Calendula - Calendula officinalis (in the Asteraceae or Aster family)
Part used: Flowers prior to fully opening.
Taste/smell: Slightly bitter, salty.
Tendencies: Drying.
Dosage: Infusion: 2-3 heaping tablespoons in 1 cup of water; or 1:5 dry liquid extract: 20-50 drops 1-4 times per day in a little water. Succus of the fresh plant is optimal for topical applications on wounds.
Mental picture and specific indications: Calendula is indicated when the individual feels worse in damp, heavy, cloudy weather. There is a tendency to get cold easily and is greatly affected by the cold. It is specific for wounds that will not heal and lymphatic congestion with a predilection for the chest, axilla and inguinal crease.
Use: (a) Antiseptic, (b) Anti-inflammatory, (c) Lymphagogue, (d) Choleretic, (e) Demulcent, (f) Vulnerary.
Research shows the herb has in vitro anti-viral activity, supports normal connective tissue, aids in healing wounds, burns, bruises, boils, rashes and can be beneficial for infectious diseases. It can promote the formation of granulation tissue by first intention and is useful for prevention or treatment of congealed tissue or tumors.
Calendula contains essential oil, flavonol glycosides, saponins, triterpene alcohols, sterols, carotenes, xanthophylls, polysaccharides, tannins and other constituents.
Contraindications: It is contraindicated in pregnancy due to emmenagogue and abortifacient effects.
Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.
Used with permission of author.
