Calendula
Calendula
officinalis
Also called
simply ‘marigold’ (do not confuse with Tagetes erecta,
the African marigold), Calendula is another member of the Aster
family, the Compositae. Its name derives from an old Latin word,
calendae, or the ‘calends’ of the month, being the day
of the New Moon or the first day of the month. This flower is said
to bloom on each New Moon – but I can tell you it blooms a
lot more often than that! We harvest the flowers, under the midday
Sun, as soon as they start showing – late July if self-seeded,
earlier if transplants were started indoors. It keeps blooming into
the frosty months.
Elemental associations: Fire
Phytochemistry: Saponins, flavonoids, essential oils, sterols, mucilage
(D. Hoffmann)
Actions: Vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, emmenagogue,
lymphatic
Specific systems: Skin, abdominal area (digestive and uterine)
This bright sunny plant exudes a sticky medicinal resin throughout,
which is excellent for any type of skin irritation, cuts and burns,
but especially useful in cases of eczema that is just a bit moist,
or ‘weeping’. In fact, external application is probably
the best-known use for this herb, and Calendula, being a tried-and-true
remedy, is used as a base for a variety of healing cosmetics, salves,
and ointments.
In addition, the flowers taken internally are quite warming and
tonifying to the digestive system, and where St.John’s Wort
brings the power of the Sun to the nervous system, Calendula brings
the same power to the digestion, helping to stimulate sluggish function
and gently cleanse the system. It can be eaten directly in soups
and salads for this purpose; for soup, even the greens are quite
good.
It is a helpful aid in cases of painful menstruation, and will help
initiate a missed period when combined with other appropriate ingredients.
Finally, it is excellent in cases of enlarged lymph glands or lingering
infection, as it stimulates detoxification and elimination through
the lymphatic channels in a great, warming way.
Indications: Skin irritation and eczema, lymphatic congestion, sluggish
digestion, painful menstruation
Contraindications: Pregnancy
Preparation/Dosage: The tea is quite good, prepared from the dry
flowers (whole, if possible); use 4 TBS per quart of water for a
hot infusion. The flowers can be eaten whole, fresh and quartered,
in salad or soup; the greens are quite edible also, but are better
stewed or steamed a bit. An excellent tincture can be prepared in
50% alcohol, 1:3 to 1:5. Take ½ tsp. 1-3 times daily.
