Calendula officinalis - Calendula
Edited 2009
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.
|
|
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.
----------------------
DETOX will also help to boost the immune
system
2 Recommended Detox
Methods
Many approaches to detox can work. Often, it is just a case
of which approach suits you - so you can follow it right
through. Here are 2 approaches which have been
carefully thought out.
Herbal 90-day
Detox Diet Programme
This programme consists of unique herbal products for the
three main detox organs: the Colon, the Liver and the
Kidneys, as well as a Detox Tea. The
products for the 3 main detox organs are available either
in Capsules or as Drops, as you prefer. (Both are just a good -
Drops are cheaper.)
This programme lasts 3 months, which is a good length
of time. You also get unlimited free support by phone and
email. You can choose to spread the cost over 3 months if
you wish.
This reputable company has been in business since 1982.
12 Steps to a Complete Body
Detox.
A complete approach to detox, by Calvin Newstead.
Calvin applied detox principles to himself with
tremendous success, then left a 20-year career to promote his
detox approach.
You get the 12 steps book, and valuable information
about acid/alkaline balance, candida, gluten, and other
topics. You are entitled to free lifetime updates.
There is an 8-week unconditional money back guarantee.
|