07/30/2026
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) or sometimes called a Pot marigold, is a staple in my garden.
It is one of my favorite herbs to use in soaps, salves, creams, and as a face toner. It has lots of benefits, as do all herbs. It’s a member of the asteraceae family, so if you are allergic to daisies, ragweed, or chrysanthemum, this one is not for you.
Because of its anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties, it is fantastic wound healer for insect bites, diaper rash, eczema, acne, rosacea, burns, cuts, and scrapes. Yet it is a gentle healer.
Calendula is also good for menstrual flow and digestive issues, used is a mouth wash for oral hygiene, and sore throat gargles.I am, however, too stingy to use it as a tea.
It’s been a great year for calendula in my garden. Everyday I go out and pop off the opened heads to dry. This year I started lots of plants hoping they will over-seed and next years’s garden season will be easier. So far I have 2 quarts, and I’m happy, because when I infuse it, it takes one pint of dried flower to make a pint of oil.
As always, if you decide to grow and use calendula medicinally, make sure to research it before using. It’s an easy and beautiful plant to have in the garden.
