s defenses and rejuvenates your spirit.

Learn More

Calm & Soothe Tea Blend

A naturally caffeine-free herbal tea and our founder’s trusted choice during moments of elevated stress, Calm & Soothe is designed to help you unwind and find serenity. With chamomile, passion flower, and lemon balm at its heart, this soothing blend comforts your body and mind, creating a peaceful escape in every sip.

Learn More

Detox Delight Tea Blend

A naturally caffeine-free herbal tea crafted to refresh your spirit and support your body’s natural cleansing process. Packed with detoxifying roots, nourishing leaves, and soothing herbs, this blend is your companion on a journey of renewal and vitality.

Learn More

Sleep Serenity Tea Blend

A naturally caffeine-free herbal tea designed to guide you into deep relaxation and restful sleep. Featuring calming chamomile, passionflower, and lemon balm, this soothing blend offers a nurturing embrace with oatstraw, linden, and calendula—grounding the body, settling the mind, and inviting you to gently drift into peaceful slumber.

Learn More

Man Moistener Salve

Herbal Armor for Skin

The ultimate multi-purpose salve for all your skincare needs, the Man Moistener Salve is crafted to heal, soothe, and protect. Whether you’re looking for after-shave care, hydration for dry skin, or relief for minor irritations, this salve has you covered.

Learn More

Calendula Flowers (Calendula officinalis)

Carefully sourced, regenerative organic, and packaged by hand, our herbs are sold by the ounce. To order more, adjust the quantity in 1 oz increments.

Example: Quantity 4 = 4 ounces.

Learn More