Calendula

Calendula officinalis

The ligulate florets, commonly (but erroneously) referred to as flower petals, of Calendula officinalis L. have been used in medicine since the very earliest times. The plant, a member of the family Asteraceae, is a common cultivated ornamental, also referred to as pot marigold or garden marigold. Calendula should not be confused with members of the genus Tagetes, also widely grown as garden ornamentals and commonly called marigolds. During its long history, calendula has been administered internally for a variety of ailments, including spasms, fevers, suppressed menstruation, and cancer. Its chief use, however, was as a local application to help heal and prevent infection of lacerated wounds. Modern herbalists recommend it in the form of a tincture, infusion, or ointment to heal a variety of skin conditions ranging from chapped hands to open wounds.

A large number of chemical studies of calendula flowers have been carried out, especially in Europe, without revealing any principles that are unique, or even outstanding, in their physiological properties. A volatile oil, bitter principles, carotenoids, mucilage, resin, polysaccharides, plant acids, various alcohols, saponins and other glycosides, and sterols are all present. Many of the individual constituents in these general groups have been identified. The active principles responsible for calendula's purported anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties when applied locally to the skin or mucous membranes remained unknown until the mid-1980s. Although some anti-inflammatory activity has been attributed to both polysaccharides and saponins, they are not present in lipophilic extracts of the medication. Recently, the faradiol monoester of a purified triterpenoid fraction of the flowers (in a CO 2 extract) has been shown to play an important role in anti-inflammatory activity. A recent study on a freezedried extract of the flowers showed that water-soluble flavonoids (or other components) increased the rate of neovascularization and induced deposition of hyaluronan, a major component of extracellular matrix, associated with the formation, alignment, and migration of newly formed capillaries. This research begins to provide some scientific evidence to confirm the medication's long-standing traditional use in wound healing.

The carotenoid pigments possess some utility as coloring agents in cosmetics, and the volatile oil is a useful ingredient in perfume, but none of the other known components has medicinal properties that are superior to other available remedies. Calendula is apparently nontoxic and, in an ointment, will be colored sufficiently to delineate a wound or other skin condition where applied. In this regard, it is probably as useful as Mercurochrome.

Its greatest value in either salve or dilute tincture form is for any kind of external skin, muscle or blood vessel problems-wounds, sores, varicose veins, pulled muscles, boils, bruises, sprains, athlete's foot, burns, frostbites, etc.

Two important medical studies published in Vol. 20 of the Soviet journal Vatreshni Bolesti for June 1981 confirm the value of calendula in healing duodenal ulcers, inflammation of both the stomach and duodenum, and intestinal colitis. In the first instance, an equal mixture of comfrey root and calendula brought healing relief to 19 patients with duodenal ulcers and 19 others suffering from gastroduodenitis. A tea made of both herbs (1 tbsp. of each herb in 1 quart boiling water, simmered 5 minutes, steeped 40 minutes) was administered to each patient (2 cups daily) with considerable success.

In the second study cited, 24 patients with chronic nonspecific colitis were treated with a combination of herbs consisting of equal parts of dandelion root, St. Johns wort, lemon balm, calendula and fennel seed, made into a strong tea (1 tsp. of each herb in 1-1/2 qts. boiling water, steeped 1 hour) and given to each of them three times a day, 1 cup at a time. According to the published medical report's brief English abstract: "As a result of the treatment, the spontaneous and palpable pains along the large intestine disappeared in 95.83% of the patients by the 15th day of their admission to the clinic." This is sufficient testimony to demonstrate the clinical validity of this wonderful herb for successfully treating all manner of inflammation.

