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Calendula officinalis

Calendula officinalis (Compositae)

Common Names: Marigold, Calendula, Golding, Gold Bloom, Golds, Sunflower, Ruddes

Description:

An annual growing to 2ft (60cm) with vivid orange flower heads similar in structure to daisies.

Habitat and Cultivation:

Calendula, native to southern Europe, is cultivated in temperate regions around the world. Easily propagated from seed, it flourishes in almost all soils. The flowers are harvested as they open in early summer and are dried in the shade.

Parts Used:

Flower heads – fresh or dried

Related Species:

C. arvense, a wild species, seems to have similar therapeutic properties.

Key Constituents:

Triterpenoid Saponins, Resins, Bitter glycosides, Essential oil (alcohols, terpene lactone), Phytosterols, Flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin), Mucilage, Carotenoids (carotoene, calendulin, lycopin), Polysaccharides, Trace minerals, Salicylic acid

Key Actions:

Anti-inflammatory, Anti-spasmodic, Astringent, Haemostatic, Vulnerary, Antiseptic, Detoxifying, Mildly estrogenic, Lymphatic, Anti-microbial, Cholagogue, Emmenagogue

History and Folklore:

Calendula officinalis, the botanical name, originates from the Latin word calends (which comes from calare, to call).

The Roman writer Varro said that the term calends is derived from the priest’s practise of calling the citizens together on the first day of the month to inform them of the time of the various sacred days and festivals. Eventually the posting of the calendar in public places replaced this custom, and calends came to refer to the whole month, rather than just the first day. Marigold may have acquired its’ botanical name, Calendula, from its’ reputation for blooming on the first day of every month. The word officinalis indicates that the plant is useful in medicine.

Originally a native plant of ancient Egypt, and first introduced into Britain by the Romans, Marigold is one of the earliest cultivated flowers. It was also known to the ancient Greeks, who used it’s petals for decoration, to colour foods and cosmetics and as a material dye, in addition to its medicinal uses. An infusion of the herb was drunk to alleviate the symptoms of nervous tension and to prevent sleepless nights. Marigold has been cultivated in European gardens since about the 12th century. By the 14th century, the plant had become endowed with almost magical powers. A medieval author called Macer, who described Marigold in his Herbal, thought that merely to look at it would improve eyesight and draw out evil ‘humours’ from the head.

Medicinal Actions and Uses:

Therapeutic Properties:

Calendula is very antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral with the resins being particularly anti-fungal as well. The herb will also astringe the capillaries, an action that explains its effectiveness in wounds, cuts, varicose veins and various inflammatory conditions.

Skin Remedy:

Calendula is above all a remedy for the skin, providing effective treatment for most minor skin problems. It is used for cuts, scrapes and wounds; for red and inflamed skin, including minor burns and sunburn; for acne and many rashes; and for fungal conditions such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, and thrush. It is very beneficial for diaper rash and cradle cap, and soothes nipples that are sore from breast feeding.

Digestive Disorders:

Taken internally, Marigold infusion or tincture helps inflammatory problems of the GI such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, ileitis and colitis.

Detoxifying:

This plant has long been considered detoxifying and helps to treat toxicity that underlies many fevers and infections, and systemic skin disorders such as eczema and acne. The herb is also considered cleansing for the liver and gallbladder and can be used to treat problems affecting these organs.

Gynecological Uses:

Marigold has a mild estrogenic action and is often used to help reduce menstrual pain and regulate menstrual bleeding. The infusion makes an effective treatment, topically, for yeast infections.

Post-Surgery

Should be added to all formulas after surgery to help with wound healing and ensuring no infection is able to take hold.

Key Preparations / Dosage:

Infusion – 8-14g can be used.

Tincture – Take 2-4mL of a 1:5 tincture (25% alcohol)3x per day for all actions that do not require bacterial/fungal/amoebal infections. Use 90% alcohol extraction for these actions.

Cream – best made with tincture

Ointments – same as above

Research:

N/A

Tropism:

Liver, Heart, Uterus, Skin, Veins, Lymphatic System, Blood

Meridians:

Liver, Heart, Lung

Taste:

Somewhat bitter, sweet, salty and pungent, neutral with cooling potential, dry.

Cautions and Contra-indications:

Apply carefully to open wounds as healing is rapid, ensure no debris is trapped under the wounded skin. Avoid during pregnancy as it is a uterine stimulant.

Combinations:

Digestive Problems: Used with Marshmallow and American Cranesbill.

External Soothing applications – combine with Slippery Elm and any other relevant remedy such as St. John’s Wort, Arnica, Witch Hazel and Plantain.

In feverish conditions, combine with Yarrow, Elder and Chamomile.

Indications:

Skin Inflammation – Acne, Boils, Breast tenderness and sore nipples, diaper rash, inflamed rash, nettle rash, wounds and bruises.

Fungal Infections – Athlete’s Foot

Gall Bladder Tonic

Delayed and Painful Periods

Digestive Tonic – digestive infections

• Skin problems such as psoriasis, acne and eczema.
• Digestive disorders such as peptic ulcers, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), heartburn and indigestion.
• Circulation problems involving the heart and blood vessels like angina, high blood pressure, varicose veins, varicose ulcers etc.
• Gynaecological disorders like premenstrual syndrome and menopausal problems.
• Joint conditions such as arthritis, gout and inflammation.
• Sleep disorders such as insomnia.
• Mood disorders including anxiety, panic attacks, stress and depression.
• Allergic conditions including seasonal allergies, allergic asthma and asthma, wheezing and shortness of breath.
• Migraines and headaches.
• Colds and Flus and general immune boosting, including acute infections such as Urinary Tract Infections.

Qualified Herbalists know when a condition is best seen by a doctor or another therapist. Herbal medicine offers a safe, gentle and effective approach to health care and serves to promote health as a positive state. It is suitable for all from the very young to the very old.

Herbalists believe that the active constituents are balanced within the plant and are made more or less powerful by the numerous other substances present. For example, the herb Ephedra sinica is the source of the alkaloid ephedrine which is used, in orthodox medicine, to treat asthma and nasal congestion but it has the side effect of raising blood pressure. Within the whole plant, there are six other alkaloids, one of which prevents a rise in blood pressure. Synthetic diuretics (drugs that increase the flow of urine) seriously reduce the potassium level in the body, this has to be restored using potassium supplements. The Herbalist uses Dandelion leaves which are a potent diuretic but contain potassium to naturally replace that which is lost.

Herbalism, in western countries, is now classified as an alternative or complementary discipline but it is still the most widely practiced form of medicine worldwide with over 80% of the world’s population relying on herbs for health.

Firstly, a Herbalist will customize the formulation for you as an individual. This customizing of the formulation ensures you are receiving the herbs best suited to your health conditions, and none of those that aren’t. A Herbalist is also able to assess if there are any potential interactions with any pharmaceutical medications you might be taking as well. You are not given that protection if you purchase a pre-formulated remedy off the shelf.

Another problem is determining whether the pre-manufactured products actually contain the right species of plants and the right part of the plant needed to achieve a therapeutic effect. A Professional Herbalist ensures that the plants he/she uses are the right species and that the correct part of the plant (roots, leafs, fruit, etc.) has been used.
Lastly, plant medicines are generally safe, but they are still medicines. They need to be respected and used properly and the guidance of a Professional Herbalist is vital to ensure that you are taking the right combination of plants properly to be confident that you truly are working towards better health.

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