- Latin name
- Calendula officinalis
- Element
- fire
- Planet
- Sun
- Safe to eat?
- Yes, in normal kitchen amounts
How to use it
- Scatter petals under the bed for protective dreams
- Hang garlands of flowers over the door
- Add petals to a bath or skin-soothing infusion
- Offer fresh flower heads on a sun altar
- Sprinkle petals on salads
Lore
Its name comes from the Latin calendae, the first day of the month, as it was said to bloom through most months of the year. In medieval England it was known as Mary's gold and was added to pottages and broths.
Safety
Daisy family: may cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed, marigolds or daisies. Avoid taking it medicinally in pregnancy. Do not confuse it with French or African marigolds (Tagetes), which are not the same plant.
More fire herbs
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Peppermint Mentha x piperita
- Bay Laurel Laurus nobilis
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Cinnamon Cinnamomum verum
- Juniper Juniperus communis
- Rowan Sorbus aucuparia
- St John's Wort Hypericum perforatum