Calendula is native to northern Africa and south-central Europe. Throughout history, Calendula has held an important place in herbal medicine and is celebrated across cultures for its remarkable healing properties. The ancient Egyptians used numerous products derived from fragrant plants, flowers, and seeds. Calendula was known in ancient Egypt as a "Golden Flower," and it was used to treat wounds and skin infections. Calendula also found its way into the apothecaries of the Greeks and Romans, who admired its therapeutic benefits. After the Roman Empire fell, the monks and nuns continued to preserve the knowledge about the healing properties of herbs and other plants, including Calendula. During the American Civil War, this versatile flower was applied to soldiers' wounds to aid healing.
Calendula is easy to grow and thrives effortlessly in moderately fertile soil with good drainage and plenty of sunlight. It is a must-have plant for any garden. Whether nestled among flower beds, lining garden borders, or growing happily in pots and containers, Calendula brings its easygoing charm wherever it's planted, making it as versatile in the garden as it is in herbal traditions. Calendula can also be used in the garden as a bug repellent.
Calendula was declared the flower of the year for 2008 by the Herb Association. It is a sacred flower in India and is used to decorate the statues of Hindu deities. In spirituality, Calendula is known as the "herb of the sun" as it is associated with joy, happiness, and optimism. It is used in rituals to remove negative energy and is also believed to bring warmth and comfort.
Calendula is also used in rituals for remembrance. It is used in the Mexican Day of the Dead, among other ceremonies.
Calendula is the birth flower for people born in October.
Calendula has vibrant yellow to deep-orange flowers with a mild floral aroma. Its petals are widely used in cosmetics and perfumery.
Across centuries and civilizations, Calendula has woven itself into the story of healing. This golden flower was trusted to soothe wounds and restore skin. Before modern science confirmed it, healers knew that Calendula possessed a rare gift for nurturing the body. Its name, Calendula officinalis, speaks to its honored place among medicinal plants. When you bring Calendula into your skincare ritual, you're not just choosing a remedy - you're stepping into a tradition shaped by generations who recognized and cherished its true power.
Today, Calendula is widely available over the counter in many forms - from dried flower petals used for soothing teas to liquid extracts and tinctures taken orally to ointments made for direct application on the skin.
Calendula is often used in skincare because of its calming and anti-inflammatory qualities. Its ingredients have been shown to reduce swelling, redness, and inflammation, making it good for people with sensitive or irritated skin. It is used to improve skin hydration and firmness. It can help prevent dermatitis. Furthermore, Calendula can calm and soothe skin damaged by harsh environmental factors. Using Calendula on your skin is proven safe. However, people with allergies to plants in the daisy or aster family may also have allergic reactions to Calendula.
Calendula stimulates the regeneration of skin cells and provides a calming effect. Its petals possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, antibacterial, and analgesic properties.
Calendula contains polysaccharides and other chemicals that support the immune system, and many practitioners are using it to treat gut-related issues.
Many established brands have used flowers in their skincare products for years, and the results are astonishing. Calendula is one of the flowers that made it to the top of the list as it stimulates renewal and nourishes the skin.
The benefits of using botanical products in skincare are increasing as consumers seek more natural and sustainable products. In today's world, the demand for naturally derived skincare continues to rise. The global market for natural cosmetics is growing, with an impressive annual increase of 10–11%, reflecting a renewed desire for products that feel closer to the earth. Technology also helps in the production of high-performance ingredients without compromising on sustainability and impact on the environment.