Calendula: History, Facts, and Traditional Uses

Hello Healers!

Calendula (Calendula officinalis), often called pot marigold, is a bright and cheerful herb with a long history of traditional use. Known for its vibrant orange and yellow flowers, calendula has been valued for centuries in both culinary and herbal traditions. Here’s a clear, factual look at its history, botanical background, and traditional uses.

A Little History

Calendula is native to Southern Europe but has been cultivated widely across Europe and beyond for hundreds of years. The ancient Greeks and Romans used calendula flowers in food, dyes, and herbal preparations, appreciating both their color and versatility.

During the Middle Ages, calendula became a common garden plant, often grown near kitchens and monasteries. It was used in broths, stews, and herbal remedies, especially during colder months when fresh plants were scarce. Its ability to bloom over a long season made it especially valued.

By the early modern period, calendula was firmly established in European folk herbalism and later carried to North America by settlers.

Botanical Facts

Scientific Name: Calendula officinalis

Family: Asteraceae

Type: Annual flowering herb

Native Range: Southern Europe

Parts Used: Flowers

Calendula produces daisy-like flowers ranging from pale yellow to deep orange. The plant is hardy, easy to grow, and known for its long blooming season. Only the flower heads or petals are typically used in herbal preparations.

Traditional Uses

Calendula has been used traditionally for:

• Supporting skin health

• Soothing irritated tissues

• Supporting gentle digestive comfort

• Coloring and flavoring foods

Its traditional uses appear consistently in European folk medicine and early herbal texts.

Common Modern Forms

You’ll most often find calendula as:

• Dried flowers for tea

• Salves and infused oils

• Creams and balms

• Tinctures

Calendula tea has a mild, slightly bitter, earthy flavor and is often blended with gentler herbs.

Growing Calendula

Calendula is a favorite among gardeners for good reason:

• Easy to grow from seed

• Thrives in full sun

• Blooms continuously when harvested regularly

• Grows well in garden beds and containers

Because of its resilience and beauty, calendula is often one of the first herbs people choose to grow.

Calendula brings brightness and dependability to the herbal world — a humble flower with a long and well-documented history of use.

Until Next Time!