Calendula - The wonder flower for first aid and more.

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Calendula (Pot Marigold)

Calendula (Calendula officinallis, also called Pot Marigold or English Marigold) is used in both herbal and homeopathic medicine to speed wound healing and relieve skin irritation. It is available today in a myriad of different preparations from homeopathic pills to herbal creams to diaper rash cream. It is safe and effective for people of all ages to use.

The Many Uses of Calendula 

Calendula has been used for centuries to treat cuts, scrapes, burns, and skin irritation. Herbalists use the whole, ground flower head and apply directly to the skin, in tinctures, or in soothing oils. Prepared homeopathically (diluted and succussed), it is used in the same way. The flower may also be taken internally in the form of teas, diluted tinctures, or as an oral homeopathic remedy (in pills).

Calendula is aseptic, it does not kill bacteria, but it does have properties to prevent thier growth.

Applied topically, it can stop the bleeding from superficial cuts. Calendula is also a popular ingredient in moisturizers, soaps, and bath products and is a useful ingredient in lip balms and diaper rash cream.

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Handmade soaps and lip balms with Calendula made from scratch by PixieSoap

Calendula Lotion 

Indespensible for cuts and scrapes

With 4 kiddos and an accident-prone husband in the house, I really should just buy this stuff by the case.
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Calendula Use Through History 

For all of recorded history, and no doubt much longer, Calendula has been used in herbal medicine. The calendula was a commonly used herbal plant in the medical system of many ancient civilizations.

A variety of ailments were traditionally treated using the calendula, which has one of the longest history as a herbal medical plant, calendula has often been consumed to treat many different kinds of illnesses, these problems include 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.

OUCH! 

Keynotes for the use of Calendula

Calendula is safe and effective when used for cuts, abrasions, and skin irritations with pain that is sharp or stinging, and mild bleeding, rawness, or redness is present. It can be used alone, under bandages, or in tandem with antibiotic products.

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"PixieSoap says:
I love calendula. I always have some marinating in olive oil. My favorite herb"

Remember Calendula For: 

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  • Cuts and scrapes
  • Skin ulcers and wounds
  • Papercuts
  • Hangnails
  • Injured or bleeding gums after dental work
  • Burns
  • Skinned knees
  • Weeping rashes
  • Post-surgical stitches
  • Lacerations
  • Abrasions
  • Chaffed skin
  • Diaper rash
  • Scabs
  • Chapped Lips

Take My Advice

On broken skin, stick to either the whole, fresh plant, homeopathic pills dissolved in water, oils, or creams/salves. Stay away from tinctures or gels containing alcohol. OUCH!

About Me 

The_Homeopath

I am a graduate of the The Homeopathy School of Colorado and hold the designation of CHom (Classical Homeopath). While at the school, I had the privelege of training under homeopaths Alastair Gray, DSH, PCH, Judith Reichenberg-Ullman, ND, DHANP, MSW and Robert Ullman, ND, DHANP, and Kim Elia. I also participated as a supervisor in the published proving of Aquilegia vulgaris - the common Columbine.
I have been providing online consultations for 2 years in addition to my regular in-office practice.

I've used Flower Essence Remedies personally and with my children, my pets, and other family members for the past 8 years and with my homeopathic clients for 4 years. I have been heavily influenced Ian Watson's work with using flower essences in tandem with homeopathy

I have received training in Flower Essence Therapy, Western Herbal Medicine, Reflexology, Health Counseling, Holistic Counseling, Nutritional Counseling, Reiki and Crystal Healing, and Eastern Meditation for health issues.

My philosophy is to offer the BEST care available to each client in a complementary way. I believe that everyone should be educated about all available options regarding their health and well-being and to have access to the best of all systems, whether they be traditional or modern, allopathic or holistic. Integrative medicine benefits everyone.

Living on the beautiful plains of eastern Colorado, I share my life with my husband of 14 years, our 4 children, our horses, cats, goats, a dog, and a ferret.

A Little More Squidoo For You 

Great lenses for you to read!

Calendula on Wiki 

Calendula ( Ca-lén-du-la),Sunset Western Garden Book, 1995:606?607 pot marigold, is a genus of about 12-20 species of annual or perennial herbaceous plants in the daisy family Asteraceae, native to the area from Macaronesia east through the Mediterranean region to Iran. Calendula should not be confused with other plants that are also known as marigolds, such as plants of the genus Tagetes, corn marigolds or marsh marigolds.

