The Uses of Calendula

1167 Words3 Pages

The Common Name: Marigold, Calendula
The Botanical Name: Calendula Officinalis
The Family: Asteraceae Family

The predominantly part of the Calendula that is the petals however the leaves are sometimes used is capsule form.

Flavonoids anti-oxidants chemicals in the body are found in high proportions in calendula, this help protect the body cells for oxidation. Oxidation produces natural chemicals that can reduce the effectiveness of the immune functionality.
Calendula is beneficial in the following ways:
Vulnerary - healing
Anti inflammatory - swelling
Lymphatic - draining
Styptic - stop bleeding
Anti microbial - kills micro organisms
Spasmolytic - relieves spasms
Emmenagogue - stimulates menstrual flow
Antihaemorrhagic - seals injured blood vessels Antiseptic - prevents growth do disease causing micro organisms Mild diaphoretic - increase sweating Circulatory stimulant - increase blood circulation and sedative - calming and sleep induction.

Calendula has been used for medicinal purposes since the 12 century; it is a native plant to Mediterranean countries but is now grown in many area throughout the world. It is not the same plant that is often grown in home gardens.

Historically it was used for many aliments ranging from wild animal bites, liver and gall bladder detoxify, spleen congestion, to smallpox, plague and bruising. During the American civil war calendula petals were applied directly onto open wounds in the battlefields and in the dressing of wounds as an anti hemorrhagic and antiseptic to promote healing. It holds a significant place in historical medicines in many cultures.

Calendula petals are available in fresh or dried form and come in the following forms tincture - solution, liquid extracts, sitz bath, oil, i...

... middle of paper ...

...first. Store in a cool dark place for 6 weeks, shaking regularly during this period, strain and use. This process can be speed up by placing the jar (uncovered) in a pan of water and heating over a med low heat for 3 hours. This can used undiluted on sprains and bruises.

Once you have made your oil you can also make a salve with some of the oil.

To make the salve you will also need beeswax or shea butter. Place 14 grams of Shea butter or beeswax and 100 grams oil in a heat proof container, place in a pan containing a few centimetres of water bring to a med low heat leave in pan until butter/ wax melts, remove from heat and pour into jars. This can be used 3 - 4 times a day.

Herbs can inter react with other herbs, supplements and medications triggering various side effects hence you should always take with care and under the guidance of a health care provider

More about The Uses of Calendula

Open Document