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HERBAL OVERVIEW
CALENDULA / POT MARIGOLD
Calendula Officinalis
INTRODUCTION
Calendula officinalis comes from Latin and means "the first day of the month." The term also refers to the bloom's extremely long, May-to-November flowering season. This medicinal plant is sometimes called the pot marigold to differentiate it from the smaller ornamental marigold, known botanically as Tagetes patula. This one is grown in the garden for insect repellent and for other herbal remedies.
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Calendula, also called pot marigold, has a long and venerable history as a medicinal and ornamental plant. It grows profusely in gardens with its bright yellow blooms appearing from June until the first frost. The word calendula comes from the Latin calends, the first day of the Roman month; the name marigold refers to the Virgin Mary. Because of the plant's abundant growth, it was seen as a sign of inexhaustible life and, with its vivid color, as a source of cheer.
This medicinal annual produces cheerful, glowing golden-orange or yellow-orange flowers with a green calyx that have a faint but distinctive scent. It has multiple, fleshy stalks. Growing up to 28 inches tall, its upright, branching stems have paddle-shaped (spatula-shaped at the bottom and taper upward) grass-green leaves that are densely covered with fine hairs. Its leaves can be added to salads while the flowers add a colorful garnish to many dishes.
Although it is native to the Mediterranean, the calendula is now cultivated throughout the world. It grows wild in many areas, preferring sunny roadsides and open fields.
It has exceptional powers to heal wounds because of its cleansing, astringent and antifungal effects. Calendula is also used topically for burns, sprains and eczema. In a tea blend, the flowers stimulate the bile flow and help to treat gastritis and ulcers.
GARDENING TIPS
Calendula flourishes in warm, sunny locations and even shade. It grows well in any soil, even heavy clay and thrives in any good garden soil. You can sow them outdoors in the springtime or plant them individually in pots. They require plenty of moisture, but do not do well in standing water or continuous rain, as they easily become mildewed. During hot, dry summers, water them in the morning. It adds color to any garden. Varieties range from 6 inches to 2 feet tall and are very hardy. The flowers are gathered from June to October and even into November in very mild years. Calendula, which never seems to wither, has been known as the "non-fading flower." It has been said that a calendula planted in the footsteps of a beloved would ensure unfading love.
CULTIVATION & PROPAGATION
You can obtain seeds for various marigold varieties from nurseries and seed catalogs. Seeds will remain viable for 2 to 3 years. They germinate best in cool weather and are usually sown outdoors in early April. you can also easily grow calendula from seeds in pots or in balcony and window boxes. For window boxes, the lower-growing "Fiesta Gitana" variety is particularly suitable.
Sowing Outdoors
1. For outdoor planting, do not sow until mid-spring. Make rows 12 inches apart in prepared flower beds.
2. Sprinkle seeds into the rows, about 2 to 5 inches apart. Cover the seeds. They germinate better without light. Germination occurs in 2 to 3 weeks. When the young plants are about 2 inches tall, thin them to 8 inches apart.
3. Calendula are annuals and must be newly sown each spring. If you let some plants mature in the fall, however, they will reseed themselves. The next year, plants will appear, although they will not be as large as their predecessors.
Cultivation Indoors
1. If you want early blossoms, sow calendula in early spring in small containers or dishes. Keep the soil moist and the temperature around 64°F.
2. After about a week, germination should be complete. For the fastest growth, place the seedlings in a bright, cool place - about 53-59°F.
3. When the plants have reached 1 to 2 inches in height, you can plant them in pots, in window boxes or in the garden. The plants will tolerate a light frost.
Harvesting & Processing
The orange, double-blossomed varieties are best suited for medicinal uses. For harvesting, the flowers should be in full bloom. They must be picked on dry days and then quickly dried in an airy place. However, fresh-picked flowers are preferred for producing ointments and marigold oil. The flowers of calendula can also be crushed and used as a poultice or in a compress to help heal wasp and bee stings, minor burns and varicose veins.
CALENDULA USES
Grow the marigold to enhance your garden, your first-aid kit and your cooking.
A little calendula lore and magic - At one time it was thought that if you scattered the sunny calendula petals under your bed, you would have prophetic dreams as well as ward off evil spirits. Marigolds picked at noon when the sun is at its hottest and strongest, will strengthen and comfort the heart. Garlands of Marigold strung on door posts stop evil from entering the house and scattered under the bed they protect while you are sleeping and make your dreams come true. It is especially effective in discovering a thief who has robbed you. Calendula added to bath water helps with the respect and admiration of everyone you meet. If a girl touches the petals with her bare feet, she will understand the languages of the birds. Culpepper stated, "It is a herb of the Sun and under Leo and strengthens the heart exceedingly."
