In the herb gardens of medieval monasteries, a golden flower bloomed in honor of the Blessed Virgin: Calendula officinalis, lovingly called “Mary’s Gold.” Its radiant petals symbolized her purity, and were often planted near shrines or offered on Marian feast days.

Long before modern medicine, monks and nuns steeped Calendula petals in oils to create healing salves — soothing inflamed skin, calming irritation, and tending the wounds of the poor and sick. They believed that the healing found in God’s creation — especially in flowers so closely tied to Our Lady — was a sign of heaven’s tender care for both body and soul.

At Humble Housewives, we craft Mary’s Gold using this same time-honored method. Organic Calendula blossoms are slow-infused in Sweet Almond oil for several weeks, gently drawing out their healing properties just as the monastics did centuries ago. The petals are then strained out, and the golden-hued oil is blended with steam-distilled essential oils of Lavender and Geranium, made from fresh organic blooms. Finally, we melt these nourishing oils into organic Beeswax to form a balm that speaks of the old ways — even the simplest remedies are reminders of God's grace.

Organic Calendula Officinalis (Pot Marigold) Herbs, Organic Prunus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Organic Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil