The Golden Healer

If I was to be asked the question -

If you had only one choice of a plant to take to a desert island, where there would be nothing else medicinal, what plant would you choose?

My answer would be the beautiful golden healer Calendula. Also known as Pot Marigold - Calendula officinalis.

This is a plant I grow every year. It is without a doubt perhaps my most favourite of plants, its uses are varied and quite wonderful. Calendulas are unfussy plants that do well in most ordinary garden soil, including poor, dry soil. They flower best in

full sun, but also tolerate light shade.

Calendula, with its beautifully, cheerful yellow and orange blooms, offers more than

just a pop of colour in one’s garden, the presence of Calendulas’ in the garden may

help repel insect pests, trap crops for caterpillars and recently I have read calendula

is grown as a green manure to restore soil minerals and its roots benefit the soil by

forming active relationships with soil fungi. But it’s not just a healer for the soil.

Traditionally used for centuries in ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire ruling most

of Southern Europe, this flowering herb boasts a range of potential health

benefits, particularly for the skin.

Calendula's main claim to fame lies in its wound-healing properties. Research

suggests it may speed up healing by promoting blood flow and new tissue

growth. This makes it a valuable ally for treating minor cuts, scrapes, and even

burns. Calendula's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties come into play

here, potentially reducing swelling and the risk of infection. So, it comes as no

surprise that most of Sōlseed’s skincare products contain calendula infusion. I am

certain it is the addition of this ingredient that is the key to how many amazing

reviews we are getting regarding skin conditions and the healing taking place for

people. Studies indicate it may help soothe eczema and diaper rash, thanks to its

calming and moisturizing effects. 

“I thought I'd tried everything, so I'd accepted I'd just have to live with the painful, unsightly

eczema on my lips, but then I came across Sōlseed's Soothing Balm and I can't believe the

results. I use it twice a day and the cracking and pain are all gone. I cannot recommend it

enough to anyone suffering from eczema." Gail Owen - Cornwall

Calendula's antioxidant content adds another layer of benefit. These antioxidants

may help protect the skin from free radical damage, which can contribute to wrinkles

and signs of aging.

Calendula offers a natural approach to promoting skin health and wound healing, but

this golden flower has other amazing health benefits too.

“Calendula has a great ability to work on the body overall, where there lies a state of

imbalance, ranging from hormonal to digestive,” New York-based acupuncturist and

herbalist Walda Laurenceau ​says “It has a such a great ability to clear out excess [in

the body] while offering soothing benefits to the reproductive and immune systems,

including skin and digestion.” 

According to East Asian medicine, Calendula (Jin Zhan Ju) helps to regulate the flow

of qi (energy) and tonify or replenish the blood, especially when looking to heal the

skin and treat various health issues, from cramps to the symptoms of menopause. 

Indeed, the list of ailments calendula is touted to treat includes muscle spasms,

irregular menstrual cycles, skin irritations (acne, eczema, burns, and bruises),

varicose veins, and ulcers. It’s also known to be an excellent immune booster,

candida treatment, and digestive tonic due to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory

properties, and may help with insomnia.

How to Use Calendula

This wonder herb can be used both topically and internally to reap its myriad

benefits. Use it in balm, cream or oil form to soothe skin woes.Sōlseed uses Calendula in our Gardener’s Hand Salve, Silken Body Butter, Soothing Balm and Protection Lip Balm. That is 4 out of 6 of our skincare products. You can also get Calendula tinctures at Health Food Shops for internal ingestion. Or try dried Calendula petal tea.

I love adding fresh flowers to my daily salads in summer. As the petals are tasty and

beautify any salad. Calendula surely should be a valuable addition to your natural wellness toolkit.

Calendula’s Contraindications

While calendula is highly beneficial for menstruating and menopausal women, ​it’s

use is advised to be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Also avoid if you

have an allergic reaction to ragweed.