Calendula officinalis
You’ve likely seen calendula as an herb in some sort of skin cream, diaper rash cream, breast balm, or after sun care product. And this is due to the amazing vulnerary actions that calendula contains. They are moistening enough to sooth dry irritated and cracked skin while being drying enough to dry up excess moisture.
But like many of the plants that get tag-lined with one buzz healing property- did you know that calendula is actually so much more than a skin herb?
That magic that happens on the surface, also happens within- when this herb is used internally. And really, it isn’t magic at all- event though it might seem like it.
The wisdom of calendula is rooted in science and backed by herbalists like Matthew Wood, who was even said to use this herb to support depression.
Which is no surprise to me, because when I see this plant- they exude happiness.
Golden florets circle a disc and radiates like the sun. The flower buds and leaves are resignous and have a unique aromatic smell. Pointing to the volatile oils that make them such an amazing healer.
It is even said that calendula was used as a mood enhancer between the 12th and 17th century. Something I find very interesting about the folklore of this plant, and again- it doesn’t surprise me!
If you have ever communed with calendula you might have a similar understanding. It’s hard to not feel your mood lift when you are surrounded by a field of orange and yellow flowers, radiant like the sun.
Calendula is amazing medicine for summer. They can help to moisten the skin and act as a lymphatic cleanser. An action that is extremely important for how our liver processes waste.
So whether you are experiencing a sunburn, a stomach ache, or feeling down and blue- calendula might just be the plant ally for you.
Go ahead and read the full herbal monograph below to learn more!
Calendula officinalis
Family:Asteraceae
Native habitat: North Africa, Southern Europe/ the Mediterranean
Parts Used: flowers and buds
Notes:
Perennial often grown as an annual
The buds contain a sticky resign containing medicinal constituents used in herbal medicine making
Known most commonly as a skin healing herb but also has amazing internal benefits
The seeds of this plant are often referred to as the cheese wheel
The seeds blow easily in the wind making the disbursement of this plant simple and fast
Known to support imbalances like diaper rash, cracked and dry skin, eczema
Is an immunomodulating herb that can support the immune system
Amazing for healing the lining of the gut or for gut disruptions related to bacteria and viruses
Harvest with the morning sun when the flowers are open
Not to be confused with marigold from the Tagetes genus
Tastes:
Sweet, bitter
Identification:
Leaves:
Bright green
Lance or spoon shaped
Alternate along the stem
Leaves are slightly sticky and aromatic
Stems:
Angular
Grows 1-2 ft tall
Covered in short and fine glandular hairs
Flowers:
Dense ring of ray florets and a central disc
Growing 2-4 inches across
Color range from pale yellow to bright orange, even reddish/yellow
Herbal Energetics:
cooling, drying/astringent, bitter
Herbal Actions:
Vulnerary, antiviral, antibacterial, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, digestive, lymphatic cleanser, alterative, immunomodulatory
Tissue State Indications:
damp/stagnation
heat/excitation
lax/atony
Contraindications:
Can interact with autoimmune diseases/medications
Use with caution if you have hypotension or low blood pressure
Can induce uterine contractions
Those allergic to plants in the daisy family
Please remember to always use at least 3 identification sources when wildcrafting. Also be mindful of where you are harvesting. For example, making sure the plants are not near roadways or somewhere they can become polluted by exhaust or pesticides.
Disclaimer: These articles are for educational purposes only, they are not a substitution for professional medical advice, and as the reader you are responsible for your own health decisions.
