<h2 id="b40eb088-15ef-47e4-a41d-eefb4d7bfab1" data-toc-id="b40eb088-15ef-47e4-a41d-eefb4d7bfab1">My Love Letter to Pot Marigold also known as Calendula</h2>Truth is… I don’t know if I love Calendula because we are just meeting now. As part of my herbalist training, I must “interact” with herbs (e.g. eat, meditate with, make medicine with, smell, taste, watch grow) to learn them. The goal is to understand them in a deep way, after all, herbalism is an art and a science.This decision to start with Calendula was made by putting several envelopes of herbs into a bag and picking one at random. Calendula was chosen. I’m glad that it did because the first fact I learned about calendula fascinated me. Calendula means ‘little calendar/clock.’ The reason is the bloom opens and closes with the sun. How cool is that? Ok, I am a bit of an herb nerd but my mind instantly went to a time in human history without clocks or portable sundials where people could use these beautiful bright flower to help tell time.Calendula flowers are bright colors like yellow and orange and resemble daisies. The dried flowers look a bit like marigolds and at first I thought they were the same flowers. Rookie mistake. Turns out Calendula is often referred to as a pot marigold but it is not of the genus Tagetes.<img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1636667412459-780289b4706a?w=1080&amp;q=80" alt="image" style="width: 100%; height: auto; cursor: pointer;" draggable="true">A random flower story: My mother planted Marigolds regularly every spring. As a child, these flowers seemed particularly ornamental. Unlike African daisies, which we used for the classic "loves me, loves me not" game, or dandelions with their wish-granting seeds, Marigolds offered little interactive magic. Marigolds don’t even smell pretty. Their scent is sometimes described as pungent, and spicy which probably has to do with its ability to repel pests. Nevertheless, Marigold’s colorful orange, yellow, or red blooms painted the desert landscapes but was not a fun flower for my childhood imagination.Calendula has been used throughout historic times in magic potions to see fairies or choose a suitor, in crowns or garlands for ceremonies, and in food said to be a “poor man’s saffron.” It can also be used to make a dye that can create shades of honey, gold, orange, light brown and vibrant yellow.So when talking about herbs, we talk about actions or properties. Although there is a lot of “Tik-Tok” herbalism on social media that states if you feeling like this, you should take that, trained herbalist know that people are bio-individual and that one must consider the individual before educating people on what herbs may yield positive results for their condition.Herbalism attempts to treat the body like its own ecosystem. Introducing a particular plant can have many different effects on many different systems. Allopathic medicine tends to focuse on symptom reduction or elimination. Your body becomes a problem to solve which does not always honor the complexity that comes with having an organic multi-system carbon life-form.<h2 id="106ce455-a622-45d8-b978-2ba260179304" data-toc-id="106ce455-a622-45d8-b978-2ba260179304">Calendula: The science (Wikipedia citations)</h2>Calendula officinalis oil is still used medicinally as an <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-inflammatory">anti-inflammatory</a> and a remedy for healing wounds.<a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendula#cite_note-okoh-17"> </a>Calendula ointments are skin products available for use on minor cuts, burns, and skin irritation;<a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendula#cite_note-NCI-18"> </a>though evidence of their effectiveness is weak.Plant pharmacological studies have suggested that Calendula extracts have antiviral, <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genotoxic">antigenotoxic</a>, and anti-inflammatory properties <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_vitro">in vitro</a>.<a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendula#cite_note-jim-20"> </a>In <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbalism">herbalism</a>, Calendula in suspension or in tincture is used topically for treating <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acne_vulgaris">acne</a>, reducing inflammation, controlling bleeding, and soothing irritated tissue.<a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendula#cite_note-21"> </a>Limited evidence indicates Calendula cream or ointment is effective in treating <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiation_dermatitis">radiation dermatitis</a>. Topical application of C. officinalis ointment has helped to prevent dermatitis and pain; thus reducing the incidence rate of skipped radiation treatments in <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randomized_trial">randomized trials</a>.Calendula has been used traditionally for abdominal cramps and constipation. In experiments with rabbit <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jejunum">jejunum</a>, the aqueous-ethanol extract of C. officinalis flowers was shown to have both spasmolytic and spasmogenic effects, thus providing a scientific rationale for this traditional use.