Calendula

Written By Isobel Spence

Common Name: Calendula, Pot Marigold, Holigold

Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis

Elements: Fire, Earth

Energetics/ Flavour: Cooling, Drying, Bitter

Calendula might just have to be one of my favourite herbs! The flowers are just so cheery.

I’ve been growing several Calendula plants in amongst the courgettes on the valley sunken farm where I live. The flowers greet me with sunny delight when I go to harvest produce. I smile back and make a note to save their seeds so I can look forward to their joy again next year. July is a month of joy though really isn’t it? Bright colours and abundance everywhere I look.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is highly anti-inflammatory, working to reduce heat and dampness in the body. The flowers stimulate lymphatic drainage and circulation. In doing so, they have a deeply reparative effect on the digestive system, helping to clear congestion whilst simultaneously soothe the gut lining. A Calendula tea (brewing fresh of dried petals in hot water for 10-12 mins) is a wonderful aid for over-fullness, bloating, gas or general stomach upset. This includes cramping or period pains.

Calendula is best known for its wound healing benefits. The flowers promote the formation of granulation tissue as well as stimulating the production of white blood cells, which in turn prevents infections. An oil or balm made from Calendula can be used topically to heal skin damage from acne, bites, cuts, bruises and sun and wind burn. It is gentle enough to use on children but do not to use if pregnant.

R E C I P E

To make a Calendula oil:

  • Fill a jam jar with flowers (dried or fresh)

  • Pour over a neutral, quality oil such as sunflower, olive or almond to cover the flowers completely.

  • Leave in a warm sunny spot for 3-4 weeks.

  • Strain and then either use directly onto skin or turn into a balm.

To make a Calendula balm:

  • Place a glass bowl, over a pan of simmering water

  • In the bowl, melt 2 tbsp beeswax and 2tbsp shea butter

  • Once melted, take off the heat and stir through 1 cup Calendula oil

  • Once combined, pour into tins or glass jars and leave for 30-60 mins to set

  • Seal, label and enjoy :)

I hope you enjoy connecting with Calendula yourselves and the flowers bring you the same cheer they have bought me this Summer. It really is such an uplifting flower, emotionally and physically.

Let me know if you give making the Calendula balm a try!

All love,

Isobel Xx

Isobel Spence
Next

Rose