Calendula

Botanical name: calendula officinalis

Parts used: flowers

Energetics: warming, moistening

Taste: Slightly salty, sweet, pungent, spicy

Actions: Lymphagogue, alterative, vulnerary/astringent, inflammation modulator, bitter tonic, emmenagogue, immune tonic, chologogue

Constituents: Flavonoids, saponins, volatile oil, salicylic acid, mucilage, resin

Planet: Sun

Element: water

Medicinal Preparations:

Tincture: Fresh 1:3 Dry 1:5 (alcohol 70% or 140-proof)

Drops: 10-60  Times a day: up to 3x

Tea: hot or cold infusion

Ounces: 8-12oz  Times a day: up to 3-4x

Description:

Calendula is one of the most well known and versatile herbs in Western herbal medicine and is part of the Asteraceae family. The bright orange/yellow petals are an excellent remedy for inflamed and angry skin, their antiseptic and healing properties helping to prevent the spread of infection and speed up healing. Calendula is also a cleansing and detoxifying herb and the infusion and tincture are used to treat chronic infections, GI disorders, lymphatic remedies and much more.
Calendula is a widely cultivated herbaceous self-seeding annual. The beautiful bright yellow and orange flowers open in the morning when the sun rises and closes as the sun sets. Easily grown in average, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Dead head the plants regularly to maintain even blossom production.

Medicinal uses:

Calendula is an excellent herb to infuse in oils and to create salves for your herbal first aid kit. Calendula has anti-microbial properties and ideal for many types of skin conditions and wounds, great for cuts, bites/stings, bruises, sunburns, sprains, diaper rash, cradle cap, rashes, sore nipples, hives, acne, and eczema. And it's an excellent vulnerary both internally and externally, promoting cell repair and growth.
Calendula is an immune modulator, regulating the immune system and enhancing it, protecting it from incoming microbes. 
Calendula is great for detoxifying the lymphatic system. Whenever the lymph nodes are swollen it is an indication of heightened immunological activity with a need for detoxification due to fluid stagnation. Most beneficial after the infection has passed but the immune system is still low.  
Calendula is an effective anti-viral that can help treat cold and flu, swollen glands, and viral infections. It also acts as a diaphoretic, promoting sweating to reduce fever and remove toxins from the body. 
Calendula is an anti-fungal herb that can be used both internally and externally for fungal infections like athletes’ foot, ring worm, jock itch, yeast infections. Calendula's anti-microbial properties is also helpful in the case of eye infections such as pink eye/conjunctivitis.
Fresh Calendula flowers are edible and delicious, add them to your salads, sandwiches, or cocktails. The dried flowers can be used in soups and broths.

Beauty and Skincare:

Use Calendula extract to massage into the scalp to promote thick hair, use as a hair rinse for blonde hair to lighten and strengthen. Bath soaks can soothe and relieve dry, itchy or inflamed skin. Tincture can be used to treat acne, inflammation, control bleeding, soothe irritated skin, or a s vaginal douche. Infused oil can be made to use in salves, creams, and lotions or as a breast wash for sore nipples while nursing.  

Contraindications: 

Calyx of the flower can cause irritation of throat if consumed. Persons with allergies to other members of the Asteraceae family (such as Feverfew, Chamomile, Echinacea species) should exercise caution with calendula. Not recommended to be ingested if pregnant or nursing. Calendula can be safely applied topically.

 

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent diseases. Please check with your doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition before using or consuming any herbal products. Keep out of reach from children and pets. I am not a doctor and therefore I can not give medical advice.