Calendula, the August Herb of the Month, is in the Asteraceae Family

Calendula's Latin name is Calendula officinalis. it comes from the Latin words for calendar, and globe (referring to the sun-like appearance). Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, it now grows in many temperate climates. Known as Poor Man’s Saffron, for its use as an inexpensive spice and dye, Calendula is one of the oldest cultivated flowers in the world.

Calendula has deep green leaves that are thick and rounded, and branched stems for the blooms. Bright orange and yellow flowers with a composite flower head. This means its bright ‘petals’ are actually individual flowers! Calendula looks similar to a Daisy, as both are members of the Asteraceae family.

Calendula was widely used in many parts of the ancient world including Persia, India, Greece, and Egypt. It has been used since ancient times in Indian (and Hindu) weddings. They are associated with the sun and positive energy.

Calendula has been used medicinally and in production since at least the 12th century. Ancient Greeks called the plant Solsepium, a ‘follower of the sun’, because of it’s tendency to open and close each day.

It’s bright yellow and orange blooms were often used as dye for fabric or to color food. Medics in the Civil War carried Calendula petals with them to stop bleeding and heal wounds.

Calendula is cooling, warming, and drying. The flowers, shoots, and leaves are all used medicinally. It is a Class 1 herb so very safe to use both topically and internally, and also safe to smoke. Calendula contains several terpenes including; Caryophyllene, Humulene, Limonene, and Ocimene.

Calendula is most used for either skincare and wound health, or to help with depression and anxiety. Calendula helps heal skin with both its purifying abilities, as well as being calming and healing. It is antiseptic, antimicrobial, antifungal, and a vulnerary (heals wounds). It also uses anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness and puffiness. It also has a long history of helping with depression and anxiety. It is an anti-depressant and anti-anxiety. It is said that calendula’s sunny appearance lifts the heart.

Calendula is an herb I use every single day in my herbal balm. I use it as a face and hand moisturizer but also to heal wounds or burns (I’m very clumsy so I have a lot of them!). Click Here to find instructions on how to make my herbal healing balm recipe, or we have it available for sale in our store.

Calendula is associated with the Fire, is ruled by the Sun and has Masculine energy. Calendula is known for help in happiness, prosperity, protection, and psychic connection. It has connections to several deities including, the goddess Xochiquetzal, Oshun, Apollo, Zeus, Helios, Mary, Lakshmi and Vishnu.

Caltha, a young girl, became so in love with Apollo she stood still and allowed herself to be consumed by his rays. She disappeared and a calendula flower grew in her place

It is believed that pulling petals to determine ‘he loves me – he loves me not’ originated with calendula flowers. A garland of calendula over your door prevents evil from entering the home. Calendula is often used in ceremonies and holidays to honor the dead like Samhain, Dia de los Muertos, and Il Giorno di Morti. It is believed to protect travelers from theft and also brings good legal outcomes.