Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

By Grace Bicket
HMMFA SU 2022
Plant Description
A member of the asterecae (aster) family, calendula (Calendula officinalis) is also known as pot
marigold (American Botanical Council, 2022). It is identifiable by its bright yellow to deep
orange ray flowers. Its flowers are similar in shape to daisies or chrysanthemums. Calendula has
lance-shaped, oblong leaves and grows many branches. If you look closely, you will see the
entire plant is covered in tiny hairs. It is an annual herb that blooms continuously from early
spring until late fall. (Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d.).

Retrieved from, https://www.caribbeangardenseed.com/products/calendula-seeds-fiesta-gitana-

calendula-officinalis-edible-flowers-pot-marigold
History & Folklore
Calendula was given its name by the ancient Romans, who saw that the flowers bloomed on the
calend, or first day of every month. (Carr et al., 1987). The Romans and Greeks used it as a
culinary garnish, as the petals are edible. In many European countries the flowers were added to
stews, soups, puddings, dumplings, salads, and wine, among other dishes. (Carr et al., 1987).
Calendula flowers were also used as clothing and hair dye and is even used today to color herbal
preparations.
Retrieved from, https://www.earthtokathy.com/benefits-of-growing-marigolds-in-your-garden/
The ancient Egyptians used calendula for skin rejuvenation (Hunter, n.d.) and in India calendula
flowers are strung during sacred rituals and ceremonies, like weddings. Placing calendula
flowers under your bed is said to stimulate prophetic dreams, provide protection, and even
uncover the culprit of a robbery (Carr et al., 1987).
“Calendula is the sacred flower of Xochiquetzal the Mexican Goddess of beauty, love, and
marriage. She is the patron of pregnant and nursing mothers, spinners, weavers, painters, and
magicians. She is beloved by the birds and butterflies Xochiquetzal is also known as She Who
Watches Over the Land of the Dead.” (Edwards, 2000)
Retrieved from, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/2392606031005626/
European settlers brought calendula to America and used it during the Civil War to stop bleeding
and heal soldiers’ wounds (Carr et al., 1987). In the 16th and 17th century, British herbalists write
of applying calendula petals to stings and using a calendula lotion for sprains and wounds.
(Grieve, 1971).
Because of its yellow color, it was thought that calendula could be used to cure jaundice (Carr et
al., 1987). Healers in Europe used calendula extract, tinctures, and ointments to help induce
menstrual flow, relieve fevers, and treat jaundice (Engels, n.d.). 19th century American
physicians used it to treat problems with the liver, ulcers, and pink eye, as well as for burns,
bruises, and wounds (Blumenthal, 2000).
Significations
Calendula is associated with the Sun, due to its bright yellow and orange flowers. It is considered
a masculine plant, of the fire element. (Cunningham, 2021). Like the Sun, calendula flowers
close at night and open again dawn. (Edwards, 2000). The flower symbolizes beauty, prosperity,
and wealth. As it helps move lymph fluid through the tissues, it also helps us move through
stagnation in life (Hunter, n.d.) Looking into the calendula flower has been said to brighten one’s
mood and improve eyesight (Edwards, 2000). Calendula’s properties are drying and warming,
like the Sun, and its medicine is best used to treat cold and damp conditions and to stimulate the
lymphatic system (Tilgner, 2009).
The Herbcrafter’s Tarot deck represents calendula as the three of fire. Its catchphrase is to “Take
joy in prolific, passionate play. Delight in your own unique expression. Creative inspiration will
last longer than one season.” (Guthrie & Powell Colbert, 2019). The author suggests “making an
oil, salve, or tincture to ignite your playful spirit. Create art with the colors of calendula to
express your joy and to make magical confetti with dried calendula petals”.
(From The Herbcrafter’s Tarot)
Properties
Calendula has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, lymphagogue, cholagogue,
antispasmodic, choleretic, demulcent, vulnerary and antitumor properties. (Tilgner, 2009). It is
antiviral and supports connective tissue repair and healing of external wounds like bruises, burns,
blisters, and strains (Green, 2000). It can help with digestive inflammation, ulcers, and
gallbladder issues. It is also used to help stimulate menstrual flow.
Current Uses
Today, calendula is used to treat a variety of skin conditions and is well prepared as an oil
infusion, salve, poultice, or fomentation and applied topically (Green, 2000). There are many
calendula creams, oils and salves sold on the market today. John Green suggests a 30% calendula
tincture as a topical wound spray. Tinctures and infusions can be used for digestive support,
stimulating menstrual flow, supporting the liver and gallbladder, aiding in breaking a fever,
stomachaches, and cramping (Carr et al., 1987). Calendula is often used in herbal tea blends for