Medicinal preparations are usually made from either the whole flower heads or just the petals. The calendula contains an essential oil that has an antibiotic effect and lends the flower its characteristic scent. Other components include calenden - which also has a strong odor - the carotene-like dye calendulin, the therapeutic plant fiber mucilage, saponin, organic acids and various enzymes and resins.
Calendula has anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiseptic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties and helps boost the immune system. Creams that contain Calendula flower are a standard in the medicine chest of Germans. They use it for everything from scrapes to eczema, burns, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and wounds that are healing poorly. It also works well in treating fungal infections such as thrush. Germany's Commission E recommends using this product as a topical for treating many skin conditions such as muscle or blood vessel problems, wounds, sores, varicose veins, pulled muscles, boils, bruises, sprains, athlete's foot, burns, and frostbite. It is also a skin smoother. Creams that contain this herb are great for insect bites and stings. Calendula can also help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce fever. It stimulates white blood cells that destroy harmful microbes. As an oral treatment, Calendula has been used for relief of stomach ulcers, pelvic and bowel infections, including enteritis, dysentery, worms and amoebae, and for viral hepatitis. Its antiseptic and astringent properties help stimulate the immune system and help the body fight against infections such as flu and herpes viruses.
Calendula has rather strong antiseptic properties - both topically and internally. Applied externally to the skin, the plant's antibiotic action helps promote the painless healing of minor wounds by reducing inflammation and pus formation. Because calendula improves blood circulation, it is useful for alleviating skin ulcers, burns and bruises and for reducing scarring. Calendula can also be used as a gargle to relieve sore throats. Taken internally, the plant promotes the secretion of bile and thereby stimulates digestion and bowel function.
For skin care, take a cold shower, and without drying off, rub your body with calendula oil (see product links below). Follow with a warm shower, but do not use any soap. Your skin will soon become soft to the touch.
METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION
CALENDULA DOSAGE INFORMATION
Calendula comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products. As a topical treatment, Calendula cream should be applied 2 or 3 times daily to the affected area. As an oral mouthwash, pour boiling water over 1 to 2 teaspoons of Calendula flower. Rinse with this liquid several times daily. For other formulations, read and follow product label directions.
CALENDULA SAFETY & INTERACTION INFORMATION
Calendula is a safe culinary herb, but if you are allergic to the pollen of the daisy family, such as ragweed, it is possible you will have an allergic reaction to this flower. Do not use Calendula internally if you are pregnant or nursing. If you are taking anti-anxiety drugs, or sleeping pills, Calendula might increase their sedative effects.
NUTRITION-HERBAL LINKS
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics: Herbal Index
CALENDULA SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Herbal Remedies: Calendula Cream (Marigold), Nature Works, 4 fl. oz.
Calendula Cream blends natural calendula extract in a base of avocado, jojoba and natural Vitamin E to moisturize, soften and protect your skin against environmental influences. Calendula officinalis (Marigold) is widely recognized for its proven ability to care for all manner of skin problems, from chapped hands and open wounds. It is particularly suited for dry, sensitive and irritated skin that needs soothing care.
Herbal Remedies: Calendula Cream, Nelsons Bach, Organic, 1 oz.
Nelsons Bach Calendula cream is a soothing multi-purpose skin cream, specially prepared from the Calendula (Marigold) plant - Soothing relief for rough, dry, irritated or chapped skin. Helps to restore healthy skin texture. Made with organically grown Calendula officinalis which provides relief for burns, and is gentle enough for rashes and chafing on babies sensitive skin.
Herbal Remedies: Calendula Gel, Califlora, First Aid Relief & Sunburn, Homeopathic Boerick & Tafel, 2.75 oz.
Califlora Calendula Gel is the ideal pain reliever for a wide variety of skin conditions including sunburns. It contains a therapeutic 10% tincture of calendula, an official homeopathic medicine prepared from the fresh, flowering tops of the annual herb Calendula Officinalis in accordance with The Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS).
Herbal Remedies: Horse Chestnut Extract With Calendula, Standardized, Nature's Way, 350 mg, 90 Caps
Nature's Way Horse Chestnut extract provides aescin, a saponin that has been shown to support healthy circulation, especially in the legs. Aescin promotes healthy tone to the veins of the lower extremities. Standardized with Calendula flower.
Herbal Remedies: Honey & Calendula Moisturizer, Kiss My Face, 16 oz.
