Calendula
CALENDULA
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is the golden healer that’s been lighting up gardens and apothecaries since ancient times. Native to the Mediterranean but now a citizen of the world, calendula isn’t just a pretty face with bright orange and yellow blooms- it’s been one of the most trusted medicinal flowers for over 2,000 years. We’re talking Ancient Egypt, where it was used to rejuvenate the skin; Ancient Greece, where it starred in wound-healing poultices; and medieval Europe, where it was considered so sacred it was often planted near churches and woven into religious rituals. Monks and herbalists were drying calendula flowers and steeping them into teas, tinctures, and infused oils for everything from fevers to infections to emotional uplift.
Calendula was also beloved in folk magic and lore- used in charms for protection, love, and psychic clarity. The blooms were thought to open and close with the sun, earning calendula the nickname “Bride of the Sun” and making it a symbol of hope, light, and resurrection. Fast-forward to the 19th and early 20th centuries, and calendula officially entered the Western herbal medicine cabinet as a top-tier wound herb. Civil War medics used it to disinfect battlefield wounds, and by the time modern herbalism took root in the U.S., calendula had already built a reputation as a go-to for skin healing, inflammation, and infection prevention.
Today, calendula is still beloved by herbalists, midwives, dermatologists, and DIY skincare enthusiasts. Its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, and gentle vulnerary (wound-healing) properties make it ideal for everything from diaper rashes and eczema to surgical recovery and lymphatic stagnation. It’s also used internally in teas and tinctures for immune support, liver health, and digestive healing, especially when the gut lining needs some TLC. And if you’re into gardening, calendula pulls double duty- healing humans and drawing in pollinators while repelling pests. It's basically the plant equivalent of that warm, wise friend who shows up with soup, solutions, and a sunny disposition. Calendula isn’t just a flower—it’s a healer, protector, and golden thread running through centuries of herbal wisdom.
Medicinal Uses of Calendula
Wound Healing and Skin Repair
Speeds up the healing of cuts, scrapes, burns, and bruises
Helps prevent infection and promotes tissue regeneration
Used in salves, creams, and infused oils for minor wounds and first aid
Anti-inflammatory Support
Reduces redness, swelling, and inflammation, especially in skin and mucous membranes
Helpful for eczema, psoriasis, rashes, and sunburns
Antimicrobial and Antifungal Action
Contains compounds that fight bacteria, fungi, and yeasts
Used topically to prevent wound infections, and in washes for athlete’s foot, ringworm, and yeast infections
Oral and Dental Health
Calendula tea or tincture diluted as a mouthwash soothes gum inflammation, mouth ulcers, and sore throats
Helps treat gingivitis and promotes overall oral hygiene
Menstrual and Reproductive Support
Traditionally used to regulate the menstrual cycle and relieve cramps
Soothes PMS symptoms and may help with delayed menstruation
Digestive Health and Gut Lining Repair
Calendula tea soothes gastritis, ulcers, and leaky gut by healing inflamed digestive tissues
Helps with acid reflux and general digestive irritation
Immune Support and Lymphatic Health
Supports the lymphatic system, helping to move stagnation and clear toxins
Used in detox blends to support immune system regulation
Eye Care (External Use)
Used in eye washes (infusion, cooled and diluted) to relieve conjunctivitis, dry eyes, or eye irritation
Always strain well to avoid particles
Postpartum and Perineal Care
Used in sitz baths, perineal sprays, and washes to soothe tender skin and promote healing after childbirth
Soothing for Babies and Sensitive Skin
Safe and gentle for diaper rash, cradle cap, and general baby skincare
A popular ingredient in natural baby balms and soothing lotions
Common Forms of Use
Infused oil or salve: For wounds, rashes, and skin care
Tea or infusion: For internal inflammation or as a gentle mouth/gut wash
Tincture: For immune, digestive, or menstrual support
Compress or wash: Applied to the skin, eyes, or wounds
Sitz bath or soak: For postpartum healing or pelvic inflammation