Calendula, also known as marigold flowers, is a beautiful addition to the medicinal herb garden, flower bed or veggie patch. In summer, it attracts pollinators and boosts the yield of whatever else you’re growing in the garden. It’s an easy-to-grow annual that thrives in full sun and average soil. It’s also a fantastic choice for potpourri and herbal remedies and tinctures.
When smoked, calendula delivers a smooth citrus flavor and a happy energy that feels soothing on the lungs. It’s also a dream herb, reputed to induce lucid, invigorating dreams that you remember with clear clarity the next morning. It’s also a nourishing addition to the skin, reducing inflammation and promoting cell regeneration after wounds.
You’ll find calendula in many body care products, from first-aid cream to multipurpose balms. It’s often found in dietary supplements as well, as it has anti-inflammatory properties that help ease indigestion and promote a healthy digestive tract. It’s a key ingredient in wound healing formulas and can be used topically for burns and skin conditions.
When used in a vaporizer, calendula can soothe dry throats. It can be combined with other herbs you can smoke such as mullein, chamomile and mint. The herbalist James Green recommends a ratio of one part calendula to two parts 190-proof alcohol in a 30 milliliter bottle with distilled water and a dosage of three to four drops per day. People who are allergic to plants in the daisy or aster family (including chrysanthemums and ragweed) may experience irritation from using calendula.