CALENDULA

Ancient medicine from the Sun
Tonic broth when winters rage
Soothe the child, soothe the heart
Medicine for women in every age

Calendula, or pot marigold, is a member of the aster family that originated in the Mediterranean region of Southern Europe.  This beautiful herb has been grown for thousands of years as an edible and medicinal plant.  The bright yellow blooms and aromatic foliage make this valuable companion plant in the garden.  It both attracts pollinators to the garden and protects your vegetables from pests.  A bright yellow dye is created from the flowers that is used to color food, basketry, and fiber.

Calendula is a highly nutritious herb in the kitchen.  All above ground parts of this flower are edible and can be used in a number of ways in the kitchen from salads to soups.  The petals are even used as a saffron substitute.  The petals make a delicious tea that is a nutritional tonic and a gentle medicine. It soothes the digestive tract, supports the liver, and the cardio-vascular system.  It stimulates the immune system and is anti-infammatory.  It is one of the herbs that is used to support women's health.  Calendula oils and salves are some of the oldest methods of wound care and skin care.

On an energetic level, calendula is an herb of the sun.  According to one legend, the nymphs of the forest were all in love with Apollo.  The resulting fights and arguments irritated Artemis so much that she turned them all into the calendula flowers.  According to this legend, this is why calendula opens when it is kisses by the sun and closes when the sun goes down.  It is a flower of beginnings and endings.  It is both the past and the present.  It is the sun captured in a plant that holds its greatest strength when it is picked during the heat of the day.  It helps you face your fears and act with courage and determination.  It helps you find the magic in life.

Calendula is an herb of prophecy.  It may even help you predict rain.  Adding calendula to your pillow helps you see through illusion to see the truth.  It promotes prophetic dreams and psychic power.  It might help you see the face of the thief that robbed you.  Placing this herb in your pillow is also said to make your dreams of love come true.

Calendula can be used in spells and rituals for protection for your home and person.  It is said to protect you and your home from negative energy, especially in legal matters.  It can help you set and protect a sacred space.  It is a good herb to use to bring prosperity and good luck.

Calendula is an herb of love.  A crown of calendula is often worn by brides to bring love and happiness.  It is a favorite flower for bouquets and arrangements to decorate the wedding celebration.  An herb mix with calendula is sometimes used to attract a lover and a calendula herb bath might make you more attractive.

Calendula is an important herb for women's health, both medicinally and magically.  It is valuable for menstrual issues and menopause.  However, do not use calendula around spells for pregnancy or fertility.

While calendula is generally considerd to be safe and gentle, there are some important cautions.  Most important, calendula has significant effects on the women's reproductive system.  Do not use calendula when you are pregnant, want to become pregnant, or are breast feeding.  Avoid calendula if you are taking sedatives or medications for high blood pressure.  Always consult your medical practitioner before starting an herbal therapy.

Some of the sources for this article are:
flyingthehedge.com
crystalvaults.com
chestnutherbs.com
20,000 Secrets of Tea by Victoria Zak
Eyewitness Herbs by Lesley Bremness
Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
     by Scott Cunningham

For the full plant profile check out Phoenix's nest here:
​https://the-phoenixs-nest.beehiiv.com/p/calendula-beauty-flavor-and-medicine