Meet the plants: Calendula

Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation and that is an act of political warfare.

-Audre Lorde

Calendula, often called pot marigold, is a beacon of resilience and care in the plant world. Blooming from early spring to frost, this golden flower symbolizes endurance, a fitting emblem for women navigating their cycles. The name Calendula stems from “calendar,” reflecting its ability to bloom nearly year-round and its connection to regulating menstrual cycles. Known to ease cramps and gently stimulate menstruation, Calendula has long been a trusted ally in women’s health and common in v-steams.

But its gifts go beyond physical wellness. Calendula’s warm, playful petals inspire compassion and connection, soothing not only the body but also the spirit. Add them to a relaxing bath, infuse them into dream pillows, or simply bask in their sunny presence to invite warmth and tenderness into your life. Calendula fights inflammation, viruses, and bacteria. Traditionally, calendula has been used to treat stomach upset and ulcers, as well as relieve menstrual cramps

A natural healer, Calendula boasts anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antifungal properties. Its daisy-like blooms are often found in salves, lotions, and balms, where they work wonders on wounds, rashes, and irritated skin. With mild diaphoretic and bile-stimulating properties, it supports overall well-being, making it a must-have in any herbal toolkit.

In the garden, Calendula serves as a loyal companion, protecting vegetables by naturally deterring pests. Whether growing in a backyard plot or gracing your apothecary shelf, this flower is a gentle yet powerful reminder of the beauty and strength in nurturing ourselves and our communities.

A rare sighting— an aloe flower (bottom left) at Solitary Gardens!

We offer these contemplative questions for your personal reflection, and as talking points to have transformative conversations. As you nuture your plant, nurture these ideas. Let’s grow together!

Calendula, a proud member of our Incarcerated Mama’s Garden reminds us to treat our nervous systems with great care, to slow down and to be in relationship to beauty. Audre Lorde reminds us that self-care is not indulgent, it is self-preservation, an act of political warfare.

What does the term “self-care” mean to you? In what ways do you prioritize it in your life?

Is it possible that a fast-paced “efficient” lifestyle not only contributes to poor individual health; but harms our collective well being? 

In what ways can you decolonize your relationship to efficiency? List the ways self-care is expressed in your daily ritual ?