Calendula

aka Garden Marigold, Marigold, Pot Marigold

calendula officinalis

extract/bulk

flower/leaf/petal

Summary

System Affected/ Bodily actions   Abrasions; Acne; Athletes foot; Bee stings; Blood; Bruises; Bug bites; Burns; Cancer; Chicken pox; Cholagogue; Colon; Connective tissue; Cramps; Cuts; Earaches; Fever; Flu; Frostbite; Gangrene; Gargle; Hemorrhoids;  Indigestion;  Infections; Injuries; Liver; Lupus; Measles; Menstrual Distress; Mouthwash; Mucus membranes; Nasal wash; Skin irritations; Skin; Skin ulcers; Sores; Sprains; Stomach Distress; Tetanus; toothache; Ulceration; Ulcers; Varicose veins; Vermifuge;; Wounds
Properties   Alterative; Analgesic; Anti-inflammatory; Antiseptic; Antiviral; Astringent; Blood cleansing; Blood purifier; Carminative; Depurative; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Emmenagogue; Hemostatic; Immunostimulant; Pyorrhea; Stimulant; Styptic; Vulnerary; 
Warning   Because Calendula is a uterine stimulant, it should not be used during pregnancy. If you have hay fever, you may want to avoid this herb because people who are allergic to ragweed might react to Calendula as well.

The therapeutic use of Calendula originated in ancient Egypt and spread to Europe. Many varieties of the plant exist, one of which is the common marigold. A natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent, Calendula is one of the best herbs for treating wounds, skin abrasions and infections.

A salve made from this herb is soothing to skin wounds, sunburns, bruises and all kinds of skin problems. It stimulates the growth of new skin cells.Calendula

German's Commission E endorses Calendula for reducing inflammation and speeding the healing of sores. Also helps prevent staphylococcus infection.

Taken internally, it also helps alleviate the symptoms of indigestion and other gastrointestinal disorders. Calendula's healing power appears to come from components known as terpenes. One of these, calenduloside B, is known as a sedative.

Calendula has astrigent, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and immune-stimulating properties. The extract may be useful in treating gingivitis. Also it has been known to alleviate symptoms of chronic stomach inflammation (hypersecretory gastritis), a condition associated with ulcers.

Taken internally for:
In digestion, Calendula is used in formulas for healing infection and wounds of the upper GI tract such as bleeding ulcers, inflamed esophagus, hernia, mouth sores, for esophageal reflux, indigestion, gastric and duodenal ulcers, fevers, gallbladder problems, irregular or painful menstruation.
 
Applied externally for:
Cuts, wounds (especially slow-healing with bleeding and discharge), sores and burns; hemorrhoids; varicose veins; skin rashes from measles, chickenpox, shingles and other eruptive skin diseases; diaper rash; athlete's foot and other fungal infections; sore, inflamed, red eyes use a tea eye wash.
 
You can make a tea by using one to two teaspoons (1-5g) of dried herb for each cup of boiling water. It's especially good with Lemon Balm and lemon. Flower petals give delicate flavor and strong color to salads, omelettes and cheese, and is used as a Saffron substitute.
  • Recommended Dosage
Compress, Hot: Apply locally to varicose veins, wounds and burns.
Extract: Mix 10-30 drops in water or juice, taken daily.
Infusion: One cup daily.
Salve: Apply locally as needed.
Tincture: 5-40 drops 3 times daily.
Tea: 1-5g per cup 3 times daily.
  • Read More About It
Calendula (Keats Good Herb Guide), by Mindy Green.
Synopsis
"Probably no herb has as many healing benefits as calendula. Unsurpassed in treating most skin problems, from cuts and scrapes to surgical wounds, from sunburn and insect bites to psoriasis and varicose veins, calendula also works wonders in the digestive, respiratory, urinary, immune, and female reproductive systems."

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