Lesson 4. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula officinalis
Calendula / Marigold

Plant family:  Asteraceae / Compositae

Description:  Calendula is an annual herb typically growing to about 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) in height. It features vibrant, daisy-like flowers that range in colour from bright yellow to salmon & deep orange. The flowers are usually single or semi-double and have a distinct, somewhat ruffled appearance. The flower heads have a sticky resinous exudate that is highly medicinal, especially on the central part of the bud. The leaves are lance-shaped and can either be hairy or smooth.

Habitat: Native to southern Europe, Calendula is now cultivated in temperate regions around the world. It can handle a wide range of temperatures, from cool to warm climates, but is frost-sensitive.

Cultivation &  Harvesting: One can easily propagate Calendula from seed, and it flourishes in almost any type of soil. The plant blooms from late spring to early autumn, producing a continuous display of vibrant (and edible) flowers. Gather the whole flower tops as they first fully open.

Parts Used:

Flower Heads (both fresh and dried)

Active Constituents:

•Triterpenoid Saponins

•Carotenoids (Beta-carotene, Lutein)

•Resins (Calendulin)

•Bitter glycosides

•Essential Oils

•Phytosterols

•Polysaccharides

•Flavonoids: (Quercetin, Rutin, and Isorhamnetin)

•Mucilage

•Salicylic acid

Medicinal Actions:

•Anti-inflammatory:  Reduces inflammation and swelling in the body

•Anti-spasmodic:  Relieves smooth-muscle spasms of all origins

•Astringent:  Contracts tissues to reduce fluid loss, relieve diarrhoea, and reduce bleeding

•Hemostatic:  Stops bleeding via its clotting action when used either internally or externally

•Vulnerary:  Aids in the rapid healing of wounds, especially those that are infected

•Antiseptic:  Including potent antiviral and anti-fungal action- prevents and resolves infections

•Detoxifying:  Removes toxins that build up in the body

•Mildly Estrogenic:  Can influence estrogen levels (up or down-regulation) though it is not strongly estrogenic

•Lymphatic:  Supports the integrity and function of the lymphatic system

•Cholagogue:  Stimulates bile flow, aiding in optimal digestion

•Emmenagogue:  Promotes healthy menstrual flow and a regular cycle

Energetics: Warming, Sweet, Drying, Moistening, Amphoteric, Bitter, Salty, Soothing, Regenerating, Softening, Dissolving, Balancing, Decongesting, Astringing, Stimulating. Associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra.

Therapeutics:

•Skin Remedy:  Calendula is a highly effective remedy for various skin conditions involving inflammation, congestion, and infection.  Being antiseptic, vulnerary, and haemostatic, it is a top medicine for healing cuts, scrapes, and infected wounds, as well as inflammatory skin conditions like minor burns, sunburn, acne, and various rashes. It also treats fungal infections such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and thrush. Calendula is beneficial for diaper rash, cradle cap, and sore nipples from breastfeeding. As an ointment, it is excellent for repairing minor skin damage such as broken capillaries, bruises, blisters, and even bites & stings. It improves the drainage of purulent wounds, helping to quickly resolve long standing infections that just won’t heal.

•Antiseptic:  Calendula has broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. It is highly effective against fungal, protozoal, bacterial, and viral infections. A high-alcohol (90% ABV) tincture of Calendula, especially when combined with Commiphora mol mol (Myrrh), is useful for fungal infections of both the reproductive organs and the skin, such as warts, athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock-itch and candidiasis. It is an excellent remedy for sore and inflamed throats, especially when combined with Myrrh and Echinacea. Valuable in the treatment of deep lung infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. As an eye lotion (infusion), Calendula can be used to treat conjunctivitis (pink eye).

•GIT / Digestive:  Internally Calendula reduces digestive inflammation, soothing the digestive mucosa, and rapidly heals unresolved infections or erosion of the upper digestive tract. It is particularly useful for conditions involving bleeding in the gut, such as with ulcers and tarry stools (melaena).

•Lymphatics:  Helps to flush and drain stagnant / congested lymphatics and resolve swollen lymph nodes and glands- used topically and / or internally. Calendula also stimulates healthy immune function.

•Fever:  Moves internal heat to the periphery, causing sweating, and lowering body temperature in cases of deep fever.

•Gynae:  Gentle yet very effective medicine for bringing on an absent period, and for relieving menstrual pain- it is said to “increase the life force within the pelvic region” (Wood, 2008). Highly effective antimicrobial agent with an affinity for infections in the lymph nodes, glands or ducts- especially useful in treating Mastitis in breastfeeding mothers (taken alongside Echinacea, Cleavers, and Chickweed).

Preparations:

•Infusion: 8-14 grams of dried or fresh flower heads can be used per day.

•Tincture: 

•Take 30 drops of a 1:3 tincture (25% alcohol)— up to 3 times per day for most uses.

•Take 15 drops of a 1:3 tincture made with 90% alcohol for bacterial, fungal, or amoebic infections— up to 3 times per day.

•Poultice: Made from fresh or dried flower heads, applied as needed until infection or bleeding resolves.

•Cream: Best made using a 90% tincture of fresh flower heads, and applied as needed.

•Flower Essence: Calendula Flower Essence draws out and soothes inner irritations, whether karmic or from this lifetime, which may manifest as skin conditions like itching, eczema, and dermatitis. Known as "liquid sunshine," it cleanses, uplifts, and affirms, bringing healing light to the body and spirit. With a special affinity for the pelvic area and sacrum, Calendula reconnects us to our creative and fertile potential, especially within the Womb. It lifts us from darkness, reigniting optimism, warmth, and hope for the future.

Contraindications: 

•Avoid use if you have a known allergy to the Asteraceae (Daisy) family of plants. No known herb-drug interactions.

Cautions:

•Pregnancy: Avoid use during pregnancy as Calendula may act as a mild uterine stimulant due to its bitter compounds.

•Wounds: Use caution when applying Calendula to deep open wounds due to its rapid healing properties. Always ensure that no dirt, debris, or pathogens are trapped in the wound by first thoroughly rinsing it with cool, clean running water or saline solution. It is also advisable to use other antimicrobial herbs alongside Calendula, such as Tea tree, Lavender, Myrrh, or Clove essential oil.

•Estrogen-Dependent Conditions: Exercise caution with Calendula if you have health conditions that are influenced by estrogen (i.e. Breast or other female cancers).

•Eczema: Although Calendula is recommended for eczema, some individuals may find it too warming for inflamed or hot skin conditions. Patch test first to determine individual suitability.

Herbal First Aid: Highly effective for stopping bleeding, treating infections and inflammation both internally and externally, and promoting rapid healing of long-standing wounds. It can also be used to treat eye infections, fever, and menstrual cramping.

Best Preparation for a Holistic First Aid Kit: Salves containing Calendula, Calendula 90% Tincture, or dried flower heads for infusion- store in airtight UV protected packaging. The fresh flower heads can also be harvested as needed for use in a simple, yet highly effective poultice to address bleeding and infected wounds.