Ø  Calendula: Calendula is traditional use for Antiphlogistic; Antiseptic; Antispasmodic; Aperient; Astringent; Bleeding;  Candida; Cervical irritation; Chicken pox; Cholagogue; Conjunctive; Cysts; Diaphoretic;  Eczema; Emmenagogue; First Aid; Garden Insect Repellent; Glandular swellings; Headache; Hemorrhoids; Heart; Herpes; Homeopathy;  Infection; Inflammation; Lymphatic inflammation; Measles; Menstrual cramps; Mood Elevator; Mumps; Red Eyes; scrofula in children;  Skin; soothes Irritated Tissue; Smallpox; Staph infection; Stimulant; Stomach inflammation; Sprains; Thrush; Toothache; Ulcers; Vaginal Discharges; Vulnerary; Warts.

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∞      Botanical name: Calendula Officinalis Wikipedia.org

∞      Chinese Botanical name:

∞      This information clearly states that Calendula does have benefit.

---Physiological Character--- Alterative, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, calmative, choleretic, demulcent, diaphoretic, immune stimulant, vulnerary

 ---Description--- Flowers harvested between June and September are most potent. This is what Wikipedia.org has to say about Calendula—[Pot Marigold or English Marigold] (Calendula officinalis) is a plant in the Calendula genus. It was used in ancient Greek, Roman, Arabic and Indian cultures as a medicinal herb as well as a dye for fabrics, foods and cosmetics. Its Latin name states that it blooms every month. 

When the seeds are sown in April the Plant is vary hardy and is will to grow just about any place, They require no other cultivation but to keep them clean from weeds and to thin out where too close, leaving them 9 to 10 inches apart, so that their branches may have room to spread. The plants will begin to flower in June, and continue flowering until the frost kills them. The seeds ripen in August and September, and if permitted to scatter will furnish a supply of young plants in the spring.

There is much controversy on the yellow-flower for medical value, it is usually use for Nutrient Source. Where as the common deep orange-flowered variety is of medicinal value is clearly stated.

---Constituents--- The leaves and petals of the Calendula are edible, with the petals added to dishes as a garnish or drank as a tea and in lieu of saffron. The leaves can be sweet but are more commonly bitter, and may be used as or as part of salad.

Iodine, manganese, potassium, saponins, caretonoids (carotene, lycopene, calendulin, lutein), Flavonoid, polysaccharides, mucilage, phytosterols, essential oil, resin

Leaves - Gather only in fine weather, in the morning, after the dew has been dried by the sun.

Flowers - The petals need quick drying in the shade, in a good current of warm air, spread out on sheets of paper, loosely, without touching each other, or they will become discolored.  If using a drying rack the petals have honey about them so they will stick to stainless steel drying racks.

A yellow dye has also been extracted from the flower, by boiling. An edible yellow dye is obtained from the petals A saffron substitute, it is used to colour and flavor rice, soups etc. It is also used as a hair rinse, adding golden tints to brown or auburn hair.

---Medicinal Action and Uses--- Calendula is chiefly used as a local remedy. Its action is stimulant and diaphoretic. Given internally, it assists local action and prevents suppuration. The infusion of 1 ounce to a pint of boiling water is given internally, in doses of a tablespoonful, and externally as a local application. It is useful in chronic ulcer, varicose veins, etc. It is considered formerly to have much value as an aperients and detergent in visceral obstructions and jaundice.

It has been asserted that a Calendula flower, rubbed on the affected part, is an admirable remedy for the pain and swelling caused by the sting of a wasp or bee. A lotion made from the flowers is most useful for sprains and wounds, and water distilled from them is good for inflamed and sore eyes.

An infusion of the freshly-gathered flowers is employed in fevers, as it gently promotes perspiration and throws out any eruption - a decoction of the flowers is much in use in country districts to bring out smallpox and measles, in the same manner as Saffron. Calendula flowers are in demand for children's ailments.

The leaves when chewed at first communicate a viscid sweetness, followed by a strong penetrating taste, of a saline nature. The expressed juice, which contains the greater part of this pungent matter, has been given in cases of costiveness and proved very efficacious. Snuffed up the nose it excites sneezing and a discharge of mucous from the head.

