Plant Profile: Calendula

Calendula

(Calendula officinalis)

Family: COMPOSITAE 

Energetics: 

Taste: Spicy, bitter. 

Tissue States: 

Parts Used: Flower 

Systems affected: Liver, heart, lungs, lymphatic, 

Key Components: Carotenoids, flavonoids, mucliage, saponins, bitters, volatile oils, resins. 

Preparations & dosage: Infusion, oil, tincture. 

Actions:

Foundational: Astringent (mild). Demulcent. 
Primary: Alterative. Cholagogue. Diaphoretic. Vulnerary. Emmenagogue. 
Secondary: Antibacterial. Anti-fungal. Anti-inflammatory. Antimicrobial. Antioxidant. Antiseptic. Antiviral. 

Uses: 

In the Mouth: Can be used in a mouth rinse when dealing with periodontitis. Good due to it's properties to rebalance the microbes and support the immune system and cleanse the blood. Use together with Echinacea or, if a stronger antiviral blend be required, blend with Barberry. 

Food. Lymphatic support. Heals wounds by promoting cell repair & growth. Can be used internally & externally to help keep infections at bay. Common ingredient in creams, salves & ointments for treating bruises, burns, sores, skin ulcers, skin infections & rashes such as chicken pox or shingles (measles?). Gentle enough for babies for cradle cap, diaper rash & other skin irritations. Tea is useful for thrush as well as internally and/or externally as a wash or poultice to moderate fever (keep it from rising too high), blend with marshmallow for ulcers, indigestion (with peppermint), diarrhea (with blackberry root). Nourishing & cleaning for the lymphatic system, swollen glands (alone or mixed with lymph cleansers like burdock, red clover, cleavers &/or chickweed), works by stimulating lymphatic drainage & move congestion out of the body. Digestive inflammation such as ulcers. Delayed menstruation & painful periods, an all around normalizer of the menstrual process. In baths and teas for those who have experienced sexual trauma. Use calendula oil for a massage in the area in which you hold trauma. Calendula can be substituted for saffron in indian dishes. 

Indications: 

Growing: Collect seeds in fall and direct sow into the garden in late spring when the soil temperature has reached about 60 degrees. A hardy annual. Will self sow in temperate climates with a mild winter where temps do not reach 25 degrees F, acting as a perennial. Prefers a moderately rich, well drained soil. Will deter insects when sown with vegetables. 

Collection: When the blossoms are ready to be picked they have a sticky resin on them. Roughly between June & September. The more you harvest the more that grows. Harvest flowers when newly opened. Pick whole flower head and set on drying screen. Pick the flower petals from the heads when the flower is dry and store properly. 

Contraindications: Best avoided internally during pregnancy due to abortifacient properties.

Sources:

Dental Herbalism: Leslie M. Alexander & Linda A. Straube-Bruce. Pg 122, 123