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Plant Family: 

Calendula officinalis belongs to the plant family Compositae/ Asteraceae. It tells us about the characteristics of the flower, which will be composed of various petals. Herbs that belong to this family are usually known for their many healing properties and are used as a first aid remedy when treating an injury or ailment.

 

Habitat & Cultivation: 

Native to the Mediterranean countries

 

Parts Used/Collection: 

Flowers and stems

 

Herbal Actions: 

  • Vulnerary

  • Anti Inflammatory

  • Lymphatic

  • Haemostatic

  • Antimicrobial

  • Antifungal

  • Antispasmodic

  • Astringent

  • Emmenagogue

  • Cholagogue

 

Indications: 

Calendula may be used externally to treat inflammation of the skin, bruising, strains, bleeding, minor burns and skin ulcers. Internally, calendula is also anti-inflammatory and can help treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, relieve gallbladder problems, treat swollen lymph glands, and ease indigestion (soothes digestive and mucous membranes). Calendula can also be used internally and externally to combat fungal infections. Calendula may stimulate the immune system (via bone marrow) AND may help normalize menses and ease painful periods.

 

Contraindications: 

Contraindicated internally and externally in those with a known allergy/sensitivity to Calendula. Avoid in those with a known sensitivity to other members of the Compositae/Asteraceae family (ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums). Low risk of allergic contact dermatitis.

 

Plant Constituents: 

Constituents include the flavonol glycosides isoquercitrin, narcissin, neohesperidoside, and rutin, terpenoids a­ and b­amyrin, lupeol, longispinogenin, and sterols, volatile oils, arvoside A, carotenoid pigments, calendulin, and polysaccharides.

 

System Affinities:

Calendula is very subtle warmth; penetrating effect to the interior of the organism; organ affinities for skin (vulnerary), lymph/immune, and liver.

 

Energetics: 

Warm and drying effects supporting Kapha; most aggravated by Pitta and Vata due to drying effects but in some circumstances can be beneficial to Vata. Subtle, clear and nonslimy liquid increases flow of bile, menses, and lymph. 

 

Safety: 

Safe in pregnancy and lactation

 

Personal Experience:

We created the calendula oil in class and I took that home to make a salve with beeswax, cocoa butter, and shea butter. It turned out great and we have used it for my notoriously tried feet. I will continue to use this recipe, it turned out fantastic. 

 

Research: 

Hoffman, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism. Healing Arts Press: Vermont.

 

Romm, A. (2010). Botanical medicine for women's health (p.18-19). St. Louis, Mo: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.

 

 

 

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

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