Kiss My Face uses an ancient remedy for superior moisturizing. This Honey & Calendula Moisturizer is highly recommended for dry and chapped skin. Honey is an effective hydrophilic, meaning it attracts moisture from the air. It has been used since the days of early Egypt to prevent wrinkles and provide moisture to the skin. Greek philosophers referred to honey as "the secret of eternal youth." Calendula (marigold) is a superior moisturizer, especially effective on dry skin. As always, our products contain no animal ingredients, artificial colors, or unnecessary chemicals and were not tested on animals.
Herbal Remedies: Ear Oil Relief, With Calendula Oil Blend, NOW Foods, 1 oz.
Ear Oil Relief is a natural herbal formula that makes it easy to cleanse and comfort the delicate tissues of the ear canal. NOW Ear Oil Relief contains a gentle collection of Garlic, Mullein, Calendula, St. John's Wort, Tea Tree Oil, Vitamin E Oil and Olive Oil. Shake Well. Place 3-4 drops of warmed oil in both ears and plug with cotton.
Herbal Remedies: Acne Gel, Natural Homeopathic Remedy, Nelsons, 1 oz.
Nelsons natural homeopathic remedy for acne is soothing relief for inflammation of the skin resulting from acne, pimples and other skin blemishes.
Herbal Remedies: Burns Cream, Nelsons Bach Homeopathic, 30 grams
Nelsons Burns Homeopathic Cream for burns, offers natural first aid relief for minor burns and scalds.
Herbal Remedies: Burt's Bees Baby Bee Diaper Ointment, 1.75 oz. Tube
Take a natural approach to soothing baby's tender bottom with Burt's Bees Baby Bee Diaper Ointment
Mountain Rose Herbs: Calendula, Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Herbs: Baby's Balm, With Organic Calendula Flowers, 1 oz. or 2 oz.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Injur Heal Balm, With Organic Calendula Flowers, 1 oz. or 2 oz.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Calendula Herbal Oil, Certified Organic, 2 oz. or 4 oz.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Gentle Oil, For Sexual Intimacy, Calendula Herbal Blend, 4 oz.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Injur-Heal Herbal Oil, Calendula Herbal Blend, 2 oz. or 4 oz.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Calendula Extract Tincture, 1:1, Certified Organic, 1 oz. or 4 oz.
Shaman Shop: Calendula Gel For First Aid & Sunburn, Boericke & Tafel Califlora, 2.75 oz.
Shaman Shop: Calendula Toothpaste Oral Care, Weleda, 3.3 oz.
Shaman Shop: Calendula Skin Dressing, First Aid Formula, Turtle Island, 1 oz.
Shaman Shop: Calendula Renewal Clay Mask, Skin Care, Frontier, 16 oz.
Shaman Shop: Calendula Ointment, Hyland's Homeopathic, 3.5 oz. Jar
Shaman Shop: Calendula Moisturizer, Kaya Ayurvedic Skin Care, 4 fl. oz.
Shaman Shop: Calendula Lip Balm, Wise Ways Herbals, 0.25 oz.
Shaman Shop: Calendula Hand Cream, Nature Works, 4 oz.
Shaman Shop: Calendula Gel, Boiron, 1.5 oz.
Shaman Shop: Calendula Flowers, Whole Certified Organic, Frontier, 1 lb.
Shaman Shop: Calendula Flower Petals, Frontier, 1 lb.
Shaman Shop: Calendula Flower Powdered Extract, 4:1, Kalyx, 2.2 lbs.
Shaman Shop: Calendula Flower Powder, 4:1, Herbal Extracts Plus, 1/4 lb.
Shaman Shop: Calendula Flower, Herbal Extracts Plus, 4:1, 90 VCaps
Shaman Shop: Calendula Flower Powder, Kalyx, 2.2 lbs.
Shaman Shop: Calendula Cream, Boiron Homeopathic, Topical Care, 2.5 oz.
Shaman Shop: Calendula Cream, Nelsons Homeopathy, 50 grams
Shaman Shop: Calendula Caress Herbal Flower Oil, Flower Essence, 2 fl. oz.
Shaman Shop: Calendula Body Powder, Wise Ways Herbals, 3 oz.
Shaman Shop: Calendula Baby Soap Bar, Weleda, 3.5 oz.
Shaman Shop: Calendula Baby Oil, Weleda, 3.4 oz.
Shaman Shop: Calendula Baby Lotion, Weleda, 5.1 fl. oz.
Shaman Shop: Calendula Baby Cream, Weleda, 2.7 oz.
Shaman Shop: Organic Calendula Oil, Wise Ways Herbals, 4 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Calendula Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Calendula Information
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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
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The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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