Calendula has antiseptic and astringent properties, stimulating the immune system and helping the body fight against infections such as flu and herpes viruses. Calendula reduces lymphatic congestion and swollen lymph glands. Calendula is antibacterial, and is one of the best plants for treating fungal infections such as thrush. Calendula has been used for pelvic and bowel infections, including enteritis, dysentery, worms and amoebae, and for viral hepatitis. In hot infusion calendula stimulates the circulation and promotes perspiration, helping the body to deal with toxins and eruptions such as measles and chickenpox. Calendula has an affinity for the female reproductive system, regulating menstruation and relieving menstrual cramps. Its estrogenic effect helps at menopause and reduces breast congestion. Its astringent properties help reduce excessive bleeding and uterine congestion. It has a reputation for treating tumors and cysts. During childbirth it promotes contractions and delivery of the placenta. In the digestive tract calendula makes a wonderful healing remedy for gastritis and peptic ulcers, for inflammation and irritation of the lining of the stomach and bowels. Calendula checks diarrhea and stops bleeding. By enhancing the function of the liver, calendula helps to cleanse the body of toxins. Calendula has pride of place as a first aid remedy for cuts, abrasions, and as an antiseptic healer for sores and ulcers.

One of Calendula's main actions is that of an antiseptic. This makes it especially valuable externally as a wound healer, for such problems as cuts, scrapes, and wounds. Internally, it is beneficial to many skin disorders such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It has a well-known antifungal action, so it is helpful externally for conditions such as athlete's foot and internally for fungal-related problems such as candida (thrush) and diaper rash. In the cardiovascular system it is used both internally and externally for conditions such as varicose veins. In the digestive system it has helped with ulcerative conditions and also digestive complaints, and as a liver tonic. Also useful in the reproductive system, it helps relieve menstrual symptoms. It is antibacterial and antiviral.

Other names

• Bull Flower
• Butterwort
• Cowbloom
• Death-flower
• Garden Marigold
• Golden Flower of Mary
• Holigold
• Marigold
• Marsh Marigold
• Mary Bud
• Mary Golde
• Mary Gowles
• Pot Marigold
• Solis Sponsa
• Solsequia
• Water Dragon

Parts used

Flower head.

Uses

Therapeutic properties - Calendula is antiseptic. Some constituents are antifungal (particularly the resins), antibacterial, and antiviral. The herb also astringes the capillaries, an action that explains its effectiveness for cuts, wounds, varicose veins, and various inflammatory conditions.
Skin remedy-  Calendula is above all a remedy for the skin,  providing effective treatment for most minor skin problems. Calendula is used for cuts, scrapes, and wounds; for red and inflamed skin, including minor burns and sunburn; for acne and many rashes; and for fungal conditions such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and thrush. Calendula is very helpful for diaper rash and cradle cap, and soothes nipples that are sore from breast-feeding.
Digestive disorders - Taken internally, calendula infusion or tincture helps inflammatory problems of the digestive system such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, regional ileitis, and colitis.
Detoxifying - Calendula has long been considered a detoxifying herb, and helps to treat the toxicity that underlies many fevers and infections, and systemic skin disorders, such as eczema and acne. Calendula is also considered cleansing for the liver and gallbladder and can be used to treat problems affecting these organs.
Gynecological uses - Calendula has a mild estrogenic action and is often used to help reduce menstrual pain and regulate menstrual bleeding. The infusion makes an effective douche for yeast infections.
Calendula is also used to treat electric shock, and ingrown toenail.
Culinary uses - Add fresh young leaves to your favorite salads, and sprinkle tossed salads with chopped fresh flower petals.
Use the petals, fresh, dried, or powdered, to impart color and a subtle bittersweet flavor to seafood, chowders, soups, stews, rice, roast meats, vegetable dishes, and chicken.
To make a flavoring liquid from the petals, chop and bruise the petals, then soak them in milk or water. Strain the golden liquid and use as required.
Substitute calendula in recipes calling for saffron. The color is similarly vibrant, but the flavor is different, and while saffron is costly, calendula is not.
Calendula flowers are used commercially to color poultry products, butter and cheese, and to flavor ice cream, soft drinks, baked goods, and candy.
Craft uses - Cut pretty calendula throughout the summer for inclusion in fresh floral bouquets and arrangements.
Use the fragrant flower heads and petals in potpourris.

