Ancient Egyptian records from 5000 years ago mention it and hieroglyphics from the same period show stylized calendula flowers.
It was the ancient Romans who gave this plant it name calendula. They observed that flowers were in bloom on the first day, or calends, of every month and so named them.
The plant was known to ancient Indian and Arabic cultures, followed by the classical Greeks. The medical use of calendula can be traced back to ancient Greece where, as with many yellow flowered members of the Asteraceae family.
The Greek physician Diascorides, who used calendula to treat gallstone and diseases of the liver is the first to mention using the herb medicinally.
The French Pharmacopoeia from 1840 described five preparations from the leaves, seed and whole herb of calendula that were used to cure some cancers.
In the 16th century Europe, especially in Holland, grocers and spice-sellers had barrels filled with dried calendula petals, which they sold in large quantities for use in drinks, broths, and medicaments.
History of Calendula officinalis
