Latin name: Calendula officinalis
Family: Asteraceae
Folk Names: Marigold, pot marigold, orange button
DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS
Part of the Plant Used
Petals, flower head just prior to opening
Native to Northern Africa and southern to central portions of Europe, calendula is often identified as marigold. The plant often gives off a strong, unpleasant aroma (although some people do like it) , calendula is comparatively milder. Calendula has a slew of indications and will instantly make you happier with those big yellow and orange blooms.
Calendula is generally referred to individuals who feel worse in damp, heavy, cloudy weather. Often these folks have a tendency to get cold easily and are greatly affected by the cold. It is specific for wounds that will not heal and lymphatic congestion with a predilection action for the chest, axilla and inguinal crease.
Organoleptics
TEXTURE – sturdy stems, slightly sticky to the touch.
COLOR – green foliage with bright yellow or orange flowers.
AROMA + FLAVOR – slightly bitter, salty.
CONSTITUENTS
- Terpenoids
- Resins
- Flavonoids
- Carotenoids
- Volatile oils
- Quinones
- Amino acids
- Polyacetylenes
THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
- Antiseptic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Lymphagogue
- Choleretic
- Demulcent
- Vulnerary
- Antioxidant
- Anti-fibrotic
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Anticancer
- Hepatoprotective
- Immunomodulator
Clinical: Calendula is a wonderful healer for skin lesions as it promotes the formation of granulation tissue in healing wounds, burns, bruises, boils, rashes and can be beneficial for infectious diseases. Calendula is great for wounds which are stubborn to heal. A spray or soak after minor surgery has been used for bed sores, diaper rash, internal and external ulcerations.
Internally, calendula is also helpful in relieving lymphatic congestion and is often used in prevention and treatment of congealed tissues or tumors. It’s great for gastrointestinal inflammation and urinary tract inflammation.
- Encouraging cheerfulness
- Keeping skin tissues healthy and strong
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes and/or nipples
- Inflammatory GI disorders
- Gingivitis
- Thrush/Vaginal discharge
- Diaper rash
- Inflammation of mucous membranes
- Eyebath for conjunctivitis (diluted)
- Fungal infections
- Varicose veins, hemorrhoids, circulatory troubles
- Reputation for helping delayed and painful menstruation
Folk: Bee stings, breast pain, cancer, convulsions, coughing, fever, frostbite, gas, jaundice and other liver problems, phlebitis, sore throat, strep throat, sunburn, thrombophlebitis, toothache, water retention, worms.
Energetics: Bitter, astringent, drying.
HERB-DRUG INTERACTIONS
Possible allergen for those with sensitivity to other members of the asteraceae family. Contraindicated internally during pregnancy due to possible emmenagogue and abortifacient effects. Generally known to be quite safe.
Dosage
1-4 grams dried herb daily
LIQUID EXTRACT: 0.5 to 1 ml three times daily.
INFUSION: 1 to 2 heaping tablespoons in one cup of water, drink three times daily.
DROP DOSE: 20-60 drops 1-4 times per day in a little water.
TINCTURE: 1-4 ml three times daily (1:5 in 60%)
Calendula may be applied externally as an oil/lotion/cream/ointment as well.
Apply as a compress to slow healing wounds.
Add to bathwater for ease of nervous tension, depression.
Combinations:
- Digestive discomforts – use with marshmallow root.
- Soothing lotions and potions – combine with slippery elm.
- Antiseptic applications – combine with goldenseal and myrrh.
