For homeopathy, flowers and herbs have long been the source of active ingredients providing indispensable relief for a wide range of ailments. Calendula officinalis is one botanical well-known for its healing power. That’s why Boiron is meticulous when it comes to sourcing this ingredient from Mother Nature.
From Seed to Harvest
The journey of harvesting Calendula requires a delicate balance of scientific knowledge and traditional expertise, and Boiron has cultivated strong relationships with trusted suppliers throughout its extensive history. Working closely with regional family farmers and skilled pickers, Boiron ensures that only healthy plants are carefully selected from their natural habitats — far away from industrial zones, urban environments, roads, or farms — thus minimizing the risk of contaminants like fertilizers and pesticides.
Calendula, meticulously hand-picked during its peak bloom, adheres to the stringent specifications outlined in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS). Boiron’s supply is cultivated in the French countryside, enjoying a generous bloom period that spans from summer to early fall.
Ensuring Purity and Quality
Within 48 to 72 hours of harvesting, Calendula pickings are rushed to Boiron’s lab in refrigerated trucks to ensure optimal freshness. Next, comes a battery of tests conducted by Boiron botanists and pharmacists, which includes being cleaned of debris and checked for any contamination from insects, diseases, fungi, or other impurities. Laboratory technicians measure the moisture level, checking for dehydration of the plant.
Once quality assurances are complete, this floral healer can finally start its transformation into the homeopathic medicine you know and love. From the field to your home, there’s a lot that goes into caring for the plants that take care of you.
