On this crisp February day, my thoughts drift to midsummer, particularly to a glowing bed of yellow and orange Calendula blossoms as they shimmer with morning dew.
I’ve repeatedly leaned in for a scent, and it’s taken me a dozen whiffs to understand its warm, spicy-herbal aroma, earthy yet bright, like sunlight captured in its petals.
Today, I find myself longing for them, even a fleeting glimpse of these golden blossoms could lift my heart.
In Ladakh, Calendula graces village gardens, its flowers smaller yet no less radiant. For over five years, I have nurtured my own patch, weaving its essence into my formulations.
And so, in this journal journey today, I will step into the world of Calendula, the Golden Healer, the Bride of the Sun and uncover why it remains at the heart of so many of our plant creations.
But before anything else, I wonder, if Calendula, like Lilac, finds itself entwined in the stories of love?
Turns out, it does!
In Greek mythology, there is a tale of a young girl named Caltha, whose heart belonged entirely to the sun god, Apollo. She refused to leave the meadow, longing to be bathed in his golden light. Each morning, she waited with bated breath for the first rays of dawn, spending her days lost in admiration of the radiant Apollo. But love so fierce can consume, and in the heat of her devotion, she was melted away by his fiery embrace. In her place, a single Calendula blossom bloomed, forever carrying the sorrow of a love too bright to hold.
Yet, even in heartbreak, nature offers solace. It is said that the grief of lost love can be softened by blending Rose and Calendula, two flowers that speak of love and healing.
Perhaps it is this very connection to love and loss that has made Calendula not only a symbol of passion but also a source of deep healing, both for the heart and the body.
The use of Calendula in healing goes far back, it has long been a trusted ally in traditional medicine, its golden petals holding the power to heal. Across centuries and cultures, it has been used to soothe wounds, ease skin irritations, and bring comfort in times of need.
For generations, this bright and cheerful herb has found its way into teas, tinctures, syrups, oils, and ointments, offering gentle relief for burns, cuts, and inflammations. Its earliest recorded use dates back to the 12th century when it was cherished for easing digestive troubles, menstrual discomfort, and skin ailments. By the 13th century, it had journeyed to England, spreading far and wide, especially for its remarkable ability to heal wounds.
Calendula’s golden glow has graced even history’s battlefields. During the American Civil War and World War I, soldiers relied on it in balms and creams to tend to their wounds. It has been used as healing compresses, astringent creams and has been a timeless herbal remedy for inflamed skin and weary souls therefore being woven into the fabric of herbal traditions across the world.
Calendula, the golden healer of the old, continues to shine in the modern world as a trusted remedy. Its soothing touch, once revered in ancient traditions, now finds its place in science-backed healing. This vibrant bloom is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic acids, and essential oils, all working in harmony to nurture the skin and restore balance.
With its powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, Calendula has long been a gentle guardian of skin health. It helps wounds mend, shields against the wear of time, and even offers protection from the sun’s harsh UV rays. Studies have shown its ability to regulate enzymes vital for tissue repair, making it a true ally in the art of healing.
Ref. : An Updated Review on the Multifaceted Therapeutic Potential of Calendula officinalis L.
Brimming with antioxidants, Calendula not only soothes but also strengthens, protecting our cells from damage and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal. It is a flower of resilience, a quiet force of renewal, forever a part of nature’s apothecary.
For all these wondrous reasons and more, we cherish Calendula, not only for its time-honoured legacy but for the first-hand experience of its deep nourishment and gentle healing. This golden blossom lies at the heart of some of our most treasured formulations, infused for its ability to calm inflammation, renew the skin, and offer a protective embrace against the elements. Brimming with antioxidants and bioactive compounds, Calendula works in harmony with other botanicals to restore balance and vitality.
You’ll find this radiant healer woven into several of our creations - Elixir of the Mountains restorative botanical face oil, Sun’s Syrup lip balm, a selection of hydrosols, and Wild Bouquet Pure Botanical Tea. Each of these formulations carries the quiet strength of Calendula, ensuring that with every drop, every touch, and every sip, you step closer to natural well-being.
Rooted in the earth, this herb of the sun forever reaches for its warmth. Its presence in myth and medicine reminds us that true healing is both an art and a ritual.
At Makoii, we honor this wisdom, carrying it forward in every creation.
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Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Bocca Baciata, 1859
Calendulas grace the background and is seen in the hand of the beautiful woman