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Information about the herb Calendula
Calendula officinalis, also known as Marygold is part of the Compositae plant family. Calendula originates from Native to Southern Europe.
Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis
Plant Family: Compositae
Common name: Caltha officinalis, Garden Marigold, Golds, Holigold, Marybud, Marygold, Pot Marigold
History: The name Calendula comes from the fact that it is in bloom all the time almost on every day of the calendar. Its botanical name is a corruption of the Anglo-Saxon word merso-meargealla.
Culpepper says: 'It is a herb of the Sun and under Leo and strengthens the heart exceedingly'.
The gypsies used Calendula for:
- skin problems
- sprains
- wounds
Tradition:
- It was thought to have many magical properties
- It was thought to be one of the ingredients needed to see fairies
Plant Constituents of Calendula
Medicinal Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, herb
Contains:
- bitters
- oils
- resins
Action:
- antibacterial [an agent that destroys bacteria; bactericide]
- antiseptic [an agent for inhibiting the growth of microorganism on living tissue or destroying pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria]
- antispasmodic [an agent that relieves or checks spasms or cramps]
- aperient [a mild stimulant for the bowels; a gentle purgative]
- cholagogue [an agent for increasing the flow of bile into the intestines]
- diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration]
- stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]
- detergent [an agent that cleanses wounds and sores of diseased or dead matter]
- toning
- vulnerary [a healing application for wounds]
Calendula is used for:
Blood Conditions
- abscesses
- blood in urine
- boils
Cardiovascular Conditions
- stimulates circulation
Female Conditions
- menstrual difficulties
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- colitis
- diarrhea
- gastric and duodenal ulcers
- gastritis
- gastro-intestinal disorders
- inflammation of the large intestine
- prevents recurrent vomiting
- stomach cramps
- stomach ulcers
Genitourinary Conditions
- dropsy
Liver Conditions
- jaundice
- infectious hepatitis
- liver disorders
- stimulates the flow of bile
Parasitic Conditions
- worms and parasites
Other
- cancer
- brings out bruises
- cleanses
- children's ailments
- fever
- headaches
- helps to prevent internal complications if taken after an accident
- improves the healing of wounds
- visceral obstructions
Externally the infusion, ointment and/or oil of Calendula are used for:
- abscesses
- Athlete's foot
- bedsores
- bee or wasp stings
- boils
- bruises
- burns
- contusions
- eczema
- festering or cancer-like sores
- fistulas
- frost bites
- fungus infestation
- hemorrhoids
- phlebitis
- pigment spots
- preventing suppuration
- preventing the formation of scars or lessening old scars
- psoriasis
- pulled muscles
- scalds
- slow healing wounds
- sores
- sprains
- strengthening eyes and red eyes (bathe with lukewarm tea)
- swellings
- ulcers
- warts (rub on the fresh juice of plant)
- varicose ulcers
- varicose veins
Other Uses:
- Potpourri
- Yellow Dye
Global Herbal Supplies has Calendula available in the following forms
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
