|
|
|
 |
| Calendula
officinalis |
|
|
| Name |
| Calendula |
| Biological
Name |
| Calendula officinalis |
| Other
Names |
| Marigold, garden marigold, holigold,
Mary bud, pot marigold, Calendula |
| Parts
Used |
| flowers, leaves |
| Active
Compounds |
| The flavonoids, found in high amounts
in calendula, account for much of its anti-inflammatory activity;
triterpene saponins may also be important. Calendula also contains
carotenoids. Investigations into anticancer and antiviral actions
of calendula are continuing. At this time, there is insufficient
evidence to recommend clinical use of calendula for cancer.
There is evidence suggesting use of calendula for some viral
infections. The constituents responsible for these actions are
not entirely clear. |
| History |
| Calendula flowers were believed to
be useful in reducing inflammation, wound healing, and as an
antiseptic. Calendula was used to treat various skin diseases,
ranging from skin ulcerations to eczema. Internally, the soothing
effects of calendula have been used for stomach ulcers and inflammation.
A sterile tea has also been applied in cases of conjunctivitis.
Historically, calendula is found to be antispasmodic, aperient,
cholagogue, diaphoretic, vulnerary. An infusion of the flowers
can be used for such gastrointestinal problems as ulcers, stomach
cramps, colitis, and diarrhea. It is also useful taken internally
for fever, boils, abscesses, and to prevent recurrent vomiting.
The fresh juice of the herb or flowers can substitute for the
infusion. For external use, a good salve for wounds can be made
from dried flowers or leaves, from the juice pressed out of
the fresh flowers, or from the tincture. The salve or dilute
tincture is good for bruises, sprains, pulled muscles, sores,
and boils. The tincture is used internally for gastritis and
for menstrual difficulties. |
| Remedies
For |
|
Calendula may be useful in the treatment of:
Eczema
Gastritis
Minor burns (including sunburn)
Wound healing
Applied locally as a tincture, oil, or lotion, marigold is
considered a natural antiseptic by homeopaths. The crushed
petals may be combined with olive oil to form an ointment
for external application to cuts, bruises, sores and burns.
The infusion is used to soothe watery, irritated eyes, and
for relief in bronchial complaints. It is also used frequently
in the treatment of liver disorders. It is thought to induce
perspiration in case of fever. Recent clinical studies have
shown that marigold flower extracts lower blood pressure and
have sedative effects. Marigold is a common adulterant to
saffron.
In 1955, an Australian patent was issued for the use of marigold
extracts in the treatment of burns in humans.
|
| Description |
| Calendula grows as a common garden
plant throughout North America and Europe. The golden-orange
or yellow flowers of calendula have been used as medicine for
centuries. Calendula is an annual garden plant with an anular,
branched, hairy stem 1 to 2 feet high. The leaves are alternate,
sessile, spatulate or oblanceolate, dentate with widely spaced
teeth, and hairy. From June to October, the plant bears large,
yellow or orange, terminal flower heads. |
| Dosage |
| 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.
Juice: Take 1 tsp. At a time, always freshly pressed.
Tincture: To make, soak a handful of flowers in 0.5 quart
rectified alcohol or whiskey for 5 to 6 weeks. A dose is 5
to 20 drops.
Salve: Boil 1 oz dried flowers or leaves, or 1tsp fresh juice,
with 1 oz of lard.
|
| Safety |
| Except for the very rare person who
is allergic to calendula and therefore should not use it, there
are no known side effects or interactions. |
|
|
|
|
