Biological Name: Calendula officinalis

Other Names: Calendula, Marigold, pot marigold, garden marigold, Mary bud, holigold

Elements Applied: Leaves and flowers are applied in herbal medicine.

Active Components: Calendula is very rich in flavonoids, which are responsible for the majority of its healing properties. Triterpene saponins also add to its anti-inflammatory capacity. Additionally, calendula is characterized by carotenoid content. Herb’s antiviral and anticancer capabilities are still researched. For the present moment, the proof is not enough to make doctors believe that calendula is worth being applied for cancer. Still, a variety of viral conditions can be treated by the herb, according to a range of studies. It has not yet been defined which components are effective for viral infections.

History: Conventionally, calendula flowers have been applied for healing sores and wounds, eliminating inflammations, and neutralizing bacterial infections. The herb was applied topically for a range of skin conditions from eczema to skin sores and ulcers. As an oral remedy, calendula was used for stomach inflammations and ulcers. Tea was considered effective for conjuctivitis. Up to now calendula has been used due to its healing, diaphoretic, bile-moving, aperient, and antispasmodic capacity. Flower infusion was applied for digestive, and especially stomach conditions, like ulcers, pains, diarrhea, and colitis. Calendula was employed orally for intermittent vomiting, abscesses, boils, and fevers. Infusion could be alternatively replaced by fresh juice. As a topical remedy calendula was applied as a salve, made from leaves or flowers, which was distributed onto the affected area. Fresh flower juice, or a tincture, was also used for this aim. Diluted tincture or a salve were additionally employed for boils, sores, pulled muscles, sprains, and bruises. To relieve menstrual cramps or gastritis people usually took calendula tincture.

Used For: The list of conditions in which calendula is applied includes: wounds, minor burns (such as sunburn), gastritis, and eczema.

The herb is utilized topically in form of lotion, oil, or tincture, and known as an essential antiseptic among herbalists. Olive oil in combination with crushed petals is applied topically to heal burns, sores, bruises, and cuts.

Calendula is used in form of infusion to treat bronchial conditions, eye irritation, and excessive tearing. Additionally, the plant is applied for liver conditions. Calendula is believed to promote sweating helpful for fever reduction. According to recent scientific researches, calendula extract is beneficial for hypertension and nervous conditions. Calendula is commonly added to saffron.

Since 1955, thanks to an Australian patent, calendula has been applied for healing burns in people.

Additional Info: Calendula can be found in house gardens of Europe and North America. Calendula’s yellow or orange flowers have been employed in herbal medicine for a long time. Calendula belongs to annuals; its stem may commonly reach 1-2 feet in height. The leaves are covered with fuzz, while being oblanceolate, sessile and alternate. The plant blossoms from early summer to late autumn, and features orange or yellow flowers at the top of its stems.

Preparation and Intake: To make tea using calendula, take 1-2 teaspoons of dry flowers, and fill the up with a cup of boiling water. Infuse it covered for 10-15 minutes, then filter the result and drink it. A daily dose commonly comprises not less than three cups.

In form of tincture the herb is also applied thrice a day, at a dose of 1-2 ml. The tincture is dissolved in tea or water.

Commercially sold ointments for skin conditions are quite effective, though tea made of calendula and distributed cold onto a cloth, is also worth using. Eye treatment should only be undertaken under medical supervision, as calendula preparation should be completely sterile.

Plant juice is drunk in a quantity of one teaspoon at a time, just after being excreted.

To prepare a tincture, take a handful of flowers and pour half a quart of rectified alcohol onto it. Infuse it for five to six weeks. Take in a dose of five to twenty drops at a time.

To make a salve, take one ounce of dried leaves or flowers, or a teaspoon of fresh juice, aid it by one ounce of lard, and boil down the result.

Safety: The remedy is generally safe for both external and internal application, except for the cases of allergy, which are quite rare.