Herb of the Month: Calendula

Calendula

About the Plant: Calendula Calendula officinalis [Common Names;pot marigold, Common marigold, Ruddles, Mary’s gold, Scotch marigold, Garden marigold, Gold bloom, Holligold, Marigold, Mary Bud, Poet’s marigold

Calendula is a member of the aster family, native to Europe and Asia, but widely cultivated around the world. It has bright yellow or orange flowers that bloom throughout the year, earning it the name “flower of every month”. The flowers have a sweet and spicy aroma and can be used fresh or dried for various purposes.

One of the most well-known uses of calendula is as a natural remedy for skin problems. Calendula has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and antibacterial properties that can help heal wounds, rashes, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin irritations. Calendula can also improve blood circulation and stimulate collagen production, which can enhance skin elasticity and prevent aging signs.

To use calendula for skin care, you can make a simple infusion by steeping dried or fresh flowers in hot water for 10 minutes. You can then apply the infusion to the affected area with a cotton pad or use it as a wash or compress. You can also make a salve by melting beeswax and adding calendula-infused oil. The salve can be stored in a jar and applied to the skin as needed.

Another use of calendula is as an herbal tea that can benefit your internal health. Calendula tea can help soothe digestive issues, such as ulcers, gastritis, colitis, and diarrhea. It can also regulate menstrual cycles, reduce cramps and bleeding, and ease menopausal symptoms. Calendula tea can also boost your immune system and fight infections, such as colds, flu, and sore throat.

To make calendula tea, you can steep one teaspoon of dried or fresh flowers in a cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. You can then strain the tea and drink it hot or cold. You can also add honey or lemon for extra flavor and benefits. You can drink up to three cups of calendula tea per day, but avoid it if you are pregnant or allergic to plants in the aster family.

Calendula also has magical properties that can enhance your spiritual practice. Calendula is associated with the sun and the element of fire and can be used to invoke solar energy and power. Calendula can also attract love, prosperity, protection, and divination to your life.

Some ways to use calendula for magic are:

– Offer calendula flowers to sun deities, such as Apollo or Ra, to honor them and ask for their blessings.

– Burn calendula petals or incense to cleanse your space and aura from negative influences.

– Sprinkle calendula petals around your home or under your bed to protect yourself from harm and theft.

– Carry calendula petals or wear calendula jewelry to attract love, wealth, and success.

– Use calendula petals in divination methods, such as tarot cards or runes, to enhance your intuition and insight.

– Add calendula petals to your bath water or beauty products to enhance your charm and confidence.

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