Calendula 100 g ($12.99), 50 g ($8.99), 25 g ($6.99)
Benefits:
Calendula is an antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, and painkilling agent for minor injuries and topical infections and irritations. It also can help with wound healing. Some of the chemical components of calendula have shown potential in laboratory tests as a reverse transcriptase inhibitor for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. When mixed with other herbs, it may help reduce earache in children with acute otitis media, although some studies do not support its use in this context.
Cancer Animal and cell studies suggest that calendula can kill cancer cells (Colon, Leukemia, Melanoma, Pancreatic). Preliminary data support its use topically for prophylaxis of acute dermatitis during radiation therapy in cancer patients.
Bowel diseases. Calendula reduces the inflammation that causes pain in these disorders. It reduces the general tension that can promote bowel problems, relaxing the nervous constriction of the digestive muscles to help the bowels.
Conjunctivitis. Calendula washes are useful in treating chronic conjunctivitis. They are antibacterial and stimulate the growth of healthy tissue in the membranes surrounding the eye.
Gastritis. German studies have demonstrated that calendula prevents the hormonal reactions that produce swelling and inflammation in the stomach lining, specifically by acting on the inflammatory prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Calendula has a strong bactericidal effect that may counteract infection with Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium associated with both gastritis and peptic ulcers. Calendula and comfrey taken together may have a healing effect on duodenal and peptic ulcers and increase the effectiveness of antacids.
Inflammation. In cells, calendula inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a key enzyme mediating inflammation. Synthetic drugs (such as Vioxx) that act as COX-2 inhibitors and targeted arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and some cancers have been removed from the market by the FDA. Calendula may help in these conditions, but more human studies are needed.
Mucous membrane and skin disorders. Calendula is widely used as an additive to cosmetic skin creams. Used in these creams, it stimulates the production of collagen, filling in wrinkles. Calendula creams also hydrate winter-dried skin, relieve pain and inflammation caused by conditions such as mastitis and hemorrhoids, and alleviate vaginal itching caused by menopausal tissue changes. In addition, this herb has antibacterial action that allows it to prevent and treat various types of infection. Wound healing studies have only been conducted on animals, but the results are positive.
Calendula creams are used in Europe to prevent skin damage from drying, insect bites, and sunburn. Europeans also make wide use of them for preventing diaper rash and inflammations of the mouth, nose, and throat. Used externally, calendula helps to soothe, heal, and protect a baby’s sensitive skin.
Indian researchers report that aerosol sprays of calendula extracts stop bleeding from cuts and scrapes while preventing infection. Calendula washes kill Staphylococcus aureus, a common germ that infects abrasions, burns, and cuts. Calendula, used externally, helps injured skin to rejuvenate. In one study, skin pain and redness were reduced with topical calendula when used by women with breast cancer who were receiving radiation therapy to the breast. This study was an open label study, so results are not conclusive and more work is needed. However, this treatment may offer benefit to women who do not respond to other therapies.
Recommended Uses
Calendula is available in creams, eyedrops, teas, and tinctures. As a cream, it is recommended in a 2 to 5 percent ointment, and applied topically three to four times a day. As a tincture, it should be 1:1 in 40 percent alcohol or 1:5 in 90 percent alcohol. These preparations may be further diluted in 1:3 boiled water for compresses. Calendula is also found in toothpaste and mouthwashes, as it has active compounds that are effective against oral bacteria. Combinations of calendula and comfrey may be available from compounding pharmacies.
Because of the cumulative nature of the very mild antibacterial toxins present in the herb, it is advisable to use calendula teas for no more than two weeks or until symptoms subside, whichever comes first. Wait six weeks before resuming the tea. Anyone allergic to members of the Aster/Compositae family such as ragweed and marigold should avoid this herb.
When calendula is taken internally, it can increase the sedative effect of medications for anxiety and insomnia. It also may increase the activity of blood glucose–lowering drugs or insulin and may help decrease blood lipids and triglycerides. Consult your physician if you are taking any of these drugs before using calendula. Use caution while driving or operating machines if taking calendula and such medications at the same time. Insufficient information is available about using calendula in children, so check with your child’s pediatrician before giving it to a child. There is little data on the use of calendula during pregnancy and lactation, so its use should be avoided.
Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis
English: Marigold, Pot Marigold
Also, known as: Pot marigold, Ringelblume, Souci des Jardins, Calendula, Calendola, Thulkka Samanth Calendule, English Garden Marigold, Fleur de Calendule, Fleur de Tous les Mois, Garden Marigold, Gold Bloom, Holligold, Marybud, Pot Marigold, Souci des Champa, Souci des Jardins, Souci des Vignes, Souci Officinal, Zergul
Habitat: Believed to Europe, Some parts of India
Origin: Egypt
Harvested: Cultivated
Parts Used: Flower petals
General Information:
Calendula has been used for medicinal purposes since at least the 12th century. Flowers were used in ancient Greek, Roman, Middle Eastern, and Indian cultures as a medicinal herb as well as a dye for fabrics, foods, and cosmetics. Many of these uses persist today. Calendula officinalis is an aromatic herbaceous perennial plant, growing up to 90 cm in height
Leaves are spirally arranged, 5-15 cm long, simple, and slightly hairy. The flower heads range from pastel yellow to deep orange, and are 3-5 cm across, with both ray florets and disc florets. Most cultivars have a spicy aroma. It is in flower from Jun to November, and the seeds ripen from Aug to November. The flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and are pollinated by Bees It is noted for attracting wildlife. The plants will begin to flower in June and continue flowering until the frost kills them. They will increase from year to year if allowed to seed themselves. The ray florets are used and need quick drying in the shade, in a good current of warm air, spread out on sheets of paper, loosely, without touching each other, or they will become discoloured. The Common Marigold is familiar to everyone, with its pale green leaves and golden orange flowers. One of the most versatile and important herbal medicines. This is the same Calendula as used by the homeopaths, but the method of preparation and therapy is different. It contains high levels of nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and Vitamin A
They are often used to add colour to salads or added to dishes as a garnish and in lies of saffron. A yellow dye has also been extracted from the flower, by boiling. It should not be confused with plants belonging to the genus Tagetes, which are true marigolds and are also cultivated as garden plants commonly known as French or African marigolds.
How to use:
Hot Infusion
The basic method for dried herbs and flower in, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants and vitamins.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.