Calendulia Folklore, Magick and Medicinal by Regi

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

History, Folklore, and Magical Properties of Calendula

by Candace Hunter

photo/Sue Sierralupe

While Calendula's origins are somewhat disputed, there is no question as to how important this garden flower has been in more recent history. Europeans and early American colonists relied on calendula's sunny disposition and gentle immune boosting properties for protection against the damp, cold of winter. It was a common pot herb, meaning it was often used in soups and stews, as well as a regular ingredient in daily herbal infusions and beauty treatments.

Calendula has been revered as a magical medicinal for centuries as well. Ancient Egyptians used calendula to rejuvenate their skin. The Greeks and Romans used it as a culinary garnish. In ancient as well as modern India, Calendula is often strung into garlands for weddings and religious rituals. Powers of protection and prophecy have been attributed to calendula. Strewing calendula under your bed was said to offer you protection from robbers and thieves and to induce prophetic dreams if you had been robbed, helping you to identify the culprit. When dealing with legal matters, it was considered wise to carry a bit of calendula in your pocket to ensure a positive outcome. Bathing in calendula infusion was thought to give one a healthy, sunny glow that would draw admiration and respect from one's community.

Calendula Magic

Calendula's medicinal affinity is for moving that which has stagnated in our defense system. He isolates and quarantines what doesn't belong, and he helps warm the whole system, urging the body toward healthy circulation. Calendula offers us an opportunity to move that which has stagnated in our lives. He helps us warm and dry the emotional-energetic pools we've ignored or not quite noticed. Calendula magic offers us an opportunity to reclaim our boundaries and to make full use of the energy we already possess. Calendula magic is the magic of recognizing and using our wealth.

 

Calendula's flowers follow the sun, gathering in those gentle, fiery, nourishing energies. His magic is warming, coaxing us into a brighter disposition and offering us a glimpse into the sunny possibilities even when we're feeling mired in the dark of winter.  He asks us to seek similar energies in our lives and to use them to bring ourselves and our work into blossom. Calendula magic is the magic of nurturing potential.

As a hearty plant, Calendula is able to live in a wide variety of climates and soils, self-seeding and thriving on minimal care. Calendula magic is the magic of universal opportunity. He shows us that bounty, prosperity, and wealth are available to all of us, no matter our socio-economic situation, should we choose to focus on the bright, nourishing elements in our lives. "You have all you need to flourish," he seems to counsel.

Calendula magic is the magic of wealth, its potential, its attitude, and its beauty. Blooming from early spring into late fall and even winter, Calendula has much to teach about sustaining wealth. As a mentor and wise companion on your journey, Calendula can show you how to recognize and create the conditions within which true wealth can come into blossom repeatedly. If Calendula has come into your life, look forward the many beautiful ways in which wealth can blossom for you and be ready to make all the adjustments necessary to maintain the conditions that best support those blossoms. Calendula magic is the magic of sustaining wealth.

In astrology, Calendula is considered a masculine plant and is governed by the Sun. His element is Fire.

Calendula officinalis comes from the latin and means "the first day of the month". The term also refers to the blooms extremely long, May to November flowering season. This medicinal plant is sometimes called the pot marigold to differentiate it from the smaller ornamental marigold, known botanically as Tagetes.

Plant Facts : This medicinal annual produces cheerful golden orange flowers that have a faint but distinctive scent. Growing up to 28 inches tall, its upright, branching stems have paddle shaped leaves that are densely covered with fine hairs. Its leaves can be added to salads while the flowers add a colorful garnish to many dishes.

Origin : Although it is native to the Mediterranean, the calendula is now cultivated throughout the world. It grows wild in many areas, preferring sunny roadsides and open fields.

Parts Used : Medicinal preparations are usually made from either the whole flower heads or just the petals.

Components : The calendula contains an essential oil that has an antibiotic effect and lends the flower its characteristic scent. Other components include calendon - which also has a strong odour-the carotene -like dye calendulin, the therapeutic plant fiber mucilage, saponin, organic acids and various enzymes and resins.

Indications : Calendula has rather strong antiseptic properties both topically and internally. Applied externally to the skin, the plant's antibiotic action helps promote the painless healing of minor wounds by reducing inflammation and pus formation. Because calendula improves blood circulation it is useful for alleviating skin ulcers, burns and bruises and for reducing scarring. Calendula can also be used as a gargle to relieve sore throats. Taken internally, the plant promotes the secretion of bile and thereby simulates digestion and bowel function.

Extra Tip : Take a cold shower, and without drying off, rub your bosy with calendula oil(sold at health food store). Follow with a warm shower, but don't use any soap. Your skin will soon become soft to the touch.

Methods of Administration:

Tea : Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp. of dried calendula petals. Steep for 10 min, then strain. Drink 2-3 cups of warm tea daily.

Wound Dressing : To facilitate healing of skin wounds, soak a compress in calendula tea (above) and apply to the affected area.

Gargle : Unless your doctor directs otherwise, use calendula tea as a gargle or rinse to relieve inflammation in the mouth or throat. Gargle with warm tea several times a day.

Pressed Juice : Press the flowers to extract the juice. Apply directly to scrapes, corns and warts.

Homeopathy : To help treat bruises or skin ulcers in the lower limbs, take the homeopathy remedy Calendula internally in a 30C dosage. Supplement this remedy with a calendula compress: Mix 1 tsp. of undiluted calendula tincture in half a glass of warm water. Apply the compress directly to the wound.

Ointment: A healing skin ointment can be bought in stores or prepared at home by mixing a few drops of calendula oil with skin lotion. Apply it to cuts and scrapes.