Calendula
Calendula is the sunny orange flower the Romans named after the first day of the month, because it seemed to bloom in every one of them. Herbalists have long valued it as a gentle lymphatic and skin herb, traditionally used to support the skin's natural renewal, soothe irritation and keep things moving and clear. Sipped as tea, it's associated with joy, warmth and a brighter mood, and in baths and salves it has been a skin-care staple for centuries. Main character energy, in flower form.
Find it in:
- Botanical nameCalendula officinalis
- Plant familyAsteraceae (daisy family)
- Also calledPot marigold, "poor man's saffron"
- Part usedDried flower petals and heads
- TasteMild, slightly bitter and resinous, with a sunny color
- CaffeineNone
Traditional Uses & Folklore
Named for the calendar
The name comes from the Latin calendae, the first day of the month. Romans noticed the flower seemed to bloom on the first of nearly every month. Its golden petals were also used to color butter, cheese and soups, which earned it the nickname "poor man's saffron."
The skin healer
Calendula has been a skin herb in European folk medicine for centuries. It's been infused into oils, salves and washes to soothe scrapes, rashes and irritated skin. It's often said that it was even used on battlefield dressings in the American Civil War and World War I. Today you'll still find it in diaper creams and gentle skincare.
A flower of the sun
With its blazing orange petals that open with the morning sun and close at dusk, calendula has long been linked with the sun, joy and protection. Medieval herbalists believed simply looking at it could lift the spirits.
The scienceWhat Modern Research Is Exploring
Most research on calendula focuses on the skin, using creams and ointments rather than tea. Here's what researchers are looking at:
- Skin care. Clinical studies have looked at calendula cream for soothing skin, including skin irritated by medical treatments, with encouraging results.
- Skin repair. Lab and animal studies have explored calendula's traditional role in supporting the skin's natural healing process.
- Antioxidants. Calendula is rich in carotenoids and flavonoids, the compounds behind its color, which are studied for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
We share this to show where the conversation is going, not to make promises. Herbalism is slow medicine, built on ritual, consistency, and how a plant feels in your own body.
From Tea LadyWhy Calendula Is in Our Blends
Calendula is our sunshine. In Follicular Phase Tea, it's a gorgeous yellow flower that unlocks your main character energy with a boost of joy, confidence and radiant solar vibes. It does the same golden job in Steep My Sunshine Tea. And in Calendula Soaking Salts, its soothing petals join mineral-rich Epsom salt for a deeply relaxing soak that helps ease tension and soften skin.
Sip mindfullySafety & Who Should Check First
Calendula is generally considered gentle in tea-sized amounts and on the skin. A few things to keep in mind:
- Allergies. Calendula is in the daisy family. If you're allergic to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums or similar plants, you may react to it.
- Pregnancy. Calendula is traditionally avoided during pregnancy. Check with your healthcare provider before drinking it if you're pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.
- Sedatives. Calendula may add to the effect of sedative medications.
- Surgery. Pause herbal teas about two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Sources & Further Reading
- Arora D, Rani A, Sharma A. "A review on phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological aspects of genus Calendula." Pharmacognosy Reviews, 2013; 7(14): 179–187.
- Pommier P, Gomez F, Sunyach MP, et al. "Phase III randomized trial of Calendula officinalis compared with trolamine for the prevention of acute dermatitis during irradiation for breast cancer." Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2004; 22(8): 1447–1453.