Calendula officinalis – common or pot marigold – is a favourite in British gardens due to its abundant flowering all summer. Although an annual, its efficient seed scattering means it pops up year after year, to a height of 50-75cms, bringing its sunny orange cheer.

The botanical name for this member of the Aster family comes from the Latin calendulae, meaning ‘throughout the months’ - a reference to the long flowering period. The pot marigold (different from the other French ornamental variety) is sometimes called Solis Sponsa, its blooms opening in the morning, and closing at sunset.

History

This native of the sunny Mediterranean was very popular with ancient Greeks. In Greek mythology, after Apollo abandoned Clytia she sat naked on the rocks, without food or drink, staring at the sun. After nine days she turned yellow and brown, and was transformed, some say, into a marigold (others say sunflower), always turning its head to look longingly at Apollo’s chariot of the sun.

Historically it was said that calendula flowers only keep their virtue if gathered when the moon is in Virgo, and not while Jupiter is ascendant. Dried flowers were burned as incense, petals strewn to consecrate an area, and flowers rubbed on eyelids to help people see fairies. Put in pockets the flowers were reputed to help obtain legal justice.

In Shakespeare’s time pot marigolds were nicknamed ‘poor man’s saffron’, and used to colour (and flavour) cheese, butter, soup, rice and stews. These days the edible petals may be found decorating gourmet salads.

back to top

Key Properties

Medicinal uses of calendula are manifold. Many date back centuries. It was once said that ‘where Calendula is, no pus will form’, and it’s most famous for wound healing, reducing inflammation, and as an antiseptic, so used to treat countless skin conditions from skin ulcerations to eczema. Such large amounts of calendula are grown for medicinal use in the former Soviet Union that it has earned the plant the nickname ‘Russian penicillin’.

Traditionally it has been prescribed for sore throats or mouth ulcers, and used to treat damaged and inflamed skin caused by mild burns, boils and sores, as well as everyday cuts and grazes.

Cultivation by Weleda

Weleda grows the golden calendula flowers organically using Demeter-certified biodynamic methods to ensure the crop is of top quality for award-winning results. Here in the UK our harvest is used for Weleda medicines and hair care, while Weleda Germany’s crop is used primarily for the Weleda Baby range.

Find out more about biodynamic growing methods >

back to top

Weleda products which contain Calendula:

Weleda Baby

•	Calendula Nappy Change Cream	A deep-nourishing barrier cream for the nappy area
•	Calendula Bath	A soothing bedtime bath for delicate skin
•	Calendula Cream Bath	A creamy bath milk to cleanse without drying
•	Calendula Face Cream	Moisturises delicate facial skin
•	Calendula Lotion	To replenish after bathing
•	Calendula Moisturising Body Cream	Moisturises and protects delicate skin
•	Calendula Oil	A nourishing, warming oil for daily skincare
•	Calendula Shampoo & Body Wash	Gently cleans and cares for delicate hair and skin
•	Calendula Soap	To cleanse even the most sensitive skin
•	Calendula Weather Protection Cream	Intensive protection against harsh weather

Other personal care

•	Aknedoron Cleansing Lotion	A daily cleanser for troubled skin
•	Aknedoron Purifying Lotion	Intensive care for problem skin
•	Calendula & Chamomile Shampoo	For all the family, specially mild for sensitive scalps
•	Calendula & Chamomile Conditioner	For all the family, specially mild for sensitive scalps
•	Calendula Toothpaste	Natural oral protection - Peppermint free
•	Children’s Tooth Gel	Natural protection for children's milk teeth
•	Iris Hydrating Facial Lotion	A light source of moisture
•	Iris Hydrating Night Cream	A rich nourishing cream for night-time care
•	Lemon Balm & Orange Blossom Shampoo	For normal to oily hair
•	Lemon Balm & Orange Blossom Conditioner	For normal to oily hair
•	Skin Food	Intensive care where its needed most

Medicines

•	Balsamicum Ointment (P)	Symptomatic relief of nappy rash, boils and slow healing minor wounds
•	Calendolon Ointment	Treatment of cuts, wounds and minor abrasions
•	Calendula Lotion	Soothing natural antiseptic for cuts wounds and minor abrasions
•	Hypericum/Calendula Ointment	For the relief of painful cuts and minor wounds
•	Oleum Rhinale (P)	Symptomatic relief of catarrh and sinus congestion
•	Massage Balm with Calendula	Relieves symptoms of mild muscular tension

(P) Please note: that medicines with this symbol are only available via a Pharmacy so not available on the Weleda website. You can call Weleda on 0115 944 8222 for further information, including stockists information and how to buy.

back to top

No part of the Weleda UK website may be reproduced without the express permission in writing from Weleda UK.

© Weleda 2011