Marigold OR THE benefits OF calendula
The Calendula flower has many and various healing properties in its petals
Calendula
Calendula officinalis
COMMON NAMES
- Bull Flower
- Butterwort
- Calendula
- Cowbloom
- Death-flower
- Garden Marigold
- Golden Flower of Mary
- Holigold
- Marigold
- Marsh Marigold
- Mary Bud
- Mary Golde
- Mary Gowles
- Pot Marigold
- Solis Sponsa
- Solsequia
- Water Dragon
Since the dawn of civilization, the tiny florets of the Calendula officinalis L. plant have been employed in herbal medicine for its many healing properities. Calendula is a member of the
Calendula has one of the longest history timelines as a herbal medical plant treating a variety of ailments. The florets were often consumed to treat many different kinds of illnesses some of them being muscular spasms, persistent fevers, suppression of the menstrual cycle in women, and even in treating cancer of different tissues. The primary use of the plant, however, has always been in the role of a local topical application to boost healing rate on a wound and to prevent the infection of severe wounds on the body. Most modern herbalists use calendula in the form of an herbal tincture, as an herbal infusion, or in ointment form - the remedies are used in healing a variety of skin conditions that range from chapped skin to open wounds on the body.
Extensive clinical analysis has been performed on the calendula, mostly in Europe, and the on the chemical analysis, the calendula flowers were found to contain a volatile oil, many bitter chemical principles, different types of carotenoids, a lot of mucilage, plant resin, all kinds of polysaccharides, plant acids and a variety of alcoholic compounds, different compounds such as the saponins and other glycosides, as well as different kinds of sterols. In many of these general groups of compounds, most of the individual constituents have been identified and chemically analyzed in laboratories. The anti-inflammatory properties have been fully documented.
Calendula is known for its value when used either as a herbal salve or in the form of a dilute tincture and used when treating any type of external skin, muscle or blood vessel disorders. Many various types of wounds, all kinds of sores, problems like varicose veins, cramped or pulled muscles, problems like boils, slight to heavy bruises, muscle sprains, problems like athlete's foot, light burns and frostbites, as well as many other topical complaints are found to be helped with the calendula salve.
The calendula is a potent antiseptic herb. Several of the active chemical constituents found in the herb are fungicidal or mycotic toxins - especially the resins, in addition these compounds are also bactericidal and anti-viral agents. The astringent quality of the herb also has a beneficial affect on the functioning of the capillaries, this property of the herb accounts for the effectiveness of the herb in the treatment of cuts, physical wounds, varicose veins, and various other inflammatory disorders that affect the human body.
The most beneficial actions of the calendula herb are for its positive effects on the skin, the herb is a very good remedy for all types of skin complaints. Calendula is a very effective herb for the treatment of most minor skin problems induced by different factors. The remedy made from the calendula can be employed to treat cuts, scrapes, and different kinds of minor wounds; it is excellent for alleviating reddened and inflamed skin. It is an excellent remedy for minor burns and for problems such as sunburn. It is a good remedy for acne and for the treatment of rashes. All types of infections caused by fungi including ringworm, the athlete's foot, and thrush can be treated using the calendula. In addition, the calendula is excellent for treating diaper rash and cradle cap in infants.
When the calendula remedy is consumed as the herbal infusion or in tincture form, the herb helps fight off all sorts of inflammatory problems affecting the digestive system, including problems such as gastritis, chronic peptic ulcers, regional ileitis and colitis. The herb brings relief from these problems when used therapeutically over the long term.
The detoxification power of the calendula has been recognized for a long time in the herbal
it actively aids in the detoxification of the body and is a good remedy for the treatment of systemic skin disorders, including chronic problems such as eczema and acne. Due to its ability to detoxify the body, the calendula helps cleanse the liver and gallbladder of accumulated toxins, and a remedy made from the calendula can be employed for the treatment of problems affecting these two vital organs in the body. The mild estrogen like action possesses by the calendula is often employed in treatment strategies that are directed at lowering menstrual pain and in order to help in the regulation of bleeding during normal menstruation in women. Calendula infusion can be used as an effective douche for treating yeast infections in the vaginal cavity.Culinary uses
The calendula is used in the preparation of many culinary dishes. The addition of fresh and tender calendula leaves to salads and raw vegetable mixtures is an excellent idea. The chopped or whole petals of freshly plucked calendula flowers can also be added to tossed salads to improve the taste.
Calendula floral petals can be used in fresh, dried, or powdered form to impart color and to bring a subtle bittersweet flavor to different foods, including different kinds of sea foods, to chowders and soups, to flavor stews and rice, to add flavor to roast meats and vegetable dishes, or to spice up chicken dishes.
The floral petals of the calendula can be prepared into a flavoring liquid. To make this, the petals of freshly plucked flowers can be chopped and bruised; these should then be soaked in milk or water and left for some time. Once they have been soaked for sometime, the gold colored liquid can be strained and used as required in any dish.
