Calendula
(also referred to as...)
Garden Marigold, Marigold, Marygold, Pot Marigold
Latin Name: Calendula officinalis
Family: Compositae
Description
Calendula can be found in flower at the beginning of most months of the year. It is for this reason that its name originates from the Latin word kalendae, meaning "first day of the month" in the Roman calendar. Marigold refers to its links with the Virgin Mary.
In Assyrian tablets, pre 600 BCE, gods and goddesses of India were crowned with wreaths of marigolds. It was also used as a medicinal herb and as a colourant for fabrics, foods, and cosmetics. Calendula has long been used by Native Americans. The common name marigold is used for various species, notably for targets species, which have very different properties.
Calendula is native to southern Europe and has long been used by Native Americans. This annual is now widely cultivated and prefers well drained to poor soil in full sun. Calendula will die out in hot summers. Remove dead flower heads to prolong flowering and prevent excessive self-seeding. Caterpillars, powdery mildew, or rust may attack foliage. It is thought that calendula improves the condition of plants planted near by.
Flowers are cut in dry conditions and petals are used fresh or dried. The petals can be either separated or left as the whole flower head. Cut and prepare as quickly as possible in a shaded location to avoid discolouration.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
Calendula has anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-fungal, and anti-hemorragic properties. It can be used as a stimulant. Calendula can also be prepared as a wash to treat, vaginitis, cervicitis, endometriosis, vaginal abrasions, non-specific urethritis, leucorrhea, and lacerated perineum.
A strong infusion can be used as a wash for chickenpox and measles when breaking out helps speed up the process.
As a cream or ointment calendula can be used externally for cuts, bruises, eczema, diaper rash, sore nipples, burns, scalds, slow healing wounds or skin ulcers, insect stings and bites, varicose veins, skin cancers. This herbs heals without contractures.
Calendula can be taken internally to help treat stomach disorders, gastric and duodenal ulcers, dysmenorrhea/menstrual cramps, and splenic and hepatic congestion.
When prepared as a tincture, calendula can be used to promote or regulate menstruation.
Source
Petals and whole flowers.
Preparations
Fresh: Fresh petals are edible and can be added to salad. They can also be used as a substitute for saffron in rice and soup, or infused (see below) to give colour to cheese, butter, and milk desserts. Calendula also makes a lovely addition to herbal teas and is very beneficial in bath blends.
Infusion: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons dried herb or 1 tablespoon fresh petal to 1 cup boiling water. Steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Take 1 cup 3 times daily or 2 tablespoons infusion per hour.
Ointment/Cream: Follow instructions outlined in Preparations under the Herbs Introduction. Either substitute water portion with strong infusion or infuse the herbs in oil and substitute the oil portion of formula. Use externally as required.
NOTE: When purchasing from health/herbal stores, botanical calendula cream should be rich-orange in colour, indicating higher quality. Homeopathic calendula cream is off-white in colour. Poultice/Fomentation: Follow instructions outlined in Preparations under the Herbs Introduction.
Tincture: Take 20 to 80 drops three times daily. Use as an anti-fungal and emmenagogue (promote or regulate menstruation).
Combine calendula with marshmallow root or american cranesbill (Geranium maculatum) to treat digestive tract problems, with slippery elm for external soothing, or with myrrh or goldenseal for anti-septic use.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Do not use pungent cultivations.
No known contraindications.
Ailment / Situation Listing