<a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendula#cite_note-Bashir_S_2006-25">[ </a>An aqueous extract of C. officinalis obtained by a novel extraction method has demonstrated antitumor (cytotoxic) activity and immunomodulatory properties (lymphocyte activation) in vitro, as well as antitumor activity in mice.<h2 id="4ff56b44-0f3c-4dc0-ac7f-280c2e07f1be" data-toc-id="4ff56b44-0f3c-4dc0-ac7f-280c2e07f1be">Nutrition</h2>While calendula isn't typically consumed as a primary food source, its petals are edible and offer nutritional benefits when used as a culinary herb or garnish. Here's what these golden blooms bring to the table:<table style="min-width: 50px;"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Nutrient</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Benefit</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Carotenoids (lutein &amp; zeaxanthin)</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Powerful antioxidants supporting eye health</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Flavonoids</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Anti-inflammatory compounds with antioxidant properties</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Essential oils</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Antimicrobial and aromatic compounds</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Triterpenoids</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Plant compounds with anti-inflammatory effects</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Vitamin A</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Supports immune function and vision</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Vitamin C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Antioxidant supporting immune health and collagen production</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Minerals (calcium, magnesium)</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Support bone health and cellular function</td></tr></tbody></table>(Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2016)<h2 id="e9019c2f-293d-4806-b16e-f1c5e5570fc0" data-toc-id="e9019c2f-293d-4806-b16e-f1c5e5570fc0">Growing and Harvesting</h2><div class="iframe-wrapper"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qSAH7zF_A6o?si=w70OSiAF9zPKfNX-" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>Here are concise tips for growing and harvesting your own calendula:<ul><li>Location: Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.</li><li>Timing: Sow seeds directly in early spring or fall; calendula tolerates light frost.</li><li>Identification: Look for sticky stems, bright orange or yellow daisy-like flowers, and a distinctive resinous scent.</li><li>Care: Water moderately; calendula is drought-tolerant once established but blooms best with consistent moisture.</li><li>Harvest Method: Pick flowers when fully open in mid-morning after dew has dried but before the heat of the day.</li><li>Processing: Use fresh petals immediately or dry entire flower heads on screens in a warm, dark, well-ventilated space.</li><li>Sustainability: Regular harvesting encourages more blooms; practice "deadheading" to extend flowering season.</li></ul><div class="iframe-wrapper"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WbTdcTstO-w?si=rU8jLByYSdPJm8Hz" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><h2 id="3f1c3be1-a7b0-46a0-b912-f57652d74e15" data-toc-id="3f1c3be1-a7b0-46a0-b912-f57652d74e15">Calendula Golden Skin Salve Recipe</h2>This simple yet effective salve harnesses calendula's skin-healing properties:Ingredients:<ul><li>2 cups olive oil</li><li>1 cup dried calendula flowers</li><li>1/4 cup beeswax pastilles (or carnauba wax for vegan option)</li><li>1/8 cup shea butter or cocoa butter</li><li>10-15 drops lavender essential oil (optional)</li><li>5 drops vitamin E oil (optional preservative)</li></ul>Instructions:<ol><li>Infuse the olive oil with calendula by combining them in a double boiler. Simmer on low heat for 3 hours, ensuring the water doesn't evaporate.</li><li>Strain the infused oil through cheesecloth into a clean container, squeezing to extract all the beneficial compounds.</li><li>Return the infused oil to the double boiler and add beeswax and butter, stirring until completely melted.</li><li>Remove from heat and add essential oils and vitamin E if using.</li><li>Pour into clean, dry containers and allow to cool completely before capping.</li><li>Store in a cool, dark place where it will keep for 1-2 years.</li></ol>Use this salve for minor cuts, scrapes, burns, dry skin, diaper rash, and other skin irritations.<h2 id="de5acdf0-a649-4f56-adba-b3cefb913cbd" data-toc-id="de5acdf0-a649-4f56-adba-b3cefb913cbd">Bonus Recipe: Calendula Sun Tea</h2>A gentle, immune-supporting tea perfect for daily wellness:Ingredients:<ul><li>3 tablespoons fresh calendula petals (or 2 tablespoons dried)</li><li>1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves (optional)</li><li>1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)</li><li>1 quart filtered water</li><li>Slice of lemon (optional)</li></ul>Instructions:<ol><li>Place calendula petals and mint (if using) in a clear glass jar.