acne and overall skin health. A hydrosol of calendula can be used to relieve pink eye (Edwards,
2000). Gail Faith Edwards suggests a powder of calendula mixed with clay to ease vaginal yeast
overgrowth (Edwards, 2000).
Personal Experience
I started growing calendula this year and was overjoyed with how much the plant produced from
May to the end of August. Each time I went to the garden, I would come back with a handful of
calendula flowers from one plant. I’ve been having skin issues and first incorporated calendula
into a tea recipe and loved it. I came across a rose and witch hazel toner recipe and decided to
include calendula in it as well before creating my own recipe with calendula, rose, chamomile,
apple cider vinegar and witch hazel extract. Because it has so many benefits for the skin,
calendula will always be a staple in my teas, lotions, and salves.
Skin Clarifying Face Toner and Setting Spray
This face toner uses dried calendula flowers, chamomile flowers, rose petals, witch hazel extract,
rose water, and apple cider vinegar. It’s great for all skin types, especially acne-prone skin as
apple cider vinegar is astringent. I chose apple cider vinegar as the base because its antimicrobial
and anti-fungal, which can help clear up acne. This toner may also reduce skin redness and
irritation as well as tighten pores. It also cleanses the skin of sebum and dirt. The toner can also
be used to freshen the skin throughout the day or as a setting spray to help makeup last longer.
Along with calendula (Calendula officinalis) I chose to add chamomile (Matricaria recutita) for
its anti-inflammatory and redness calming effects on the skin (Carr et al., 1987). I added rose
petals (Rosa hybrida) and rose essential oil (Rosa damascena) for its astringent, antioxidant,
antibacterial and moisturizing effects, as well as pleasant scent (Indigo Herbs, n.d.). I added a
witch hazel bark extract (Hamamelis virginiana) for its astringent and anti-inflammatory
properties. I also added some rose quartz crystals to the jar for additional healing and self-
acceptance. I decided to cut my toner with rose water to reduce the chances of the apple cider
vinegar burning the skin and to reduce the strong smell of the ACV. Rose also extracts well in
water, and I wanted to make sure I was getting all the medicine I could from the petals.
I chose to make this preparation because I was on the hunt for a nice facial toner and setting
spray and was shocked by the ingredients in products on the market. I thought that I could make
a product that was better for my skin and wallet. I struggle with oily skin and acne, so I wanted
to choose ingredients that would help combat bacterial and fungal skin infections and clogged
pores.
Warnings:
Because apple cider vinegar is acidic, it may cause skin burns. It’s important to patch test first
and use the toner 2-3 days a week to start. Close eyes and mouth if spraying directly on the face.
I keep this toner in a spray bottle and spray it directly on my skin to set makeup. I also spray it
on a cotton pad and gently wipe my face with it. It can be used throughout the day. Shake well
before each use!
Ingredients:
1/3 cup calendula flower (Calendula officinalis)
1 1/3 cup rose petals (Rosa hybrida)
1 Tbl chamomile flower (Matricaria recutita)
1 Tbl witch hazel bark (Hamamelis virginiana)
2 ½ cups distilled water
8 oz apple cider vinegar
20 drops rose essential oil (Rosa damascena)
Materials:
1, 8 oz jar
1, 16 oz jar
1 square of wax or parchment paper
1 square of cheesecloth
Coffee grinder or food processor
Funnel
Instructions:
To make infused toner
1. Combine calendula (Calendula officinalis), rose (Rosa hybrida), and chamomile
(Matricaria recutita) in a food processor or coffee grinder.
2. Pulse the herbs for 1 minute and 30 seconds, or until they are coarsely ground (not
powder).
3. Transfer herbs to a sanitized 8 oz jar. The jar should be about 1/3 full of herb.
4. Pour apple cider vinegar (about 8 oz, or slightly less) over herb until jar is full.
Note: I added some polished rose quartz crystals to my jar for added healing and self-
love. Any crystals would work if they are polished and water safe. You could also place
any crystals around the jar.
5. Cut a square of wax or parchment paper and place over top of jar, between the rim and jar
lid.
Note: The paper prevents the vinegar from eating through the metal jar lid.
6. Screw on lid over paper and place jar in a cabinet or somewhere out of direct sun. Shake
well.
7. Shake the jar daily for two weeks and infuse your positive healing intentions into the
toner.
8. After 2 weeks, strain toner through a cheesecloth and funnel and into a clean 16 oz jar.
To make witch hazel extract (optional, to be added to toner)
1. Add 1 cup distilled water and 1 tbs witch hazel to a saucepan.
2. On low heat, bring witch hazel and water to a simmer for 20-30 mins.
3. Once the water has reduced halfway, turn off heat.
4. Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain out the witch hazel extract into the jar
with the toner.
