Using ancient philosophy to understand modern application of Calendula

Long ago, plants were categorized not just by their phytochemistry, but by their relationship to the whole. Medical Astrology was a common practice for 1000s of years. These categorizations can help us learn how to apply plants more holistically. Using herbs doesn’t make a practice holistic. Many health practitioners use herbs instead of drugs. There is no “instead of” in the philosophy of healing that I follow. There are patterns, and plants contain 100s of phytochemicals that come together as a sort of plant intelligence. Picking one or two of their chemicals as what makes them “work” is short sighted.

In Ancient times, Calendula officinalis was thought to be ruled by the Sun. This cheerful herb can bring us the energetics of the Sun in more than one way. Sunshine is warm, it cuts through the gloom, and lifts the spirits. Sunlight can burn away pathogens that are growing in cold, dark corners and dry things out. These energetic metaphors help us to better understand the nature of the plant and some of its actions on our bodies.

I use Calendula a multitude of ways. It’s flavonoids, triterpenoids, essential oil & polysaccharides all contribute to its application

>as an antimicrobial and immunomodulatory plant that assists with fungal and bacterial infections both topically & internally

>as a bitter internally to help move things through the gut

>as a vulnerary to help wounds to heal better with less scar tissue

> to raise the spirits as a euphoric

For those of you reading carefully, you can see that the phytochemistry of the plant, helps to confirm the idea that the plant carries energetics of Sunshine.

I encourage folks living in Southern regions to try growing this throughout mild winters. It does just fine through a mild freeze, & in places like Texas can thrive.

Have fun getting to know this plant!