Calendula is an herb of sun and fire. Her golden orange and yellow blooms warm the spirit with a cheerful vibe. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is commonly known as pot marigold–not to be confused with the more common and naturalized marigold (Tagetes erecta). Although calendula is not native to traditional Appalachian folk practices, she’s earned a place in modern folk herbalists’ apothecaries from Maine to Georgia and beyond. Let’s explore some calendula benefits.
What Is Calendula?
Calendula is a beautiful, self-seeding annual flower from the daisy family (Asteraceae). She’s often mistaken for her cousin, marigold, but calendula is her own distinct herb with her own healing ways.
Native to Europe, calendula has been integrated into Appalachian folk herbalism over time–both for her beauty and her herbal benefits. Traditional and modern herbalists across the world have long turned to calendula to soothe the skin, encourage wound healing, and support the lymphatic system.
In modern folk herbalism, calendula is a must-grow plant. It thrives in herb gardens and flower beds, blooming all summer long if you keep harvesting her vibrant blooms or deadheading spent ones. As you gather the golden blooms, lay them out to dry for use in herbal teas, oils, and salves.
Herbal Benefits of Calendula
Calendula’s healing properties are gentle, safe, and powerful. She’s best known for her skin-healing gifts, but calendula also benefits the immune and lymphatic systems.
Wound Healing
Calendula is one of the most well known herbs for skin repair. She speeds healing by encouraging cell regeneration and reducing inflammation. We keep a calendula and beeswax salve in our herbal first aid kit for cuts, scrapes, and pain relief.
Lymphatic Support
Calendula gently stimulates the lymphatic system, helping the body move stagnant fluids and clear out metabolic waste. This is especially helpful after illnesses or periods of low energy. Calendula helps get everything flowing smoothly again.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Calendula is also perfect for calming inflammation. Externally, she reduces redness, swelling, and irritation from rashes, eczema, sunburn, and other inflammatory skin issues. Internally, she can help soothe digestion.
Antimicrobial Action
Another benefit of calendula is that she is naturally antimicrobial and antifungal. This means she supports the prevention of infection in minor wounds, burns, and rashes. She can be used as a salve for wounds, a cream for rashes, or as a face wash. Calendula can even be used in foot soaks for fungal issues like athlete’s foot.
Digestive Support
Calendula is especially helpful as a demulcent to soothe tissues in the gut, especially in cases of leaky gut, ulcers, or IBS. She calms inflammation and encourages gentle healing. Her bitter tones also signal the liver to wake up, stimulating detox and healthy digestion.
How to Use Calendula
Calendula is a core herb in my home apothecary. She’s one of those herbs that I like to keep in several forms–dried flowers, infused oil, salve, and occasionally as an addition to tea blends.
I now grow calendula in my summer herb garden, picking her bright flowers daily to encourage more growth. At the end of the season, I will let a few flowers go to seed for next year’s garden.
Here is how you can invite calendula into your own herbal practice:
- Infused oil: Fill a jar with dried calendula petals and cover it with oil (olive or jojoba work wonderfully). Let sit on a sunny windowsill for 4-6 weeks. This is the base for most of my skin-healing salves.
- Salve: Calendula salve is the most used skin remedy in my home. We use it for bouts of eczema and those pesky bug bites. My own autoimmune condition makes healing slower, so calendula is a big help.
- Herbal tea: A pinch of calendula in a tea blend can gently support lymph flow and reduce inflammation. And it adds a little hint of sunshine and joy to a cup of tea.
- Tincture: For deeper lymphatic and digestive support (best used under the guidance of an herbalist).
- Baths or foot soaks: Add a few flowers to warm water for a relaxing soak.
“Calendula’s sunny vibe reminds me that small, everyday remedies can be full of joy and beauty.” -Willow
A Note on Safety
Calendula is considered very safe and gentle for most folks, including children and elders. Still, a few notes to keep in mind:
- Asteraceae allergies: If you’re sensitive or allergic to plants like ragweed or daisies, do a patch test first.
- Pregnancy: Internal use is generally avoided in large doses during pregnancy.
- Topical use: Almost always well-tolerated, even for sensitive or broken skin.
As always, trust your body and start slow when working with a new plant.
Calendula in Modern Folk Herbalism
Calendula may not be native to Appalachia or used in early Appalachian folk herbalism–but she has found her home in many modern folk gardens from Maine to Georgia where the Appalachian mountains run. She’s become a staple and an integral part of many folk herbalists apothecaries across the region and beyond, even as common as chamomile–a beloved Appalachian folk herb.
Calendula is an honored herbal ally that has taught many of us the art of healing. It was my first homemade oil and salve and showed me the magic of herbalism. It garnered the attention of my children and became one of their most trusted herbal friends.
In plant lore, calendula has always been a flower of light and protection. European traditions have used her to repel negativity and enhance prophetic dreams. In green magic, looking at the petals of calendula can enhance visions also known as “the sight”.
Folk herbalism is alive and evolving. It blends the old ways with the new–what we grow in our gardens, what we learn from our teachers, and what the plants themselves teach us. And calendula adds many benefits to modern Appalachian folk herbalism.
“Calendula blooms to bring joy and healing where it is needed most.” -Willow
Final Thoughts
Calendula holds a sacred place in my herbal practice. She’s one of those herbs that keeps giving by little moments of happiness all summer long. Every time I step out onto the porch I see her blooming with her pleasant vibes of sunshine and joy. Whether I’m making a jar of oil, concocting a salve, or just admiring her beauty, I feel the warmth she brings.
Calendula is the essence of love and light.
With Gratitude Always,
Lymph-Loving Calendula Tea
A gentle tea blend to get unstuck
- 1 part dried calendula petals
- 1 part cleavers (or chickweed)
- 1 part spearmint or lemon balm
Steep 1–2 teaspoons of the blend per cup of hot water for 10–15 minutes. Sip slowly in the morning to help your body and spirit get flowing again.
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FDA Disclaimer: The statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The herbal information shared here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This blog is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.