 Note: I made the extract and toner on the same day, so I put my extract in the freezer until
the toner was finished macerating and removed a few hours before straining the toner. This
makes sure that bacteria don’t grow in the water.
To make rose water (to be added to toner)
1. Combine 1 cup of fresh rose petals with 1 cup distilled water.
2. Bring the water to a boil, cover the pot, then let simmer on low heat for 25 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat and let sit for one hour.
9. Filter out the rose water through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer and into the jar with
the toner.
10. Add 20 drops of rose essential oil (Rosa damascena) and stir into the toner.
11. Using a funnel, transfer toner into amber spray bottles. Store the excess in a cool, dark
place for later use.
Yield: 16 oz face toner/setting spray
Time: 2 hours prep, 2 weeks maceration, 20 minutes straining and bottling after maceration
Clear Skin Tea Blend
For this tea, I used a recipe from The Fertile Glow herbalist. I kept the original recipe and added
one herb for a flavor addition. This tea is suggested for improving overall skin health, reducing
acne, and supporting the lymph, liver, and kidneys (The Fertile Glow, n.d.).
The recipe includes calendula (Calendula officinalis), burdock root (Arctium lappa), dandelion
root (Taraxacum officinalis) hibiscus flower (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), nettle leaf (Urtica dioica),
ceylon cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum verum) and stevia leaf (Stevia rebaudiana). The herbs in
this recipe support liver, lymph, and kidney function as well as include antioxidants. Burdock
root is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, promotes circulation and lymph flow, is an
antioxidant, and liver tonic (Tilgner, 2000). Dandelion root supports the skin by acting on the
liver directly to detox and flush it. It also has antioxidant properties. Hibiscus flower has anti-
aging properties and contains antioxidants. (Mepham, 2019). Stinging nettle leaf is nourishing to
all body systems and supports the immune system, which is vital to the skins healing. Nettle leaf
also has a high nutrient content of potassium, calcium, magnesium, silicic acid, and iron
(Tilgner, 2000). Cinnamon bark is astringent, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and antioxidant
(Tilgner, 2000). I added fresh stevia leaf for a sweeter flavor to counteract the bitterness of the
tea.
I chose to make this herbal tea because I was looking for another way to treat my acne without
having to buy new facial products. I also wanted to target the liver directly, as the health of the
liver and skin are directly related. I love drinking and making herbal teas, so this was a super
easy and fun recipe to make.
The suggested dose is 1-2 cups of tea/day, steeped for 5-15 minutes depending on taste
preference.
Warnings:
Calendula and cinnamon should not be consumed during pregnancy. Do not exceed dosage
recommendation for cinnamon, as doses of higher than 2g can be dangerous especially over time.
Hibiscus can lower blood pressure, so check with your herbalist or ND first if taking medication
for hypertension or if you have hypotension. Do not consume dandelion root if experiencing gall
bladder inflammation, bile duct obstruction, gastrointestinal inflammation, or intestinal blockage.
Check with your herbalist or ND first before consuming stevia if you are diabetic, have
hypotension, or are taking medication for hypertension.
Ingredients:
1 Tbl dandelion root (Taraxacum officinalis)
1 Tbl burdock root (Arctium lappa)
1 Tsp hibiscus flower (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
1 Tsp stinging nettle leaf (Urtica dioica)
1 Tsp calendula flower (Calendula officinalis)
1 Tsp stevia leaf (Stevia rebaudiana)
1/4 Tsp ceylon cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum verum)
Materials:
Tea strainer, tea infuser or empty tea bag
Tea kettle or pot
Small metal tin or 4 oz jar
Instructions:
1. Combine ingredients in a tin or mason jar.
2. Put one teaspoon of herbs into a tea strainer, tea bag, or infuser and place into a mug.
3. Bring water to a boil, or just under boiling.
Note: Using an instant-hot also works well.
4. Pour water into the mug and let herbs sit for 5-15 minutes. Steeping longer will make a
more bitter tea.
Note: I like to steep this tea for about 7-8 minutes. I would taste test at 5 minutes to see if
you want a stronger tea.
5. Remove tea strainer and add 1 teaspoon honey if a sweeter taste is desired.
Yield: ~51g tea mix
Note: I like to make the recipe and store it in a metal tin, then I can quickly grab 1 teaspoon
when I want to make a cup.
Time: 10-20 minutes, depending on steep length
 References

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%20commonly%20called%20pot,summer%20to%20fall%20bloom%20period.

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(Pinterest post). https://pin.it/2YDinT8

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%20called%20pot,summer%20to%20fall%20bloom%20period.ws/2020/calendula/