Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also known as pot marigold, pot calendula, Holligold, Garden Marigold, Gold-Bloom, Marigold, Marybud, and Zergul, has a beautiful orange or yellow flower. The plant is native to the Mediterranean area.

Calendula got its name because it blooms every new moon. The name “marigold” refers to the Virgin Mary, and the flower is often used in Catholic events that honor her. With a name like marigold, some probably think they can use the annual flowers from their garden. That is probably either French marigold or African marigold and is a totally different species.

For those who like the technical facts, calendula contains these medicinal ingredients: calendulin, beta-carotene and other carotenoids, isoquercitrin, narcissin, rutin, amyrin, lupeol, sterols, and volatile oils. The flowers also contain complex polysaccharides with properties that stimulate immunity.

Calendula has both internal and external benefits. Internally, calendula is especially beneficial in treating gastrointestinal disorders. It protects the lining of the intestines and stomach by weakening the causes of inflammation and swelling, and by limiting the effects of the bacteria associated with gastritis, stomach cancer, and peptic ulcers. Calendula has been effective to sooth stomach ulcers and inflammation. It also fights fever, boils, abscesses, and recurrent vomiting.

Because of the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, found in calendula’s orange petals, it is also effective externally. These two qualities make calendula a popular treatment for many bodily infections. Calendula tea used as an eye wash does wonders for those suffering from chronic conjunctivitis (pink eye). It is also effective in treating ear infections. The ointment will both soothe an inflammation and will reduce the inflammation by attacking the bacteria causing the area to swell. It is also effective in treating other inflammations such as acne, burns, insect bites, hemorrhoids, eczema, vaginal itching caused by menopausal tissue changes, diaper rash, scalds, and sunburn.

By using this herb on infections, healing is more pain-free, better, and faster. Cosmetic creams use calendula to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and hydrate skin. Gargling with calendula water or tea may ease the pain of a sore throat.

Calendula is also recommended for use in treating varicose veins, chronic ulcers, capillary engorgement, and congestion. Calendula flowers are edible, and may be added to salads or cooked foods. They can also be dried for use in teas. Calendula adds flavor and color to cereals, rice, and soups.

Calendula may be purchased or prepared as creams, teas, tinctures, infusions, compresses, and washes. To make calendula tea, simply pour about a cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of calendula flowers and let sit for 15 minutes. Calendula tea may be taken 3 times per day. Calendula tincture, which can be taken with water or tea, can be taken 3 times a day (in doses of 1-2 ml). To make calendula tincture, soak a cup of flowers in .5 quarts of rectified alcohol for 5 to 6 weeks. A tincture dose is 5 to 15 drops. To create a calendula salve for external application, boil 1 oz of dried flowers or leaves with 1 oz lard.

Calendula is a very safe herb. The only known reactions are in people with ragweed allergy. Do not use tincture on wounds as the alcohol base will burn the raw tissue. Be sure wounds are cleaned before applying calendula.

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This entry was posted on Friday, August 29th, 2008 at 2:56 am and is filed under Health and Wellness. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.