Folk Names: Bride of the Sun, Drunkard, Goldes, Holigolde, Husbandman’s Dial, Marybud, Mary Gowles, Ruddes, Riddles, Spouse Solis, Summer’s Bride, Marygold.

Botanical Family: Asteraceae.

Native Habitat: Central and Southern Europe, Western Asia and the US.

Toxicity & Allergens: No toxic compounds have been identified. Allergies consistent for people allergic to the Asteraceae or ‘Daisy’ family. Traditional uses: Calendula is one of the most versatile herbs in Western Medicine. The flowers are an excellent remedy for inflamed and angry skin, their antiseptic and healing properties help to prevent the spread of infection and speed up the repair. Calendula is also detoxifying and can assist in the treatment of chronic infections [4]. In Europe the leaves were used to sweat out toxins, while the flowers were used as a stimulant, antispasmodic and to stimulate menstrual flow [1]. 

In England, the flowers were used in a posset drink for the treatment of measles and smallpox, the fresh juice was used for jaundice, constipation and the softening of Menstrual Flow [2]. In India, the florets are used in ointments for treating wounds, herpes, ulcers, frostbite, skin damage, scars and blood purification. The leaves are used in infusions for treating varicose veins externally [1,2]. 

Mentioned as such in Shakespeare's ‘A Winter's Tale’, the culinary use of calendula dates back to ancient Rome. Common people couldn't afford to buy saffron and they discovered that powdered calendula petals were an excellent substitute which is why it has been called "poor man's saffron".

In Greek Mythology, four wood nymphs who fell in love with Apollo, the sun god, became so jealous of one another they began neglecting their duties to Apollo's sister, the goddess Artemis. She turned them into four dull-white marigolds, which distressed Apollo, but his only recourse was to send down his most brilliant rays to color them gold. In German folklore, rain was predicted if the flowers remained closed after 7 am. In India, Buddhists held pot marigolds sacred to the goddess Mahadevi, who carried a trident emblem adorned with the flowers, while her followers crowned themselves with marigolds at her festival.

Marigold was commonly used as an aphrodisiac, and thought to have great significance in love. Planting marigold in the footsteps of a loved one was supposed to tie them to their beloved. In the Middle Ages in Europe it was believed that those who wore marigolds would have a vision of anyone who had robbed them.

Spanish sorcerers were said to wear it as a talisman. Traditionally it was picked when the Sun entered the sign of Virgo and the picker had to carry a wolf’s tooth wrapped in a bay leaf. In Mexico it is thought to be a flower of death and is believed to have sprung from the blood of the Indians killed by the Spanish invaders.

Xochiquetzal, the Aztec love goddess, taught her people the message of the marigold, the petalled book of the cycles of life, of seed to leafy stem, of leafy stem to bud, of bud to flower open to the Sun, of flowers to drying petals that were the womb for the seed – to complete the cycle. Offerings of marigold petals were made to her. The pigmentation of ornamental fish in captivity can be intensified by adding Calendula to regular fish food [9].

The 17th Century herbalist and astrologer Nicholas Culpeper, described the Marigold in The English Physician as, ‘herb of the sun, and under Leo’, recommending the leaves be mixed with vinegar to bathe ‘hot swellings’ [6]. 

Powers & Magical Uses: Pick noon when the Sun is hot and strong and the flowers are open, the flowers will then strengthen the comfort of the heart.

 Stringing garlands on doorposts stop evil from entering the house, scattered petals under the bed will protect you while you sleep and make your dreams come true. Adding the flowers to your bath water helps to win the respect and admiration of everyone you meet.

Looking at the bright flowers strengthens the sight, and carried in the pocket, marigold helps justice to smile favorably upon you while in court.

If a girl touches the petals with her bare feet, she will understand the language of the birds [7]. Dr. Johannes Hartlieb (ca 1400-1468), described a witches ointment in his 1456 book Das Buch aller verbotenen Künste (The Book of All Forbidden Arts). The calendula would be picked or dug up on a Sunday and was referred to as solsequin, meaning “following the Sun”. It would then be combined with 6 other herbs picked on their corresponding days, combined with bird’s blood and animal lard, then when appropriate smeared benches, chairs, rakes or pitchforks, so they could then fly away on their desired aircraft. It was considered nothing but Black Divination and strictly prohibited [8].

In the 16th Century, those who drank a potion of Marigolds were reputed to see fairies of an evening [9].   

We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continued connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We also pay our respects to our teachers, those who stepped out on their own quest for knowledge prior to us, and who have generously shared their wisdom with us. 

This article and the information contained within is intended as a guide to incite curiosity and gain a deeper undertanding of our ethos. While we believe is everyone's right to choose their own health journey, the information provided above is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a qualified helath care provider for medical treatment.