</li><li>Fill with filtered water and cap tightly.</li><li>Place in direct sunlight for 3-4 hours until the water takes on a golden hue.</li><li>Strain into glasses, add sweetener if desired, and garnish with lemon.</li><li>Refrigerate any leftover tea and consume within 48 hours.</li></ol><h2 id="e240e9c5-1c56-48a9-84c8-a9a060dbe13c" data-toc-id="e240e9c5-1c56-48a9-84c8-a9a060dbe13c">Calendula Symbology</h2><ul><li>Symbol of joy and longevity in many cultures</li><li>Associated with the sun and solar energy</li><li>Represents protection and healing in folk traditions</li><li>Known as "herb of the sun" in medieval herbalism</li><li>Considered sacred to many ancient deities, including Aztec and Greek traditions</li></ul><img src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1594315590298-329f49c8dcb9?w=1080&amp;q=80" alt="image" style="width: 473px; height: auto; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px auto;" draggable="true"><h2 id="ec6a9340-16f9-4625-a32a-2c970b06effd" data-toc-id="ec6a9340-16f9-4625-a32a-2c970b06effd">Herbal Remedies and Benefits</h2>According to modern research and traditional herbalism, calendula offers these potential benefits:<ul><li>Promotes wound healing and tissue regeneration</li><li>Possesses antimicrobial properties against certain bacteria and fungi</li><li>Reduces inflammation, both internally and externally</li><li>Supports lymphatic system function</li><li>May help soothe digestive tract irritation</li><li>Shows potential anticancer properties in preliminary studies</li><li>Traditionally used to regulate menstruation</li><li>Supports oral health when used in rinses for gingivitis</li><li>Helps treat conjunctivitis when properly prepared as an eyewash</li><li>May reduce fever when taken as a tea</li></ul>Studies published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics have confirmed calendula's effectiveness for wound healing, while research in Phytotherapy Research supports its anti-inflammatory properties.<h2 id="6ea09a87-587e-4196-9626-19a8fa6602c5" data-toc-id="6ea09a87-587e-4196-9626-19a8fa6602c5">Calendula Precautions</h2>While generally considered safe, be aware of these potential concerns:<ul><li>Individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums) may experience cross-reactivity.</li><li>Pregnant women should consult healthcare providers before using calendula internally, as it has traditional use as a menstrual stimulant.</li><li>May interact with sedative medications or surgery due to its potential sedative effects.</li><li>Always perform a patch test before applying calendula preparations to large areas of skin.</li><li>Source high-quality calendula from reputable suppliers to avoid contamination with pesticides or incorrect species.</li></ul><h2 id="659f9b42-b593-485e-afbf-ec2c6cabd1be" data-toc-id="659f9b42-b593-485e-afbf-ec2c6cabd1be">Fascinating Calendula Facts</h2><ul><li>Scientific Classification: Calendula belongs to the Asteraceae family, with Calendula officinalis being the primary medicinal species. The genus name derives from the Latin "kalendae," referring to its tendency to bloom at the beginning of each month.</li><li>Historical Significance: Calendula has been documented in medical texts since the 12th century and was a staple in European and Arabic medieval medicine. It was considered a valuable herb in ancient Egyptian, Greek, Hindu, and Roman healing traditions.</li><li>Edible Applications: Calendula petals have been used as a saffron substitute, earning it the nickname "poor man's saffron." The flowers impart a golden yellow color to broths, butters, and cheeses.</li><li>Veterinary Uses: Calendula is one of the few medicinal herbs equally effective for animals and humans, commonly used in organic farming for livestock wound care.</li><li>Companion Planting: Gardeners plant calendula as a "trap crop" to attract aphids away from valuable vegetables, as well as to repel tomato hornworms and asparagus beetles.</li><li>Dye Properties: The flowers provide natural yellow, gold, and orange dyes for textiles, particularly wool and silk, without requiring harsh mordants.</li><li>Sustainability Champion: Calendula flowers attract beneficial insects, including pollinators and predatory insects that control garden pests, making them valuable in organic and permaculture systems.</li><li>Cosmetic History: Calendula has been used in cosmetics for centuries, appearing in formulations from Ancient Greece through Victorian beauty preparations to modern natural skincare lines.</li></ul><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="true" autoplay="false" disablekbcontrols="false" enableiframeapi="false" endtime="0" ivloadpolicy="0" loop="false" modestbranding="false" origin="" playlist="" progressbarcolor="white" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TOFXIYL5fAE?color=white" start="0"></iframe></div>

Love Calendula's bright and powerful benefits that are used in herbalism and modern cosmetics.

Calendula's Ancient Magic

My Love Letter to Pot Marigold also known as Calendula

Calendula: The science (Wikipedia citations)

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Calendula's Ancient Magic

Calendula's Ancient Magic

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