Materia Medica

The Calendula Co Materia Medica

A living herbal archive of the plants currently featured in our apothecary formulations.

Currently Featured in Our Apothecary


Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

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Common Names: Marigold, Pot Marigold

Part Used: Flowers

Energetics: Warming, soothing, gently drying

Element: Fire & Water

Actions: Vulnerary, lymphatic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial

Traditional Uses: Revered in European and African folk traditions as a wound healer and skin soother, used to calm irritation and support tissue repair.

Modern Applications: In topical use, calendula supports cellular regeneration and scalp health while helping maintain moisture balance in dry or flaky skin and scalp.

Preparations: Infused oil, salve, tincture, tea

Contraindications / Notes: Avoid during early pregnancy unless under practitioner guidance. May cause mild reactions in those sensitive to Asteraceae plants.

Featured In: Grow N’ Glow Hair Serum, Botanical Soaks


Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

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Common Names: True Lavender, English Lavender

Part Used: Flowers

Energetics: Cooling, relaxing, balancing

Element: Air

Actions: Nervine, antimicrobial, aromatic, carminative

Traditional Uses: Long used to calm the nervous system, ease tension, and support restful sleep, as well as to cleanse and perfume the body.

Modern Applications: In scalp and body care, lavender helps soothe irritation, gently cleanse, and offer a calming aromatic experience during self-care rituals.

Preparations: Essential oil, infused oil, hydrosol, tea

Contraindications / Notes: Generally safe when properly diluted. Avoid undiluted essential oil directly on skin or scalp.

Featured In: Grow N’ Glow Hair Serum, Ritual & Calm Collection


Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

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Common Names: Mint, Brandy Mint

Part Used: Leaves

Energetics: Cooling, stimulating, dispersing

Element: Air

Actions: Circulatory stimulant, carminative, antimicrobial, nervine

Traditional Uses: Traditionally used to awaken digestion, clear the head, and invigorate the senses in many global herbal systems.

Modern Applications: In hair care, peppermint promotes healthy scalp circulation and hair growth while providing a refreshing, cooling sensation and helping reduce scalp buildup.

Preparations: Essential oil, tea, tincture

Contraindications / Notes: Avoid use on infants or very sensitive skin. High concentrations of essential oil may cause irritation.

Featured In: Grow N’ Glow Hair Serum, Tea & Tonic Bar


Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

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Common Names: Tea Tree

Part Used: Leaves (essential oil)

Energetics: Cooling, cleansing, drying

Element: Air & Water

Actions: Antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, immune stimulant

Traditional Uses: Indigenous Australian communities used tea tree leaves on wounds and infections for generations as a powerful purifying remedy.

Modern Applications: Widely used in scalp care to reduce buildup, flakiness, and microbial imbalance, supporting a clean and healthy environment for hair growth.

Preparations: Essential oil (topical), washes, vapor inhalation

Contraindications / Notes: For external use only. Do not ingest. Always dilute before application; avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.

Featured In: Grow N’ Glow Hair Serum


Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

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Common Names: Blue Gum, Tasmanian Blue Gum

Part Used: Leaves (essential oil)

Energetics: Cooling, clearing, stimulating

Element: Air

Actions: Expectorant, antimicrobial, circulatory stimulant

Traditional Uses: Traditionally used in Aboriginal medicine to support the lungs, clear congestion, and cleanse the system.

Modern Applications: In topical blends, eucalyptus refreshes the scalp, supports circulation, and provides a clarifying aromatic experience.

Preparations: Essential oil, steam inhalation, topical rubs

Contraindications / Notes: External use only; avoid using undiluted on skin. Not recommended for young children or during pregnancy without professional guidance.

Featured In: Grow N’ Glow Hair Serum


Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa)

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Common Names: Shea Nut, Karité

Part Used: Nut butter

Energetics: Warming, protective, moisturizing

Element: Earth

Actions: Emollient, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant

Traditional Uses: Used for centuries across West Africa to moisturize, protect, and nourish skin and hair and as a symbol of care and sustenance.

Modern Applications: Rich in fatty acids and vitamins A and E, shea butter helps seal in moisture, soften strands, and protect hair and scalp from environmental stress.

Preparations: Raw butter, whipped butter, balms

Contraindications / Notes: Generally well tolerated; patch test if you have nut sensitivities.

Featured In: Grow N’ Glow Hair Serum, Botanical Body Care Collection


Castor (Ricinus communis)

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Common Names: Castor Bean, Palma Christi

Part Used: Seeds (oil expressed)

Energetics: Warming, moistening

Element: Water & Fire

Actions: Emollient, circulatory stimulant, anti-inflammatory (topical), purgative (internal)

Traditional Uses: Used in African, Mediterranean, and Ayurvedic traditions as a cleansing and healing oil for both external and internal applications.

Modern Applications: Topically, castor oil is used to promote hair growth, support scalp circulation, and strengthen hair shafts to reduce breakage.

Preparations: Cold-pressed oil, packs, infused blends

Contraindications / Notes: External use only for cosmetic purposes unless under professional guidance for internal use.

Featured In: Grow N’ Glow Hair Serum


Sweet Almond (Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis)

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Common Names: Almond

Part Used: Nut oil

Energetics: Cooling, soothing, moisturizing

Element: Water & Earth

Actions: Emollient, demulcent, nutritive

Traditional Uses: Traditionally used as a nourishing oil to soften, protect, and restore skin and hair in Mediterranean and Ayurvedic traditions.

Modern Applications: Lightweight yet deeply hydrating, almond oil helps seal moisture into hair strands, add shine, and support flexibility and strength.

Preparations: Cold-pressed oil, infused blends

Contraindications / Notes: Avoid use if you have a known nut allergy.

Featured In: Grow N’ Glow Hair Serum, Botanical Body Care Collection


Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

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Common Names: Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry

Part Used: Root

Energetics: Warming, strengthening, grounding

Element: Earth & Fire

Actions: Adaptogen, tonic, nervine, anti-inflammatory

Traditional Uses: Rooted in Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha has long been used to restore vitality, build resilience to stress, and strengthen the body’s core energy (ojas).

Modern Applications: Used to support the adrenal system, reduce fatigue, balance hormones, and promote restful sleep. Helps the body adapt to stress while maintaining strength and focus.

Preparations: Powder, tincture, capsule, decoction

Contraindications / Notes: Not recommended during pregnancy. Use with caution in cases of hyperthyroidism or while taking thyroid medications. Consult a qualified practitioner if using long-term.

Featured In: Future formulations of The Calendula Co adaptogenic blends


Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

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Common Names: Wild Marjoram

Part Used: Leaves and flowering tops

Energetics: Warming, drying, stimulating

Element: Fire & Air

Actions: Antimicrobial, antifungal, carminative, expectorant, antioxidant

Traditional Uses: A staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern herbal traditions, oregano was used as both food and medicine to ward off infections, ease coughs, and support digestion. The Greeks associated it with joy and well-being.

Modern Applications: Used to support immune health, respiratory function, and healthy digestion. Oregano essential oil is valued for its potent antimicrobial properties and is often used in natural cleaning and topical preparations when diluted.

Preparations: Infused oil, tea, tincture, culinary spice, essential oil (diluted)

Contraindications / Notes: Avoid large internal doses of essential oil. May cause irritation when used undiluted on skin. Avoid during pregnancy in medicinal amounts. Culinary use is generally safe.

Featured In: Spice Apothecary, Herbal Culinary Blends

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