Calendula

Introduction:
the flower of care and repair

Some plants make a spectacle of themselves. Calendula does not. It grows easily, blooms generously, and keeps giving and giving. This unassuming beautiful flower has been used for centuries to soothe, restore, and protect the skin.

This monograph explores the history, traditional uses, and practical applications of calendula, with a focus on its role in herbal skincare. By the end, you may find yourself looking at this simple garden flower with a little more respect and wonder. And perhaps with a jar of golden oil in mind.

Botanical overview

Latin name: Calendula officinalis
Family: Asteraceae
Common names: Calendula, pot marigold

Calendula is an annual flowering plant native to southern Europe, now widely cultivated across temperate regions. It thrives in gardens, disturbed soils, and sunny edges, producing bright orange to yellow flowers over a long growing season.

The flower heads open with daylight and close again as the light fades, following a rhythm closely tied to the sun.

A brief history of use

Calendula has long been used in European herbal traditions as both a kitchen herb and a household remedy.

Historically, it has been applied to:

●      minor wounds and cuts
●      skin irritation and redness
●      slow-healing skin
●      general skin care and maintenance

It was commonly infused into oils, made into salves, or used in washes. In many traditions, it was considered a “skin herb”: reliable, accessible, and effective in everyday situations.

Active qualities

Calendula contains a range of naturally occurring compounds, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and triterpenes.

These contribute to its:

●      soothing properties
●      antioxidant activity
●      support for skin repair

Carotenoids give the flower its deep orange colour and are associated with maintaining healthy skin. Flavonoids help the plant respond to environmental stress, while triterpenes are often linked to its calming effect on irritated or sensitive skin.

Together, these compounds support the skin in settling, restoring, and returning to balance. Calendula works gently, but consistently. Making it particularly suited for regular, repeated use.

Harvesting guidelines

Harvest flowers in full bloom

Pick regularly to encourage more flowering

Choose clean, unsprayed plants

Dry gently to preserve colour (bright colour indicates quality)

Calendula responds well to harvesting. The more consistently it is picked, the more it continues to produce.

Traditional Medicinal Uses

Skin repair and wound care

Calendula is best known for its use on the skin. It has traditionally been applied to:

●      minor cuts and scrapes
●      dry or cracked skin
●      mild burns or sun exposure
●      irritated or sensitive areas

It supports the skin’s natural healing process and helps maintain a clean, calm environment for repair.

General skin maintenance

Beyond acute issues, calendula is often used daily to:

●      keep skin soft and hydrated
●      support barrier function
●      prevent minor irritation from developing

It is particularly valued for sensitive or delicate skin types.

Anti-inflammatory applications

Calendula is commonly used to reduce redness, swelling, and irritation. It is especially helpful for skin that feels reactive or easily disturbed.

Folklore and symbolism

Calendula has long been associated with the sun. Its colour, its rhythm, and its steady, reliable presence. The flowers open with the morning light and close again as it fades, a daily movement that has linked the plant to cycles of warmth, vitality, and renewal.

Because of this, calendula came to symbolize:

●      warmth and life force
●      protection of both body and home
●      constancy and quiet devotion

Unlike more dramatic protective plants, calendula was seen as offering a softer kind of guardianship. It maintained a steady presence, much like sunlight itself, which protects by sustaining instead of defending.

In traditional European folklore, calendula flowers were sometimes planted near doorways or woven into garlands and placed around the home. These practices reflected a belief that the plant could help maintain balance and harmony in a space, particularly during times of change or vulnerability.

It was also associated with faithfulness and enduring connection, often appearing in love traditions and seasonal rituals. In this way, calendula carries a symbolism that mirrors its medicinal use. As a plant of steady support. Working gently, persistently, and over time.

Methods of Preparation

Calendula infused oil

The most common and useful preparation is to infuse calendula in oil. This practice is called maceration.

Basic method:

● Dried calendula flowers
● Carrier oil (e.g. organic extra vergin olive, sunflower, or almond oil)

Cover the flowers completely with oil and allow to infuse for 3–6 weeks in a sunny place. Strain when the oil has taken on a rich golden colour.

Use:
Apply directly to the skin for dryness, irritation, or minor wounds.

Calendula salves and balms

The Calendula oil above can be thickened with beeswax or combined with butters to create protective balms.

Use:

●      dry hands and lips
●      irritated or sensitive skin
●      minor cuts and scrapes

These preparations form a protective layer while allowing the skin to repair underneath.

Calendula tea (traditional use)

Simple infusion:

●      1–2 teaspoons dried calendula petals
●      1 cup hot water
●      Steep 10–15 minutes

Traditionally used in small amounts, often as part of tea blends. Can also be cooled and used externally as a gentle skin wash.

Fresh Calendula use

Fresh calendula flowers can be:
●      infused directly into oil (preferred for potency)
●      added to baths
●      used in compresses for the skin
●      Used to make tinctures

The fresher the flower, the more vibrant the resulting preparation.

St John’s wort tincture

A tincture of Calendula asks for a different way of working with the plant than its more familiar oil.

Where calendula oil is primarily used externally for the skin, the tincture draws out a broader range of the plant’s constituents into alcohol, creating a more concentrated and long-lasting preparation. It is typically taken in small amounts and diluted before use.

Traditionally, calendula tincture has been used both internally and externally. Internally, it has been associated with supporting the body’s natural response to inflammation and assisting gentle tissue repair, particularly in the digestive tract. Externally, when diluted, it can be used as a wash or compress for the skin. Especially where there is irritation, minor wounds, or sensitivity. The disadvantage of this use is the alcohol, which can be harsh on the skin.

As said, it’s a more potent and less commonly used preparation than calendula oil. Its effects are subtle but broad, and its preparation requires some care in timing and plant quality.

For this reason, many people prefer to work with well-prepared tinctures or seek guidance before making or using them regularly.

Apothecary: Herbal Healing Butter

In our apothecary, Calendula forms the ‘base-layer’ of skincare preparations, adding softness and balance to rich blends.

In our Herbal Healing Butter, calendula infused oil works with the density of shea and cacao butters, helping the skin remain supple and supported. Combined with St John’s wort oil, the formulation has depth and warmth. St John’s wort moves deeper into the tissue, while calendula tends to the surface. Easing irritation and supporting overall skin condition.

Conclusion: modest but powerful

Calendula is a modest herb. But one should not underestimate her healing force, as she is reliable and consistently supports the skin day after day. If you’re interested in herbalism, this is a great herb to start with.