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| DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied. |
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| • !NOT USED DURING PREGNANCY! • If ALLERGIC TO RAGWEED, there is the possibility of allergy to Calendula since they share the same family! • Frequent skin contact might increase sensitivity. • NOT TO BE CONFUSED with French/African marigold of the Tagetes species which is the marigold commonly sold in nursery offerings and which is used to deter insects, but has no medicinal value! Calendula has flat, long ray flowers of bright orange to yellow surrounding a dark, central disk (much like Black Eyed Susan), while those of the Tagetes species usually (some exceptions) have pom-pom type heads of crenate petals (rays) and in a large variety of colors and combinations. |
Called 'herb of the sun' by the ancients, Calendula is an annual plant from 1 to 3 feet in height and native to the Mediterranean regions and North Africa. Blooms continuously throughout the summer in northern locations and for most of the year in mild locations, its petals opening in the morning, then closing at night. It is much grown in European kitchen gardens. The stem is angularly branched, hollow with a pithy core. Leaves are long, pale green, soft, spatulate or oblanceolate, and sessile with widely spaced tiny serrations, and finely hairy. Long ray flowers of bright orange to yellow surround a central disk; as the petals fall off the central receptacle, a circle of unusual, pale, curved seeds is exposed.
Has been used to adulterate saffron.
In Christian times the flower was associated with the Virgin Mary (Mary Gold).
MEDICINAL:
Astringent, antiseptic, alterative, antibactertial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, aperient, healing and soothing, gynecological action, emmenogogue, cholagogue, diaphoretic, vulnerary (works quickly to granulate the exposed flesh), estrogenic; stimulates uterus, liver and gall bladder; stimulates growth of new skins cells, closes wounds; stimulates immune system; retards tumor growth; soothes the central nervous system. Has been used over the centuries in combination as a supporting healing agent to treat just about every malady known to man.Infusion of the petals has been used as lotion for skin cleansing and softening; to treat boils and pustules; as a mouthwash for gum problems, mucous membrane and throat problems, thrush infections, gingivitis; as a wash or soak for conjunctivitis, blisters, athlete's foot, herpes, cysts, minor injuries, eczema; as a lotion or douche for vaginal itching or soreness, vaginal warts; as a compress from the infusion to treat varicose veins, phlebitis, bedsores and facial thread veins.A combination infusion of Calendula, St.Johnswort and Yarrow has been used for cystitis.An infusion of the fresh flowers has been used in combination with lemon balm to treat shingles.The fresh juice of the plant or flowers can be substituted for an infusion.Has been taken internally for poor circulation, varicose veins, bronchitis, cancer, diarrhea, chronic inflammations, biliary insufficiency, jaundice, gall bladder problems, liver problems, gastric and duodenal ulcers, colitis, diverticulitis, hepatitis, pelvic inflammation, stomach cramps, nausea, headaches, toothache, flu, fevers (an infusion of the fresh flowers to induce perspiration), herpes virus, lymphatic infections, anemia, as a blood cleanser, and for skin problems.Viral infections of the liver have been treated with Calendula, although with caution to avoid overstimulation of the liver, gall bladder, and pancreas.For external use, an oil has been made from the flowers for skin problems, sunburn, bleeding hemorrhoids, varicose veins, facial thread veins, measles, shingles, while a drop or two on a cotton ball has been used for earache; used in ointment form to heal acne and fade old scars and for external sores, dry eczema, cuts, bruises, burns, rashes, diaper rash, chapped skin, sore nipples, to repair minor skin damage and for broken capillaries; as a vaginal douche for yeast infections. Usually combined with Chamomile and Comfrey for a soothing ointment in cases of skin problems, burns, cuts, insect bites, stings and bruises.According to herbalist Dorothy Hall (Your Herbal Profile), to treat varicose veins the ointment must be applied ABOVE and BELOW the site of the veins each day.Has been used to staunch bleeding in minor wounds such as cuts and abrasions. Seeds induce clotting of blood. Was extensively used in battlefield hospitals during the Civil War of the United States, the ointment being used as a wound dressing. The oil, salve, or poultice has been used for bleeding, to soothe pain and irritation and promote healing of wounds. Wounds have been treated using the fresh flowers in the form of salve, juice, or ointment. Either salve or diluted tincture has also been used for bruises, sprains, pulled muscles, sores, and boils.For bunions the salve or tincture (diluted) has been applied 2 or 3 times a day.The infusion has been used to regulate menses, stimulating its onset if late, but also reducing flow if excessive. Has been also used for menstrual cramping, menopausal symptoms, cancer of breast and uterus (as both tea and poultice) and to treat abnormal cervical cells (in the form of a bolus).An old remedy for toothache is to combine the juice of the petals with vinegar and rub on the teeth and gums.An infusion from the leaves is used for tired swollen feet; also to soak a cloth to use as a compress or poultice for swellings and gout. The leaves were once eaten as a cure for scrofula.Flowers have been used in infusion form as a wash for conjuntivitis and red, inflamed eyes in general.The tincture has been used for amenorrhea, cramps, toothaches, fever, flu, stomachaches, tuberculosis, and syphilis.Said to strengthen and comfort the heart and aid in digestion.In the bath 5 to 10 drops of the oil has been added for anxiety or depression.The fresh flowers have been rubbed into beestings for pain.Flowers have been steeped in vinegar for sprains.
DOSE: TRADITIONAL DOSES FOR PROFESSIONAL NOTE ONLY!| NOTE: See How To for a more complete explanation of the different ways of preparing herbal products. |
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