Calendula

Calendula
Calendula officinalis common names: pot calendula, pot marigold

Canlendula is an aromatic plant native to the Mediterranean.

Grown as a garden flower, it blooms once a month, usually at the new moon. Since it blooms by the calender, that is where the name orginated. The flowers are used in herbal medicine.

Calendula is and antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and a pain killing agent for minor injurites, topical infection and irritation. It is available in creams, eyedrops, teas and tinctures. Compounding pharmacies may offer a combination of calendula and comfrey. Creams are widely used in Europe for skin rash such a diaper rash, sunburns and insect bites.

Because of the cumulative nature of the antibacterial toxins, this herb should not be used longer than 2 weeks. Wait six weeks before resuming.

Health Benefits

Allergies. Helpful for food allergies, prevents overgrowth of yeast in the bowel, promotes digestion.
Bowel diseases. Reduces inflammation causing pain, relaxes nervous constriction of digestive muscles.
Conjunctivitis. Eye wash treats chronic conjunctivitis, stimulates growth of healthy membrane around eye.
Gastritis. Prevents homonal reactions that produce inflammation of stomach lining, may help prevent H.pylori.
Skin disorder. Creams used as additive in skin cream, stimulates collagen production, fills wrinkles, hydrates skin.

Considerations In Use

If taken internally it can increase the sedative effect of medications used for anxiety and insomnia.

Use caution while driving or operating machines and taking calendula and sedative medications.

Do not take orally if pregnant, but the creams can be used topically.

Read about more herbs at the Herb Dictionary Online.

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