Habitat & cultivation

Calendula, native to southern Europe, is cultivated in temperate regions around the world.
Calendula grows best in light, sandy, moderately rich, fairly moist but well-drained soil. Tolerated pH range is 4.5 to 8.3.
Prefers full sun, but will grow in light shade.
Grows easily from seed, which should be planted in the garden in spring, when all danger of frost is past. Plant seeds 6 mm (1/4 inch) deep. Seedlings usually emerge in 8 to 12 days.
Do not transplant the seedlings, as this often causes their large succulent leaves to wilt.
Thin seedlings to about 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 inches) between plants.
As the plants grow, remove side branches to encourage taller growth and larger blooms. Remove dead flower heads to keep plants flowering throughout the summer.
If left undisturbed, calendula will self-sow.
Usually pest- and disease-free.
Pot outdoor plants for indoor use by midsummer. Bring plants indoors several days before your estimated first fall frost date. Indoor plants require at least 5 hours of direct sunlight or 12 hours of strong artificial light each day. Avoid over watering, which can cause root rot. Keep the soil barely moist.

Constituents

Calendula contains saponins, flavonoids, mucilage, essential oil, bitter principle, resin, steroidal compounds.

How much to take

A tea of calendula can be made by pouring 200 ml of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of the flowers, which is steeped, covered for ten to fifteen minutes, strained, and then drunk. At least 3 cups of tea are generally drunk per day. Tincture is similarly used three times a day, taking 1-2 ml each time. The tincture can be taken in water or tea. Prepared ointments are often useful for skin problems, although wet dressings made by dipping cloth into the tea (after it has cooled) are also effective. Home treatment for eye conditions is not recommended, as absolute sterility must be maintained.

Side effects

Calendula is one of the safest of culinary herbs, but if you are allergic to the pollen of species of the daisy family, such as ragweed, you may experience an allergic reaction to calendula, although it's not very likely.
Calendula is often used in homemade skin preparations as it is considered very safe and is mildly therapeutic. Some individuals may develop an allergic reaction from frequent skin contact with this herb, but again this is not very common.
Calendula is traditionally thought to influence the menstrual cycle. As a result, some authorities recommend that pregnant women and nursing mothers avoid consuming calendula, although there is no evidence of harm to date.

Applications

PETALS:

INFUSION - Take for menopausal problems, period pain, gastritis and for inflammation of the esophagus.

TINCTURE - Take for stagnant liver problems, including sluggish digestion, and also for menstrual disorders, particularly irregular or painful periods.

COMPRESS - Apply a pad soaked in the infusion to slow-healing wounds or varicose ulcers.

MOUTHWASH - Use the infusion for mouth ulcers and gum disease.

CREAM - Apply for any problem involving inflammation or dry skin: wounds, dry eczema, sore nipples in breastfeeding, scalds, and sunburn.

INFUSED OIL - Use on chilblains, hemorrhoids, and broken capillaries.

ESSENTIAL OIL :

SUPPOSITORIES - Use vaginal suppositories containing 2 - 5 drops each of calendula and tea tree oils, 1-2 times a day, for vaginal yeast infections.

OIL - Add 5 -10 drops to bath water for nervous anxiety or depression.

Collection & harvesting

Pick young leaves only for fresh use.
Collect calendula petals for fresh or dried use as the flowers are opening. For fresh use, pluck the petals from the flowers, cut off the white or pale green "heels," which are rather bitter, wash the petals gently, and drain well. Alternatively, wash the picked flowers, pluck the individual petals, and pat dry with paper towels. Store petals in plastic bags in the refrigerator for use as needed.
To dry calendula, spread out the harvested flowers thinly on screens in a dark, warm, well-ventilated location. (The petals lose color and flavor if ventilation during drying is poor.) Turn the flowers frequently until they are crisp. When the petals are dry, separate them from the flowers, and store in an airtight container. (As calendula petals absorb water vapor, they must be quite dry before being stored.) The dried petals can also be crushed and used as a powder.

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