Calendula – Calendula officinalis – Organic flowers/herb may be useful for: Inflammation, Skin problems, burns, bruises, ulcers ( mouth, gastric, skin), liver and kidney detox, gall bladder problems, Digestive problems, fungal infections, etc Calendula is an excellent herb for inflammatory skin conditions, as a detox tonic for liver lymphatics and bowel, and fantastic for all skin conditions such as acne and eczema.

Constituents:

• triterpenes, pentacyclic alcohols such as faradol, brein, arnidiol, erythrodiol, calenduladiol, heliantriol C and F, ursatriol, logispinogenine;
• the calendulosides A-D;
• [alpha] & [beta] – amyrin, taraxasterol, gamma-taraxasterol, and lupeol Flavonoids;
• isorhamnetin glycosides including narcissin & quercitin glycosidesincluding rutin;
• volatile oil;
• chlorogenic acid.

Actions:

• anti-inflammatory
• anti-spasmodic
• lymphatic
• astringent
• vulnerary
• emmenagogue
• anti-microbial

Indications: Calendula is one of the best herbs for treating local skin problems. It may be used safely wherever there is an inflammation on the skin, whether due to infection or physical damage. It may be used for any external bleeding or wound, bruising or strains. It will also be of benefit in slow-healing wounds and skin ulcers. It is ideal for first aid treatment of minor burns and scalds. Local treatments may be with a lotion, a poultice or compress, whichever is most appropriate. Internally it acts as a valuable herb for digestive inflammation and thus it may be used in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers. As a cholagogue it will aid in the relief of gall-bladder problems and also through this process help in many of the vague digestive complaints that are called indigestion. Calendula has marked anti-fungal activity and may be used both internally and externally to combat such infections. As an emmenagogue it has a reputation of helping delayed menstruation and painful periods. It is deemed however, safe in pregnancy in smaller doses. It is in general a normalizer of the menstrual process. It is a remedy long used throughout Europe for wound healing and ulcer treatments. It has been shown to contain constituents that exerts a marked anti-ulcerous and sedative action. It is also used in illnesses due to liver stagnation, such as skin condition (e.g. acne), poor digestion, liver toxicity, etc – and thus has been used as a detox herb. It has been shown in research to be non toxic even in extreme higher doses, and safe to take for people conditions such as heart problems, liver disorders and kidney dysfunction.

Combinations: For digestive problems it may be used with Marshmallow Root and American Cranesbill. As an external soothing application it can be used with Slippery Elm and any other relevant remedy. A useful anti-septic lotion may be produced by combining it with Golden Seal and Myrrh.

Preparations: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l-2 teaspoonsful of the florets and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This can be taken as a tea hot or cold three times a day. External use as a lotion or ointment for cuts, bruises, diaper rash, sore nipples, burns and scalds. Tincture, l-4 ml three times a day.

In Australia, it is a violation of TGA regulations to list any therapeutic claims for any medication, natural or orthodox prescriptive, without TGA approval. For further information about this herb, we recommend doing your own thorough research, such as using any links provided or reliable researched websites

http://www.rain-tree.com/plistbot.htm

http://www.australiannaturaltherapistsassociation.com.au/

http://www.herbmed.org/

Disclaimer:  The information contained here is intended for educational purposes only. It is not provided in order to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, illness or injured condition of the body and the author, publisher, printer and distributors accept no responsibility for such use. All herbs should be taken with care whether topically or internally. Please skin test if using it topically and discontinue use in cases of rnegative reactions. Unless taken as a food/tea, please always take internally under proffesional supervision & consult your practitioner if symptoms persist or you have any concerns including drug/herb interactions. Please consult with a proffesional herbalist or your doctor if you are taking any medications to check for herb/drug interactions.