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Calendula Officinalis or Pot Marigold
Other Names: Holigold, Summer's Bride, Bride of The Sun, Drunkard, Goldes, Sponsa Solis or Spouse of The Sun
Magickal Associations:
Gender- Masculine
Planet- Sun
Element- Fire
Magickal Influences- Psychic dreams, protection, legal matters. History/Lore
In midevil times the entire flower including the stem was used as a garnish on dinner plates. The calendula is native to Egypt and the Mediterranean, but today it is grown around the world. The colors range from a soft yellow known as the "Lemon Queen", to radiant orange known as the "Orange King". The "Nankeen" is known as the varigated type with the deep orange or burgandy like center. When in bright sunshine the flower heads give off a rich fragrance that fills the air. I love walking past them in the back yard, that whole area of the yard is sented by them. I have been known to take a chair and a good book and just sit next to the flower bed and read immersed in the beautiful sent. Calendula is also known as a wheather predictor. If the flower heads fail to open at the break of day, then it means it's going to rain.
Growing And Cultivation
Calendula means "First Day Of The Month". It was given this name due to it's long flowering season. The seeds can be planted indoors or directly in your garden in loose soil and in a good amount of sunlight. Germination is about 10 to 14 days at a temperature of about 65 to 70 drgrees. If planted by late May they should bloom by July, and will flower up until the first frost. They can grow anywhere from 12 to 24 inches tall. They grow best in full sunshine but can tolerate some shade. What ever you do, don't plant them in a well shaded area, they won't grow well in full shade. Can you tell I've had some personal experience here? Yup, I learned the hard way. They can also be sown in autum for an early flowering in the spring. I admit though, I'm the lazy type with these. I go to the nursery here and buy the seedlings. They bloom faster.
Magickal Uses
It is said that if the flowers are scattered under the bed at bedtime they will protect you while you sleep. Also by doing this it is said you could have prophetic dreams. Sniffing fresh calendula flowers will sharpen the eyesight. The flowers were also sniffed to ease emotional stress. Maybe that's why I like smelling them so much. String a row of the flowers over the doorway of your home to prevent evil form entering.
Medicinal Uses
Calendula is used in wound healing because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. At the time of the Civil War, a tea mixture was made and bandages were dipped into it then applied to the wounds of the soldiers at the makeshift hospitals of the time. It also has antifungal properties that make it a good treatment for skin disorders like athelet's foot. It is also noted for promoting new tissue growth. Calendula is said to be a good treatment for menstrual pain as well as canker sores, gallbladder problems,and gastric disorders like ulcers and colitis.
As with many herbal remedies, all chemical components of the calendula work together synergistically to produce an overall healing effect. Researchers have found that there is no one single active chemical that gives the caneldula its healing abilities.
WARNING: If you are taking any kind of regularly scheduled medications, consult your doctor before begining any herbal therapy. Also find out as much about it as you can before taking it. Do not use herbal remedies with children under 2 years of age. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, do not use herbal remedies unless prescribed by your doctor.
Cosmetic Uses
Calendula cream is known for its positive effect on the skin. It is used for acne, diaper rash, and dry skin. It comes avaliable in lotions, creams, oils and tinctures, or in dried or fresh flowers. Also used in minimizing the effects of varicose viens. As I have a job that keeps me on my feet most of the time I am at work, I make full use of this particular cosmetic application. I don't even want to know what my legs would look like if I didn't use this stuff on them.
Culinary Uses
Calendula petals are used in rice dishes, salads, fish dishes,in soups and in wine making. Also in dessrets like pudding.
CALENDULA TEA
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of dried calendula petals. Steep for 10 to 15 min. then strain.
Drink twice a dayto improve circulation. Gargle with this tea a few times a day to relieve a sore throat from a cold.
For skin irritations, soak a compress in calendula tea and apply to the wound twice a day for 30 min. each time.
CALENDULA OINTMENT
1 cup olive oil
2/3 cup clendula petals
1 ounce bees wax
2 teaspoons honey
Place ingredient in a double boiler on very low heat for 20 to 30 min. Strain. Pour into clean dark glass jars. Store in cool dry area. Use for cuts, burns, sores, bruises, dry skin or chapped hands.
MARIGOLD CLEANSER
4 fresh or dried marigold heads
1 tablespoon cocoa butter
1 teaspoon lanolin
1/2 cup olive oil
Place in top of double boiler on very low heat. Melt cocoa butter, lanolin, and olive oil. Let set on low heat for 10 to 15 min. Strain into a mixing bowl and beat until cooled. Store in a clean dark glass jar.
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