The calendula can act as a substitute in any recipe requiring the use of saffron flowers. Calendula is cheap compared to saffron, the color imparted to the food is of a similar vibrant hue, and however, the flavor imparted to the food is different and equally delicious.
At a commercial level, the flowers of the calendula are employed in coloring poultry products, to color butter and cheese, and as a flavor for ice creams, different soft drinks, baked goods, as well as candy and other condiments.
Craft uses
Calendula is also used in floral displays, the pretty calendula flowers can be included in fresh floral bouquets and arrangements during the summer. The fragrant smelling calendula floral heads and the dried aromatic petals can be included in potpourris and incenses.
HABITAT AND CULTIVATION
The calendula is an indigenous plant species of the southern European region. These days, it is cultivated in many temperate regions of the world for use in many processes and is naturalized in temperate North America and Asia.
Ideal soil profiles for the growth of the calendula are light to sandy and moderately rich soils. The soil must be fairly moist with a good drainage without water logging. The calendula tolerates a pH range from an acidic 4.5 to a very alkaline 8.3.
For best growth, the calendula prefers sites with full exposure to sunlight, though the plant will tolerate light shade.
The calendula is very easily grown from stored seed. The seeds of the calendula can be sown in the garden on the advent of spring, only when all danger from late frost has disappeared. The calendula seeds can be planted to a depth of six mm or a quarter inch deep in the soil. The seedlings of the calendula normally emerge from the soil in eight to twelve days time.
Herbal Calendula Tea
Herbal calendula tea can be prepared by steeping one to two teaspoons of the flowers in two hundred ml of boiling water; the pot must be covered for ten to fifteen minutes to allow the herb to infuse into the water. Once this is done, the decoction can be strained, cooled and then drunk as and when needed. Generally, a minimum of three cups of the herbal calendula tea must be consumed everyday to get the beneficial effects. Calendula herbal tincture must be used thrice a day in a similar manner to the tea, a single dose of the tincture can be one to two ml. Calendula herbal tincture can be consumed mixed in water or in ordinary tea. Skin complaints of all kinds can be treated using the prepared ointments of the calendula; these remedies are often effective in treating disorders affecting the skin. Skin complaints can also be treated using wet dressings made by dipping cloth into the cooled herbal calendula tea. Due to the necessity of maintaining an absolutely sterile condition, using the infusion of calendula as a home remedy for treating eye conditions is not recommended.
SIDE EFFECTS AND CAUTIONS
As culinary herb, the calendula is considered to be one of the safest herbs around. At the same time, a person can react badly to the calendula, for example, a person who has an allergic reaction to pollen of any plant species belonging to the daisy family of plants, like the ragweed, may experience an allergic reaction to the calendula as well, though the chances of this occurring are rare.
Being considered safe and moderately therapeutic, the calendula herb is very often used in preparing homemade skin remedies, which are used in treating a variety of skin complaints. Though quite rare, there are occasions when some individuals develop an allergic reaction to the calendula as a result of frequent use of the herbal calendula skin remedy.
The menstrual cycle is traditionally believed to be influenced by calendula herb. Due to these concerns, some authorities on herbs suggest that calendula must not be consumed by pregnant women and nursing mothers, however, no evidence of harm from the use of calendula in these women exist.
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HOW IT WORKS IN THE BODY
A major property possessed by the calendula is an antiseptic action. Due to this strong antiseptic effect, the calendula is particularly valuable for external complaints and is used as an herbal healer of wounds to heal problems like cuts and scrapes, and minor wounds on the body. When consumed, the calendula acts from the inside and has a beneficial effect leading to the alleviation of many external skin disorders including chronic eczema, acne, and psoriasis. The fungicidal action of the calendula is also well known, and the herb helps in dealing with external problems like athlete's foot and is a good remedy for fungal induced disorders inside the body including problems like Candida - thrush, it is also helpful in dealing with diaper rash that affects infants. Calendula remedies are also useful in treating problems affecting the cardiovascular system internally and externally, it makes an excellent remedy for dealing with problems like the varicose veins. The calendula herb is also excellent for treating problem affecting the digestive system, especially in treating all kinds of ulcerative conditions and various digestion related disorders. The herb is also an excellent liver tonic, promoting the functioning of the liver. The beneficial effects of the calendula also extend to the functioning of the human reproductive system in women; the herb brings relief from menstrual symptoms and alleviates pain related to menstrual disorders. The potent bactericidal and antiviral properties of the herb come in handy when dealing with all types of infections in the human body.
APPLICATIONS
- Petals:
- INFUSION � The herbal infusion of calendula can be used in the treatment of complaints associated with menopause, it can be used to being relief from pain during the menstrual cycle, and it can also be used to treat gastritis and to alleviate the inflammation affecting the esophageal region.
