Calendula
Calendula Officinals (or Calendula Officinalis L.) is an herb and flower used historically as a vulnerary and healing herb to help soothe inflammation both internally and externally in the body.
Marigold is the common name for the Calendula flower. This beautiful flower is used as a healing tool in herbal medicine. It is an herb that helps to soothe irritated skin topically as well as heal inflammation internally. This makes it very helpful for wounds both internally and externally as well as supporting overall digestive function.
Calendula is a flower commonly known as a marigold or pot marigold. These flowers can survive in most places and seem to have originated in specific parts of Europe and Asia is part of the Asteraceae or daisy family. The Asteraceae family contains many different common plants including sunflowers and chamomile flowers. Within the Calendula species, there are many different varieties. The marigold Calendula officinalis is most often used in herbal medicine. The calendula oil from these plants specifically has been used in healing and herbal medicine for generations.
What does the flower look like?
C. Officinalis produces beautiful bright flowers in the spring and summer. They are often bright yellow or orange with many petals. Energetically just looking at the petals of the pot marigold is meant to bring sunshine into one's life. These calendula flowers and their petals are also safe to eat and can be used in salads.
Where the name comes from?
The name calendula is derived from the Latin word meaning calendar, whereas the common name marigold is after the Virgin Mary. The brightness of the calendula flowers made it something that was used historically in catholic events hence its religious associations.
Calendula Officinalis as a medicinal plant
What can Calendula Help with
- healing wounds topically
- stomach and mouth ulcers
- inflammatory stomach conditions
- scrapes and burns
- skin rashes and skin conditions of all kinds such as eczema and psoriasis
- diaper rashes
- leaky gut
- bleeding gums
- relieving stagnation in the body
- chapped nipples from breast-feeding
- PMS, period pain, or cramps
Medicinal Properties of Calendula Officinalis
- immunostimulant
- anti-inflammatory
- vulnerary
- astringent
- diaphoretic
- antispasmodic or spasmolytic
- stimulant
- bacteriostatic
- circulatory stimulant
- possible anti-tumour action
- possible anti-viral action
The active constituent that causes its medicinal benefits is found in the calendula flower. There are many different constituents that contribute to its medicinal benefits including saponins, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, triterpenoids, tannins and many more. It is the combination of these constituents that have been shown to have different effects. Studies on the officinalis species have been shown to have spasmolytic and spasmogenic effects causing relaxation of the smooth muscles in animals. This could contribute to its use for pain, abdominal cramps and constipation in humans.
Furthermore, it has been found to have inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial effects possibly explaining why it is so effective at healing wounds as well as soothing irritating tissues, and treating topically rashes.
How is it prepared?
Calendula can be found in many different preparations. It is the flower heads that are used to prepare the calendula medicine.
Calendula extract can be prepared as a tincture to be taken internally or as an ointment to be used externally. Calendula ointment, calendula oil or calendula cream can be used to promote wound healing on the skin, especially shallow wounds by applying it around the area.
Furthermore, calendula plants can be prepared as a tea which is one of its more traditional uses. Calendula tea is a gentle way to incorporate the healing properties of the flower into your daily schedule. This way it helps to soothe all of the tissues of the digestive tract while also calming the body down.
Benefits for inflammation in the body
Calendula Officinalis: Soothing and Healing
Possibly the most important and well-known properties of the Calendula herb is its anti-inflammatory action. These anti-inflammatory properties allow calendula oil to topically soothe inflamed skin and rashes of any kind. It both works to soothe and calm down the reaction on the skin as well as heal the skin so that this reaction does not continue to happen in the future.
In addition, these actions make this an incredible tool for healing tissues internally as well. Calendula has an affinity for the digestive tract. It helps to stimulate the digestive function decreasing stagnation and allowing food to move through our bodies. It also helps to support any of the digestive tissue along the way that is inflamed or compromised in any way. It can heal the tissue and tighten it up making it more resilient to stressors. At the same time, it can help to decrease pain by calming the tissues themselves. This can help it to relax the muscles and can be especially helpful in digestive cramping or period cramping.
Overall this herb is one that works to soothe the entire body from an internal and external place.
Cautions
Caution should be taken when using calendula over deep wounds as it is so efficient at healing that it could theoretically heal the outer layers of skin before the inner layers. Those with an allergy to the Asteraceae family including daisies and daisy-like plants should avoid using calendula in any capacity as it could elicit an allergic reaction.
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Disclaimer
Pascoe Canada does not offer health or medical advice as we are not a healthcare practitioner. Please speak with your healthcare practitioner before beginning any program related to nutrition, diet, exercise, fitness, medical, and/or wellness. All content published by Pascoe Canada is developed through collaborating with licensed medical professionals and contributors. This includes text, graphics, images, and other material on the website, newsletter, and products (“Content”). This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please always do your own research on whether this is for you along with your healthcare practitioner advice. Always consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use specific herbs because you might have underlined conditions needs professional care. The content is general in nature and are subject to change. It is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.