Calendula officinalis - Calendula
2005.
Awaiting revision 2008
Common names
Calendula, Garden Marigold,
Gold-bloom, Marigold, Marybud, Marygold.
Habitat
Calendula has large yellow or
orange flowers with many petals and grows as a common garden
plant throughout Europe and North America. The stems and
leaves are covered in fine hairs. It prefers well-drained,
light and sandy soil and generally grows to a height of 2
feet.
The flowers have been used medicinally for
centuries. The petals can be used as a tea or ointment. Where
internal use is indicated professional supervision is
recommended.
Either the whole flower tops or the petals are
harvested from June to September. They are carefully dried to
ensure no discoloration.
History
Calendula was used as an
antiseptic, to reduce inflammation, and to treat wounds and a
variety of skin diseases. Internally, the soothing effects of
Calendula have been used for stomach ulcers and inflammation.
Used in the Middle Ages to treat varicose veins and
bedsores.
Active constituents
- Carotenoids;
- Triterpenes, pentacyclic alcohols such as faradol,
brein, arnidiol, erythrodiol, calenduladiol, heliantriol C
and F, ursatriol, logispinogenine, the calendulosides A-D,
volatile oil, chlorogenic acid;
- Flavonoids, found in high amounts in Calendula,
account for much of its anti-inflammatory
activity.
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Actions
Anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-spasmodic,
astringent, lymphatic and slightly stimulant.
Medicinal Use
Calendula is available in
several forms for both internal and external use: lotions,
ointments, oils, tinctures, fluid extracts and fresh or dried
leaves. For fluid extracts from Specialist Herbal Supplies go
to:
www.specialist-herbal.com/fluidex
- It is high in carotenoids which assist in quick
repair of skin damage and the effects of ageing.
- Used externally, Calendula is one of the best herbs
for treating burns, scalds, cuts, abrasions, and infections
because of its antiseptic qualities, improving blood flow to
the affected area. It can heal wounds very quickly. It can
reduce the fluid inside blisters.
- Calendula can help small blood vessels to seal,
stemming bleeding and preventing bruising. Used for healing
common sores and bedsores, Calendula is very effective for
the same reasons on varicose veins and
haemorrhoids.
- As an anti-fungal agent, it can be used to treat
athlete's foot, ringworm, and candida.
- Internally it acts as a valuable herb for digestive
inflammation and may be used in the treatment of gastric and
duodenal ulcers as well as colitis.
- As a cholagogue it can aid in the relief of
gall-bladder problems.
- Calendula cream is good for acne and nappy (diaper)
rash, and can help relieve sore nipples in nursing
mothers.
Other Uses
- Calendula tea has long been used as a remedy for
gastritis, and is also recommended for women with painful
menstruation or menopausal problems.
Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water on to 2-3 teaspoonsful of the
florets and leave to infuse for l0 minutes. Take three times a
day.
- A sterile tea has also been applied in cases of
conjunctivitis, though it is recommended that you don't try
this at home but see a practitioner.
- Calendula gargle may help soothe
toothache.
- An infusion of the petals can be used as a rinse to
lighten and brighten hair.
- Pot marigold can be grown in the garden to help
with insect control.
Combinations
For digestive problems it may be used with Marshmallow Root.
As a soothing external application it can be used
with Slippery Elm.
Cautions
Avoid use during pregnancy.
Always take professional advice from a qualified practitioner
before taking internally
Interactions
There are no known drug
interactions with Calendula, although occasional interactions
may occur in cases of allergic reaction.
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