Calendula

The history of calendula, also known as pot marigold, is filled with poetry and symbolism. At dawn the blossom opens, and rises with the sun, creating a poetic image of the “awakening” of a flower. Its golden orange colour brightens the day until sunset when the flower closes for the evening. Calendula’s luminous blooms and sensitivity to the sun have earned it the moniker “herbal sunshine,” vying with sunflower in literary popularity. Perhaps the most exquisite poetic reference to calendula is from one of England’s finest poets, John Keats, whose verse is known for its vivid imagery and sensuous appeal. In his poem “I stood tiptoe upon a little hill” (London 1817) the author keenly describes calendula (which he refers to as marigold) beginning with:

I stood tip-toe upon a little hill,

The air was cooling, and so very still,…

I was light-hearted, And many pleasures to my vision started;…

Open afresh your round of starry folds, Ye ardent marigolds!”

On a hot day the sun pulls the medicinal resins up into the calendula flowers making them very sticky. Keats refers to this in the next line:

Dry up the moisture from your golden lids

For great Apollo [the Greek God of the sun and light] bids

That in these days your praises should be sung

 On many harps, which he has lately strung;

And when again your dewiness he kisses, Tell him, I have you in my world of blisses:…

According to herbal medicine educator and researcher, Dr Sue Evans, plants have always been part of cultures throughout history and this is tied to the understanding of the herbal medicine within that culture. She says the dominance of science in modern herbal medicine, and the emphasis on phytochemisty, has meant that the social sciences and humanities often get ignored. She suggests modern herbalists can think about herbs in a broader context and resolve this disconnect by examining them through the lens of subjects such as music, literature and poetry. In this context calendula’s cheerfulness makes it a wonderful ally for people who are feeling low as it can lift the spirits, or as Keats observed make one “light-hearted”, when there is melancholy and mild depression. 

This familiar garden flower has long been touted as a topical anti-infective remedy for wounds resistant to healing. Calendula is used as a therapy for a wide array of skin disorders ranging from chapped hands to lacerations. According to the German Commission E, topical applications of calendula are safe and efficacious in decreasing inflammation and promoting granulation of wounds, burns, eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. Based on the results of a 2023 human clinical study calendula may have beneficial healing properties, and be effective, in accelerating the healing of second-degree burn wounds and can be used as a supplement to treat wounds.

Calendula is especially beneficial with cysts, swollen glands or chronic skin conditions such as acne where it helps to move stagnation, particularly in the lymphatic system. As a digestive calendula is indicated where there are chronic problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, food allergies and leaky gut syndrome. As a detoxifier, especially of the liver, it also has a hormone balancing effect helping to regulate periods and ease painful menstruation.

To read more please login and visit the Resources page on our website for our new calendula monograph. There you can take advantage of our monthly specials. Calendula also features in our new Naturopath’s Guide to Acne.

References

Hylton, W ed. The Rodale Herb Book. Rodale Press, 1974. p. 381

Lovell Verinder E. The Plant Clinic. Thames & Hudson: Port Melbourne. 2021. p. 131

Evans, S. The Impact of Science on Herbal Medicine. Naturopaths & Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA). Naturopathic Symposium May 2023, Melbourne.

Rezai S, Rahzani K, Hekmatpou D, Rostami A. Effect of oral Calendula officinalis on second-degree burn wound healing. Scars Burn Heal. 2023 Jan 4;9:20595131221134053. doi: 10.1177/20595131221134053. PMID: 36632430; PMCID: PMC9827526.

Calendula (Pot Marigold). IMGateway. c2001-2023 UnityHealth Proprietary Limited (accessed 24 Jul 2023). Available from https://www.imgateway.net/page.jsp?profRef=ProfHerbs_CalendulaPotMarigoldph

Lovell Verinder E. The Plant Clinic. Thames & Hudson: Port Melbourne. 2021. p. 131