The name Calendula stems from the Latin kalendae, meaning first day of the month, presumably because pot marigolds are in bloom at the start of most months of the year. The common name marigold probably refers to the Virgin Mary, or its old Saxon name 'ymbglidegold', which means 'it turns with the sun'. Marigolds typically bloom quickly (in under two months) in bright yellows, reds, and oranges throughout the summer and well into the fall.

Marigolds are considered by many gardening experts as one of the most versatile flowers to grow in a garden, especially since it is easy to grow. Seeds sown in the spring, in most soils, will germinate freely in sunny or half-sunny locations. They do best, however, if planted in sunny locations with rich, well-drained soil. The leaves are spirally arranged, 5-18 cm long, simple, and slightly hairy. The flower heads range from pastel yellow to deep orange, and are 3-7 cm across, with both ray florets and disc florets. They have a spicy aroma and are produced from spring to autumn in temperate climates. It is recommended to deadhead (removal of dying flower heads) the plants regularly to maintain even blossom production.

Marigolds are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Cabbage Moth, The Gothic, Large Yellow Underwing and Setaceous Hebrew Character.

Marigold petals are considered edible. They are often used to add color to salads, and marigold extract is commonly added to chicken feed to produce darker egg yolks. Their aroma, however, is not sweet, and resembles the smell of hops in beer. The oil from its seed contains calendic acid.

Weleda Diaper Care 

After 4 children, you don't even want to know how many diapers I've changed. Weleda Diaper Care is the BEST diaper cream I've ever used. I use it exclusively.
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Internally

For mouth sores and internal bleeding, or to "boost" the healing after serious injury or surgery, take Homeopathic Calendula 30c pills or tablets up to twice a day for 3 days.

Summertime!

Don't forget to keep Calendula Gel on hand for accidental sunburns! Boiron's Calendula Gel is great and very soothing.

Grow Your Own 

Why not grow some of these beautiful and useful flowers in your own garden or window box?

Indulge On Squidoo 

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Handy Links For Help 

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Online Homeopathic Consutations
The home page for my private homeopathy and holistic consulting practice. Ask me how homeopathic treatment can help you. I offer personalized, compassionate, affordable, and convenient online services for my clients.
PixieSoap
Pixie Soap is a cottage industry located in historical Plymouth, MA, with a love and passion for making quality, natural, handmade soaps.

All our soaps are made with top grade oils, such as olive oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, shea butter and more! We use only the finest essential oils, high quality skin safe fragrance oils, natural herbs, and other nourishing natural ingredients.

Each batch of soap is made in small quantities, the cold process way, and carefully formulated to provide a wonderful lather and lots of natural glycerin! This retained glycerin makes our soaps milder and more moisturizing than regular commercial brands of soap.

Every handcrafted batch of soap is handcut into what we consider the perfect size bar. Enjoy the natural feel of handmade handcut soap, in it's natural form. No two bars will ever be the same, which just adds to the beauty of natural handcrafted items.

Did You Learn Something New? 

naturegirl7 wrote...

We have to grow Calendula during the cool weather in late winter and early spring. I read that it was a natural antiseptic and now I'm going to steep some petals in olive oil and give it a try. I love your natural health lenses. Welcome to the Naturally Native Squids group. Don't forget to add your lens links to the appropriate plexos and vote for them.

ReplyPosted October 25, 2008

JaguarJulie wrote...

What a terrifically complete and interesting lens you have crafted about calendula!

ReplyPosted October 23, 2008

ChristiannaGarrett-Martin wrote...

I love Marigolds! I didn't realise they were so useful too :)

Christianna

ReplyPosted October 22, 2008

RecommendationsFromRebecca wrote...

It's very helpful that calendula comes in many different forms.

ReplyPosted October 19, 2008

OrganicGiftsByDiana wrote...

I love calendula too !
I use it in some my handmade soaps and in my "Rescue My Skin balm".
I is amazing for helping the skin.

It is such a pretty little flower to have growing in mt organic gardens too : )

Thank you for your informative article. I think you will help many folks to get to know calendula's value.

Organically Yours,
Diana

ReplyPosted October 12, 2008

view all 9 comments

 

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by The_Homeopath

Mother of four awesome kiddos, Classical Homeopath and Holistic Health Consultant, divine prairie chick, birdwatching enthusiast, and Etsy addict. Usu... (more)

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