CALENDULA (POT MARIGOLD)
Botanical: Calendula officinalis Family: Compositae (daisy) - Asteraceae (aster) Other common names: Marigold, Holigold, Garden Marigold, Pot Marigold, Mary Bud, Mary Gowles, Garden Calendula, Golds

Calendula soothes!  Its anti-inflammatory and antisepticqualities have been used for centuries to ease skin infections, ulcerations, bowel problems, hemorrhoids, diaper rash and varicose veins. The herb is also said to reduce fever and treat indigestion, as well as help gallbladder and liver problems. Calendula is widely used in cosmetics for its toning and soothing effects.

History:
Calendula, also called Marigold, is an annual or biennial aromatic that is native to the Mediterranean countries, where it was used in early Arabic cultures and in ancient Greece and Rome as a medicinal herb, as well as a colorant for fabrics and an ingredient in food and cosmetics. The ornamental plants bear orange or yellow flowers with dense petals and are widely grown in gardens in North America and Europe for their beauty, and the flowers are also extensively cultivated for use in herbal medicine throughout Latin America and Eastern Europe. One of the herb's common names, Marigold, refers to the Virgin Mary, since the flowers were traditionally used in Catholic celebrations concerning the mother of Jesus; and the plant received its botanical name, Calendula, from the Romans, who noted the fact that the plants bloomed on the first days or "calends" of every month. The Calendula was used medicinally in ancient Rome to treat scorpion bites and to heal wounds, among many other applications. Some of the constituents in Calendula are essential oil, acids, carotenoids, phytosterols, calcium, vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10, rutin, quercetin, salicylic acid, saponins, flavonoids (which account for much of its anti-inflammatory activity), polysaccharides, resin and mucilage.

Beneficial Uses:
Calendula has a long history as a superior antibacterial when used internally and externally and has been used to heal many skin irritations, wounds and injuries, including burns, eczema, herpes, gingivitis, varicose veins and athlete's foot. It is thought to be similar to Witch Hazel, due to its natural iodine content, and may be used as a local application to heal all types of skin problems. Calendula reduces inflammation and is soothing to the skin and some consider this herb to be the best tissue healer for wounds. Old herbal doctors believed that constant applications of Calendula would help or even prevent gangrene or tetanus. As a diaphoretic and febrifuge,

Calendula is often used to induce perspiration and break a fever.

Calendula is a powerful anti-inflammatory and painkilling agent that is thought to reduce inflammation of the bowel. It reduces the general tension that can promote bowel problems, relaxing the nervous constriction of the digestive muscles, which will help bowel function. Calendula's antibacterial properties are thought to prevent the overgrowth of yeast in the bowel and also have beneficial effects on colitis, diverticulitis and inflammatory pelvic disease. Calendula is often used to soothe the digestive tract. German studies have demonstrated that Calendula prevents the hormonal reactions that produce swelling and inflammation in the stomach lining, specifically by acting on the inflammatory prostaglandin (PGE) and also has a strong bactericidal effect that may counteract infection with Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium associated with both gastritis and peptic ulcers.

As a cholalogue, Calendula increases the flow of bile into the intestines and is thought to help the gallbladder and the liver, making it useful in the treatment of hepatitis. This action further helps to promote good digestion.

When taken internally, Calendula soothes and heals the tender mucous membranes and tissues within the body, improving the colon, stomach, liver and gums after operations.

When used externally, it provides the same soothing effects on mucous membranes that will support the skin and connective tissues. As an antispasmodic and effective painkiller, Calendula is an old-time remedy for menstrual cramps and for quelling the pain of an angry ulcer.

It is thought that Calendula will support good heart health, as some recent studies indicate that the herb may reduce blood pressure.

Europeans use Calendula in numerous medicinal compounds and cosmetics. It is said to enhance the production of collagen in the skin and fill in facial wrinkles, tone tender skin, treat sunburn and insect bites and protect babies' sensitive skin (particularly when used for diaper rash).

**Provided itself beneficial in research that involved people. Therapeutic use endorsed by Germany’s Commission E for Burns, Inflammation, Mucositis, Pharyngitis, Sores, Sore Throat, Wounds.

*Provided itself beneficial in research that did not involve people. Therapeutic use, the study could have been done in a test tube, petri dish or animals for Bunions, Dermatitis, Enlarged Lymph Glands, Indigestion, Infections, Otitis (ear inflammation), Spasms, Tumors, Water Retention

Infusion: 1 -2 tsp fresh or dried flowers with 1/2 C water just off the boil (or 1 oz [30 g] dried flowers to 1 pint [1/2 liter] water); steep 5 -10 mins; strain; 1 cup 3x’s day.
Tincture: 5 to 20 drops (or 1 to 2 ml) taken in water 3x’s a day.

Oil: (externally) made from the flowers for skin problems, sunburn, bleeding hemorrhoids, varicose veins, facial thread veins, measles, shingles. 1-2 drops on a cotton ball is used for earache.
Ointment:  heal acne, fade old scars, sores, dry eczema, cuts, bruises, burns, rashes, diaper rash, chapped skin, sore nipples, minor skin damage, broken capillaries; as a vaginal douche for yeast infections. Add Chamomile and Comfrey for a soothing in cases of skin problems, burns, cuts, insect bites, stings and bruises.
Juice: 1 tsp freshly pressed. The juice can be preserved with 25% of its weight in alcohol or 50% of its weight in vegetable glycerine.
Juice:  for toothache is combine the juice of the petals with vinegar and rub on the teeth and gums.
Wash: for wounds, 2-4 tsp flowers infusion to make a strong brew.
Compress/Poultice: infusion of leaves are for tired swollen feet, gout, soothe tired eyes, skin spots.
Douche: 1 C of warm, boiled water, juice of 1 lemon and 1 to 2 tsp of Calendula extract; combine; every few days, or occasionally, as preventative cleanser.
Bath: flowers used for hair rinse to bring out highlights, stimulation to aid circulation and sooth skin.
Steam facial: 4 Tbsp of Calendula petals 1 quart boiling water in sink or basin; place towel over head as tent; allow the steam to drift over the face for 10 minutes or longer; wipe dry with a clean, damp cloth.
Complexion Lotion: 1 cup fresh flowers simmered in 2 cup of milk.

Veterinary:
Used to treat farm animals for vomiting, internal ulcers, flowers, problems of arteries an veins, heart problems, skin ailments, eczema, warts. Dose: 3 handfuls of flowers mixed in bran twice daily.
A strong infusion is used for skin problems.
The leaves are used for warts.
The flowers are soaked in vinegar as a topical treatment for bee and wasp stings.
Lotion: Boil chopped flowers and leaves in milk.
Cream: Fine cut leaves and/or flowers into melted cold cream (in top of double boiler)/ or, can be mixed into dairy cream or butter.

Contraindications:
None


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Disclaimer: The information presented herein by Organic Herbs Medicine Cabinet is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.