The Healing Powers of Calendula: June's Herbal Ally Revealed

Jeannine Love
4 days ago
3 min read

Bright orange Calendula bloom in a sunny garden with a wooden fence in the background and a clear blue sky overhead. — Calendula Blossoms

Calendula is one of my favorite herbs for skin care. I grow it every year and make infused oils with the calendula blossoms, which I use in massage oils, lotions, creams, and salves. With the Summer Solstice coming later this month, Calendula's sunny blossoms make it the perfect herbal ally for June.

Calendula – June’s Herbal Ally

Botanical Information

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a hardy, daisy-like annual in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. Its common names are pot marigold, poet’s marigold or English marigold. Calendula is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean. It’s known for its bright yellow or orange flowers and aromatic leaves. It thrives in cool weather with well-drained soil. Calendula attracts pollinators while resisting pests, so plant some in your garden.

Calendula’s History

Calendula has a rich history, and has been used since ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

The ancient cultures of Egypt, Greece and Roman, valued calendula for its skin rejuvenation properties. It was used to treat skin irritations, wounds, and digestive problems. Calendula was also used in religious ceremonies and rituals. The Romans linked the herb to happiness.
In medieval times, Calendula was called “Mary’s Gold” because it was associated with the Virgin Mary. It was referred to in poems and was displayed at Christian events.

Statue of a holy figure with blue robes and halo holds a yellow flower. People in vibrant shawls gather nearby on a stone street. — Medieval Christian ceremony with Calendula blossoms

The early settlers of the New World brought Calendula to the Americas. They used it in skin salves, poultices, and teas.
During the Civil War, doctors carried Calendula to stop bleeding and to heal wounds.
In the 19^th century, the Eclectic Physicians used Calendula internally for liver and stomach issues, as well as externally for burns, bruises, and conjunctivitis.

Calendula’s Health Benefits

The health benefits of Calendula include:

Like in ancient times, Calendula is a major remedy for skin and wound care, such as for burns, cuts, diaper rashes, sores, and inflammation.
As an anti-inflammatory, it’s used for mouth and throat inflammation (pharyngitis) and gum issues.
As a diaphoretic, it can help reduce a fever.
As a culinary herb, Calendula is a natural dye and flavoring agent.

A jar of creamy white Calendula lotion is surrounded by dried, vibrant orange Calendula flowers on a wooden surface, creating a natural, soothing mood. — Calendula Lotion

Calendula Recipes

Infused Calendula blossoms in oil makes a wonderful massage oil. You can also use the infused oil to create first aid salves, lotions, and creams or body butters. Caution: do not apply Calendula to wounds that are infected or have sepsis, because it promotes rapid healing, and may seal the infection and dirt internally. And, of course, always wash wounds first before applying any salves or balms.

For internal use, you can make a tea with Calendula and a few other herbs for fever, as well as for inflammation of the GI tract.

A cup of herbal tea with Calendula petals on top, surrounded by vibrant orange flowers, green leaves, and scattered dried petals. — Calendula tea surrounded by Calendula, Rose petals, Yarrow and Mint

Calendula Tea

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon Calendula
1/2 teaspoon Rose petals
1/2 teaspoon Yarrow
1/4 teaspoon Mint

Directions:

Mix herbs together.
Add herbs to a tea ball and place in a mug.
Add a cup of boiling water to the mug and cover.
Let herbs steep for 15 minutes, then strain, sweeten if you desire, and drink.

You could also make a large batch of the herbal tea and store it in a mason jar to use when needed. To make a large batch combine 1 cup of Calendula, 1/2 cup of Rose petals, 1/2 cups of Yarrow, and 1/4 cup of Mint.

Happy Summer!