Calendula Officinalis

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: 1-2 heaping tablespoons in 1 cup of water; or 1:5 dry liquid extract: 20-60 drops 1-4 times per day in a little water. Succus of the fresh plant or a strong, low alcohol tincture is optimal for topical applications on wounds. I put it into a spray bottle for easy application.

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.

Calendula is a wonderful  healer for all types of skin lesions. Calendula promotes the formation of granulation tissue by first intention. It supports normal connective tissue, aids in healing wounds, burns, bruises, boils, rashes and can be beneficial for infectious diseases. ^39,40,41 Calendula is great for all lesions, but is especially useful for wounds that will not heal. It works great as a minor surgery spray/soak and I have used it for bed sores, diaper rash, internal and external ulcerations of different types and every wound imaginable. It is a fantastic first aid herb.

Internally, Calendula is helpful in lymphatic congestion with a predilection for the chest, axilla and inguinal nodes. It is useful for prevention or treatment of congealed tissue or tumors. It is also wonderful when used internally to decrease gastrointestinal inflammation and urinary tract inflammation. Calendula is very helpful in healing diabetic foot ulcers and human clinical trials have confirmed this use. I have seen Calendula salve work wonders for radiation burns.

Contraindications: It is contraindicated internally  in pregnancy due to possible emmenagogue and abortifacient effects.

If you are looking for directions on making teas or tinctures, please see our "Making Herbal Products" page.

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Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.