Compared to the sun, Calendula (C. officinalis) opens its brilliant orange petals in the morning rays and closes them at nightfall. Both cause heat and spread dampness, stagnation and emotional patterns of coldness. Calendula illuminates our innate ability to listen – to perceive – making us more attentive to the world around us. Working with Calendula can lead to dawning insights within our relationships, especially by strengthening our empathy and moving in ways that convey inclusivity for the feelings of others.
The genus name stem “calends” refers to the new moon of each month, indicating that this plant will bloom for almost all 13 moons of our cyclical year. The species name officinalis indicates that it was the “official” Calendula in the pharmacy. It is also affectionately known as Marigold from the days when the flowers were used to decorate festivals in honor of the Virgin Mary.
Many know the benefits of enlisting Calendula’s help in supporting lymphatic and blood circulation. It has become a legendary choice among flowers in skin care remedies because of its affinity for boosting the body’s innate immune response when the skin is damaged. Women on their journey from girl to crone always have a friend in Calendula, as it relieves both menstrual and menopausal symptoms. And culinary connoisseurs around the world add sunshine in the middle of winter with Calendula blossoms, which ensures better digestion and absorption of their delicious dishes.
Botanical description of Calendula
Calendula officinalisAsteraceae family
Growing calendula. Photo credit: Lauren Ann Nichols
Used parts: Flowers (some people, herbalists and gardeners also use the leaf)
Phytochemicals: Triterpenes (calendulosides AD), carotenoids, flavonoids (isoquercitrin, narcissin, rutin), volatile oils and resins, chlorogenic acid, polysaccharides, minerals (iodine, mainly present in the leaf)1
Contraindications: Avoid internal use during pregnancy due to the emmenagogue effects. (Emmenagogues are herbs that stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area, including inducing menstruation.) Also use caution if you are sensitive to other members of the Asteraceae family.
Harvest: Collect flower heads as they appear, during the hottest part of the day. Dry in a basket or on a drying rack in a warm, shaded, well-ventilated area. Circulating air is essential because this flower contains a lot of resin.
To grow: Propagate this annual plant in spring or fall by sowing seeds directly into moderately rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 5-8. Make sure you choose a spot that gets full sun and limited shade. Plan for a height of 1 to 2 feet and spread it out. Deadhead regularly to ensure continued flowering until the first frost. If it is allowed to sow, it will sow itself freely. Look after! Don’t let your beloved free-range chickens into your Calendula beds if you want them to self-seed in the ground the same room.
Home Apothecary: Calendula for Eye Health
Although many home apothecaries offer Calendula in the form of oils, ointments, and dried flower heads/petals for compresses, teas, and steams, many are still learning about the herb’s positive and powerful role in eye health. Especially for contact wearers like me.
Freshly picked Calendula. Photo credit: Lauren Ann Nichols
In 2017, I lived on a bus in southern Oregon’s Applegate Valley during historic wildfires. The particles in the air affected my ability to wear my lenses easily. One evening I came across Calendula’s potential partnership for my eye problems in the latest publication research of the Journal of Ophthalmology (a peer-reviewed open access journal that publishes current clinical and experimental research on a range of ophthalmology topics under the SpringerOpen brand). To my delight, I looked up at my basket of freshly harvested Calendula and knew I could make tea to use as a contact solution!
The study was the first description of a model studying anti-biofilm activity Calendula officinalis extract on soft contact lenses. The research showed that Calendula officinalis extract had an excellent effect on the inhibition of biofilm formation and on the removal of preformed biofilm, making it a promising agent that can be added to new, more effective solutions for contact lens care.2
In other words, making a herbal extract in the form of tea can be used as a contact solution and as an eye wash. For the next few months, my eyes were a more vibrant shade of green, as the tea gave my contact lenses a bit of the color of the sun, and my contact lenses stayed in my eyes without any problem, even in the midst of smoke, ash, and debris.
I continue to use my friend Calendula as an eye wash and compress after long days in the ground, in the city or while hiking in the smoky air of my current home in the Rocky Mountains. I trust that Calendula supports the inhibition of biofilm formation and helps remove airborne particles that are blown into my eyes by the wind.
Calendula eye solution
- 3–5 Calendula officinalis blossoms (fresh or dried)
- 1-2 cups spring water, boiled
Directions
- Place the Calendula in a sterile jar and pour boiling water over the flowers.
- Let steep for 10 minutes, strain and let cool to room temperature.
- Once at room temperature, use as a solution to wash contact lenses, hang contact lenses and/or as an eye wash.
- Store the excess product in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
May you find an ally in Calendula, helping you to more fully radiate your own inner sun, see your capacity for compassion increase, and find warmth in the growing night. Remember to wash the harshness of life from your eyes, pave the way for new perspectives, and watch as new possibilities light up. At the end of the day, may we be humbly grateful for the grace that life offers, as Calendula does.
References
- Muley BP, Khadabadi SS, Banarase NB (2009) Phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Calendula officinalis Linn (Asteraceae): A review. Trop J Pharm Res 8(5):455–465
- El-Ganiny, AM, Shaker, GH, Aboelazm, AA et al. Prevention of bacterial biofilm formation on soft contact lenses using natural compounds. J Eye inflammation Infect 7, 11 (2017).
- Green, James. The Herbal Medicine Maker’s Handbook: A Home Guide. Berkeley, CA: The Crossing Press, 2000.
Dawn Amber Miller has apprenticed and studied in the United States of America and has received certifications in traditional and medical herbalism from the Appalachia School of Holistic Herbalism, the Commonwealth Center for Holistic Herbalism, and the Hawthorn Institute. A passionate steward of nature’s sacred realm, she moves with the wildflowers, tending the rituals of wildcrafting with heart and hand. She is currently a customer journey representative at WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
Feature photo credit: Miriam Clark
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