TINCTURE � The herbal calendula tincture can be used in the treatment of stagnant liver problems, such disorders include a sluggish digestion. This remedy can be employed for treating all types of menstrual disorders affecting women, especially those connected to irregular or painful menstruation.
COMPRESS � The infusion of the calendula can be used in a herbal compress, where an application of a pad soaked in the infusion on the skin can treat wounds that are slow in healing. This herbal compress can also be used to treat varicose ulcers on the body.
MOUTHWASH � The herbal calendula infusion is also an excellent remedy for the treatment of mouth ulcers and to treat chronic gum disease.
CREAM � The herbal cream of the calendula can be applied on the skin for any disorder that involves inflammation on the skin or the drying out of the skin. This calendula cream can be used in the treatment of wounds, to treat dry eczema, to treat sore nipples in breastfeeding women, as well as to treat scalds, and sun burnt skin.
INFUSED OIL � The infused herbal oil of the calendula can be used in the treatment of problems such as chilblains, to treat hemorrhoids, and to treat broken capillaries inside the body. - Essential oil:
- SUPPOSITORIES � The essential oil of the calendula is employed in vaginal suppositories, these can have about two to five drops each of the calendula and the tea tree oils. The suppository must be used once or twice daily, for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections and related problems affecting the vaginal cavity.
OIL � To alleviate nervous anxiety or depression, add five to ten drops of the oil in bath water and bathe daily or as long as necessary.
COLLECTION AND HARVESTING
Only the tender and young leaves must be picked and only freshly plucked leaves must be used to prepare remedies.
As for the calendula flowers to be used fresh or dried for late use, the floral petals must be collected only from flowers that have just opened. When fresh flowers are to be used in culinary or medical preparations, the first thing to be do is to pluck the petals from the flowers in one clean action, the white or pale green "heels," on the flowers that have a somewhat bitter taste must then be cut off, the freed petals can then be washed gently in water, and then dried well using tissues. One more way to do this is to wash the collected flowers initially; followed by the plucking out of individual petals, and lastly a drying session using paper towels to pat dry the wet petals. Once the petals have been washed, they can be stored wrapped in plastic bags in the refrigerator for use as and when they are needed.
After harvesting, the calendula flowers that need to be dried can be spread thinly on screens inside a dark, warm and well ventilated site. If the air flow is poor while the petals are being dried, they tend to lose their color and flavor, therefore proper ventilation in the site is a must for drying the flowers. While they are being dried, the flowers must frequently be turned till they become crisp to the touch. Separate the petals from the flowers once they become dry and then store these in an airtight container for use as and when needed. Due to the fact that the dried calendula petals tend to absorb moisture, they must be absolutely dry before storage - moisture can destroy the dried flowers. When preparing remedies from the dried petals, one way to use them is to ground them well and to use the powder to make the herbal remedy.
taken from herbs 2000.
Marigold (calendula officinalis) is admired for many various reasons. Some of them being well known in the kitchen and medicine cabinet, but just as much for it's beauty and aroma!
There are several ways you can utilize the dried or fresh flowers and here are few that may help you understand the importance of this small flower.
The dried flowers can be used to garnish your salad, flavor broth, stew, soups or other
simmering dishes. You can also pick them fresh and sprinkle them in your salad, mix them together in fruit dishes, jellies, or even use them as decorative garnish over iced muffins, cakes and cookies.
Many gardeners also know that the marigold will keep those pesky little leaf gnawers away from your favorite garden plant and use them to chase away these pesky critters.
Personally, I enjoy making a tea out of this beautiful little flower - just seep a few flowerets in a cup of hot water and it will help in the digestive area as well as give an added dose of what is needed for the liver and kidneys.
Need a natural beautiful yellow color to enhance your butter or cheeses, or to please a little child? Boil the flowers until you get the desired color - absolutely beautiful!
There are many ways to extract the benefits of the beautiful little calendula flower. You can make infusions or tinctures with either the standard alcohol base, or a vinegar or even water base. One of my favorite infusions is an olive oil and calendula that is simmered on a sunny windowsill for several weeks and then made into healing balms and salves.
In our RESCUE ME! healing salve, we've used our famous Calendula Olive Oil Infusion, Lavender Olive Oil Infusion and Patchouli Olive Oil Infusion to which pure essential oils of Tea Tree and Lavender have been added and then a bit of natural unrefined beeswax to allow the balm to glide on extra smooth.
This ingredients in this blend are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic and often used for skin infections and irritations. RESCUE ME! also helps to heal dry or cracked skin and has had reports of excellent treatment for severe sunburn, eczema, acne, and other skin disorders too numerous to name. The calendula infusion along with the lavender and patchouli infusions is one of the best winter healing creams that will penetrate through the skin and carry the herbal healing powers into the body stimulating the self healing process.
Try it now and see for yourself!
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