Calendula

Calundula got it’s name during Roman times. It was noticed that the flowers bloomed the same time each month, or calends and named them thus. They were grown during Roman times, not only for their color and the joy blooms brought to their lives but instead as the flowers were used to treat scorpion bites.

The Doctrine of Signatures suggests that calendula might be used for headaches, toothaches, and fevers. The Doctrine of Signatures suggests medical purposes for plants based on the physical appearance of the plant or flower resembling some portion of the human body.

Magically speaking, calendula is considered quite powerful. It’s used in potions to view fairies, love visions and more.

In the kitchen, a long time ago, you’ll sometimes find calendula in the soup or stew or mixed in with the vegetables. It was even used, at the time, in oats, puddings, and wine.

Today, you’ll sometimes see calendula used in salves, powders and ointments for external problems.

Latin: Calendula officinalis

Do not confuse the African marigold with Calendula. The African marigold is sometimes used as an insect repellent and is NOT a medicinal plant. Do not substitute one for the other.