The leaves, eaten as a salad, have been considered useful in the scrofula [tuberculosis of lymph glands of neck] of children, and the acrid qualities of the plant have caused it to be recommended as an extirpator of warts.

Calendula flower moves congestion, dries dampness, promotes tissue healing, curbs infection (by stimulating the production of white blood cells), increases peripheral circulation, and clears toxins and inflammation.  In-vitro studies have confirmed that calendula inhibits the growth of E. coli, staphylococcus, and some protozoa.

Topically, calendula flower has myriad uses.  It is an ideal herb for warding off and getting rid of infection, especially an infection that has been trapped in the body for a long time.  There is an old saying that goes, “Where calendula is, no pus will form.”  The flower promotes the formation of granulation tissue.  It is used in skin creams for its nourishing, scar-preventing, and anti-inflammatory properties.  It is often used in salves or compresses for the treatment of boils, bruises, bunions, burns, corns, cradle cap, diaper rash, eczema, chapped skin, hemorrhoids, herpes, inflammation, insect bites, sprains, sunburn, varicose veins, and wounds.  It cn be used as a nasal wash for sinus infections, as an eyewash for conjunctivitis, and as a mouthwash for gingivitis.  Used as a mouth rinse after oral surgery, calendula can promote quick healing.  Used as a hair rinse, it can prevent dandruff, mediate hair loss, relieve scalp irritation, and even add highlights to blond hair.  It is an excellent herb for use in the bath to relieve skin inflammation and in a sitz bath for hemorrhoids.  It can even be used as a douche to get rid of Trichomonas and as a footbath to banish athlete’s foot.

---Nutrient Source--- Calendula helps nourish and support the entire endocrine system; it is very rich in vitamins and minerals and is similar to Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) in nutritional value.

---Flavor--- Calendula makes a mild, pleasantly floral tea.  Of the five flavors, it would be categorized as sweet, bitter, and pungent, with a slightly cooling, drying energy.

---Side Effects or Negative Effects--- no know at this time (5/6/2007)

---Deterrent--- no know at this time (5/6/2007)

     ---Reference--- A Modern Herbal, Wikipedia.org,

     ---Reference--- “Herbal Medicine – The Natural way to Get Well and Stay Well” by – Dian Dincin Buchman, PhD; Copyright 1979; 1996 ISBN: 0-517-14767-x; pages 2, 12, 25, 62-67, 129, 130, 189, 212; 

     ---Reference--- Plants For A Future: Database Search Results-Calendula; King's American Dispensatory;

  ---Reference--- “The Healing Herbs – The Ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature’s Medicines” by – Michael Castleman;  Copyright 1991;  ISBN: 0-87857-934-6;  Page:  72 – 74

  ---References--- “Nutritional Herbology” A Reference Guide to Herbs By – Mark Pedersen ISBN: 1-885653-07-7 Copyright 2008

  ---References--- “Healing Herbal Teas” A Complete Guide to Making Delicious, Healthful Beverages.  By – Brigitte Mars, A.H.G. ISBN - 13: 978-59120-110-6 and ISBN – 10: 1-59120-110-1 Copyright 2006

  ---References--- 

Ø  Recipe: A handful of Calendula, Sorrel, Burnet, Feverfew and a half-handful of the Rue and Snapdragons. Kind Henry the VIII wrote, “This tea, if it is taken before the pimples do apere [appear], then yt [you] will hele [heal] the syke [sick] person with God’s Grace.”

Ø  Recipe: The ointment of Calendula is thought to cure a range of skin problems from burns to acne as it has properties that reduces inflammation, controls bleeding and soothes irritated tissue. Use internally or topically for minor wounds, eczemas and cysts as well as diaper rash and cradle cap in infants. Judith says that the relief from itching lasts about two-and-a-half hours and a renewed application brings renewed relief.

Ø  When planted near tomato plants in the garden, High Bred Marigolds or Calendula helps to eliminate aphids.

Ø  Recipe: Calendula petals are considered edible. They are often used to add color to salads. The oil from its seed contains calendic acid.

Ø  Recipe: Hot Calendula tea helps soothe ulcers. Gargle with cool tea for inflamed tonsils or canker sores. To make the tea:-Pour 10 oz of boiling water over 2/3 cup of dried flowers and let steep for 15 minutes. Or-Add 5-10 drops of calendula tincture to a cup of hot water.

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