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CALENDULA

  • Writer: Dave
    Dave
  • Mar 30, 2023
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 8




Calendula


Botanical Name

Calendula officinalis

Common Name

Calendula, bride of the sun, bull flower, butterwort, common marigold, drunkard, English marigold

Family

Asteraceae/Compositae

Parts Used

Flower

Native To

Calendula’s primary origin is uncertain but has been suggested as North Africa

Harvesting Guidelines

Calendula blooms prolifically from early spring through late fall. Harvest flower heads in full bloom during dry weather, ideally in the afternoon after the dew has evaporated. Frequent picking every two or three days encourages more blossoms throughout the season. Dry flowers in a single layer in a warm, shaded, well-ventilated space.




Calendula is a plant of warmth and resilience, its golden petals tracking the arc of the sun. For centuries, it has been revered not just for its healing properties but for its spiritual symbolism as a flower of light, hope, and renewal. In European folklore, calendula was planted in the garden to bring joy, repel negativity, and attract love. The ancient Romans named it for the calendar because it was said to bloom with the turn of each new month. In Italy it is still known as fiore d’ogni mese, or “flower of every month.” Medieval monks planted calendula in monastery gardens, and across Eastern and Western Europe, it became known as a healing ally for wounds, infections, and inflammation.


Among folk healers, calendula has long held a sacred status. It was gathered in the morning after the dew had lifted, often with a prayer, and used in preparations to cleanse the skin and the spirit. Calendula was included in wartime remedies when medicine ran short, placed into battlefield salves to disinfect and heal wounds. In modern folk herbalism, it is used to support lymphatic flow and detoxification, thought to draw infection and stagnation from deep within tissues, particularly when there is heat or swelling.


Scientifically, calendula is rich in triterpenoids, flavonoids, and essential oils that contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound-healing effects. A randomized clinical trial published in Phytotherapy Research demonstrated calendula’s effectiveness in reducing radiation-induced dermatitis in breast cancer patients.


Another study in Drugs Under Experimental and Clinical Research found calendula extract significantly promoted the healing of venous leg ulcers. Calendula has also been studied for its antifungal activity against Candida albicans, suggesting its broad spectrum of topical healing.





Adult Dose (4)


Calendula is generally safe when used topically. Internal use should be guided by an experienced practitioner, particularly in pregnancy, due to its mild emmenagogue activity. Those with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should use caution. Calendula is widely regarded as safe for infants when used topically in diluted form.



Tincture: 1-4 mL (1:5, 60%) 3x/day

Tea: 8 fl oz (1-2 teaspoons dried flowers in 1 cup boiling water) 3x/day

Topical: Lotion, salve, or wash as needed


Actions

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


Energy

Drying,Neutral,Warming




References:

  1. Pommier, P., Gomez, F., Sunyach, M. P., D'Hombres, A., Carrie, C., & Montbarbon, X. (2004). Phase III randomized trial of calendula officinalis compared with trolamine for the prevention of acute dermatitis during irradiation for breast cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 22(8), 1447-1453. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2004.07.063

  2. Parente, L. M. L., Lino Júnior, R. de S., Tresvenzol, L. M. F., Vinaud, M. C., De Paula, J. R., & Paulo, M. Q. (2012). Wound healing and anti-inflammatory effect in animal models of Calendula officinalis L. growing in Brazil. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/375671

  3. Preethi, K. C., Kuttan, R. (2009). Wound healing activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis. Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, 20(1), 73–79. https://doi.org/10.1515/JBCPP.2009.20.1.73




Information offered on Achula and on this page is for educational purposes only. Achula makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Women who are pregnant or nursing, and persons with known medical conditions, should consult their licensed healthcare provider before taking any herbal product. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Achula neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements.

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