Calendula (Calendula officinalis), has several aliases, like pot calendula, pot marigold, Garden Marigold, Gold-Bloom, Holligold, Marigold, Marybud, and Zergul. It has an orange or yellow flower and is native to the Mediterranean area.
Calendula got its name because it blooms every new moon. The name "marigold" refers to the Virgin Mary, and the flower is often used in Catholic events that honor her. With a name like marigold, some probably think they can use the annual flowers from their garden. That is probably either French marigold or African marigold and is a totally different species.
For the chemists reading this, calendula contains these medicinal ingredients: amyrin, rutin, isoquercitrin, alendulin, beta-carotene and other carotenoids, narcissin, lupeol, sterols, and volatile oils. The flowers also have complex polysaccharides that stimulate the immune system.
Calendula benefits us both inside and outside the body. Internally, calendula helps with GI tract problems. It protects the lining of the intestines and stomach by limiting the effects of the bacteria associated with gastritis, peptic ulcers, and stomach cancer, and by inhibiting the causes of swelling and inflammation. It will thus sooth stomach ulcers and inflammation as well as fight fever, boils, abscesses, and recurrent vomiting.
Calendula's orange petals contain the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory secrets that make it effective externally. These two A's have put calendula into the forefront of treatment for various infections. For example, some find it more effective in treating ear infections than leading prescription drugs. Calendula tea makes a great eye wash for those suffering from chronic conjunctivitis (pink eye). As an ointment, it attacks the bacteria causing swelling and thus will soothe inflammation. It is also used to treat vaginal itching caused by menopausal tissue changes, insect bites, eczema, diaper rash, acne, hemorrhoids, burns, scalds, and sunburn.
By using this herb on infections, healing is more pain-free, better, and faster when calendula is used. Cosmetic creams containing calendula decrease the appearance of wrinkles and hydrate skin. Gargling with calendula water or tea has helped ease the pain of a sore throat.
Calendula is also recommended for use in treating varicose veins, chronic ulcers, capillary engorgement, and congestion. Calendula flowers are edible, and may be added to salads or cooked foods. They can also be dried for use in teas. Calendula adds flavor and color to cereals, rice, and soups.
Calendula may be purchased or prepared as creams, teas, tinctures, infusions, compresses, and washes. To make calendula tea, simply pour about a cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of calendula flowers and let sit for 15 minutes. Calendula tea may be taken 3 times per day. Calendula tincture, which can be taken with water or tea, can be taken 3 times a day (in doses of 1-2 ml). To make calendula tincture, soak a cup of flowers in .5 quarts of rectified alcohol for 5 to 6 weeks. A tincture dose is 5 to 15 drops. To create a calendula salve for external application, boil 1 oz of dried flowers or leaves with 1 oz lard.
Calendula is one of the very safest herbs. Some with ragweed allergy have reacted to it but this is rare. Use of the tincture on wounds is not recommended since the alcohol base will burn the raw tissue. Since calendula may seal off the wounded area, be sure wounds are cleaned before applying calendula.
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