The Uses of Calendula

Herbal Actions: Analgesic, angiogenic, anthelmintic, anti-bacterial, anti-edemic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-pyretic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, anti-suppurative, anti-tumor, anti-viral, astringent, bitter, candidicide, cardiotonic, carminative, cholagogue, depurative, dermagenic, diaphoreticm diuretic, emmenagogue, hemostatic, hypotensive, immunostimulant, lymphatic, stomachic, tonic, trichomonicide, uterotonic, vasodilator, and vulnerary.

External Uses: For any skin inflammations, abscesses, abrasions, recent wounds, open wounds, laceration wounds with bleeding, hard-to-heal wounds, cuts, scalds, mild skin burns or irritations, razor burns, wind burns, ulcerating brostbites, cracked nipples during breast-feeding, skin ulcerations or inflammations, leg ulcers, venous circulatory problems, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, vaginal discharges, mild sunburns, pressur ulcers (i.e. bed ulcers), boils, bruises, sores, stubborn acne, eczema, impetigo, rashes, and bee, wasp, and other insect stings.

Internal Uses: For mucous membrane inflammations, peptic and duodenal ulcers, spasms of the GI tract, inflammatory lesions of the mouth, throat, gastric, duodenal and intestinal mucosa, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) especially in nervous or anemic women, splenic and hepatic inflammations, congestions and enlargements, herbes zoster infections, enlarged and inflamed lymph nodes, acne and sebaceous cysts. Excellent as a mouthwash after tooth extractions.

Calendula provides everything your body needs to heal traumatized tissue.

The sooner calendula is used following an injury, the less scarring that occurs.

Click on this link for my recommended supplier of organic calendula

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An herb can also be extracted into a tincture, a solution made with 50% alcohol and 50% water. An herbal tincture will preserve its medicinal properties many years longer than infusions made with oil or water alone.

There are many advantages to using Alcohol based herbal tinctures. Tinctures can be stored in a way that will not take up a lot of space (they can be included in first aid kits, medicine cabinets, or taken on the road while traveling).

Once the tincture is made it can be used as is, or mixed into water, tea, or juice of your choice.

The body is able to quickly absorb and utilize the properties within the herbal tincture. The effects of the herb can be felt within minutes of consuming the tincture.

Tinctures are very easy to make and require very few, ordinary pieces of equipment. Tinctures can be made inexpensively and are far more cost efficient than purchasing store bought extracts especially if you are planning on using them for long periods of time.

When using alcohol, water is a necessary ingredient of the tincture.
Each element is needed to extract different properties within the herb. The standard combination is 50 % alcohol to 50 % water (a 1:1 ratio). Any quality 100 proof alcohol will naturally supply this ratio for you.

For internal use: Mix 30-60 drops in a glass of water two or three times a day. The tincture can also be dispensed directly under the tongue.

Externally: Apply directly or mix with water and apply with gauze. Replace throughout the day when they become dry.

What You'll Need

4 ounces of chosen *herb
1 pint 80-100 proof vodka, brandy or rum
Jar with lid
Cheesecloth

*You can use either powder or cut and sifted herbs, however, I prefer the cut and sifted because it makes the sifting process much easier and more efficient. Please note that the larger the pieces, the longer the tincture will need to steep.

Directions

Place the herb in the jar, then add the alcohol until it rises an inch above the herbs. Screw the lid on the jar tightly and place mixture in a warm, dark place. Shake the jar whenever you think about it, preferably several times per day. Check it daily to verify that the liquid still covers the herbs. Most herbs should steep for approximately 14 days.

Next, put the cheesecloth over the mouth of a pot or another bottle, and pour the mixture through the cloth. Then, wring the liquid that absorbed into the cheesecloth and herbs in the pot as well.

Now you can distribute the liquid into small and convenient dropper bottles.

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Interview with Daniel Gagnon on the TV show A Balanced Life. Host is Eileen Richardson. Daniel is an expert in using herbs to cure health problems.

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Uses: Regenerates tissue! Apply to chapped hands all winter. Use for burns, scrapes, or on diaper area. A wonderful salve for garden-worked hands.

Ingredients
2-3 cups Calendula Petals (try harvesting fresh blossoms after dew dries and before noon)
1 cup Olive Oil (is antibacterial and goes rancid more slowly than other oils)
1/4 cup or 2 oz. Beeswax (chips melt more readily)
Optional:
several drops Rose or Lavender Oil to your liking (adds nice scent, calming)
1 oz. Lanolin (makes salve creamier, but some people react to this)
1/2 oz. Glycerin (makes salve creamier, compare to recipe with Lanolin to see which you prefer)
* Recipe can be increased proportionately for larger quantities *

Equipment:
harvest basket (if harvesting fresh blossoms)
stainless steel pan
spatula
wooden spoon
stove top or double-burner hot plate
double boiler for melting beeswax
cheesecloth (unbleached, if possible)
twist tie or string
mesh stainless steel strainer and a bowl to fit strainer in
lipped measuring cup for pouring oil into tiny jars
small, lidded jars such as jelly or honey sample jars. Amber or cobalt jars protect salve, but do not allow you to see the true color or setting up of salve.
tiny paper labels and colored pencils for making labels (calendula colored scraps of painting paper make nice labels too)
clear tape for adhering labels

Instructions
1. Use small gathering baskets to pick moisture-free calendula flowers on a sunny morning. Take time to enjoy the full rich color, form and delicate scent of the flowers. As you remove petals into the stainless pan a sticky flower residue will be their first introduction to the plant's hidden qualities.

2. Add olive oil to the pan and place over the lowest possible heat. Stir rhythmically as the oil heats to avoid "cooking" the petals in over-heated oil. Small bubbles may form on the bottom of the pan. This is as "hot" as the oil should get. Stir to distribute warmth throughout the calendula oil. Continue for a total of 1 to 2 hours. This task may be divided over two days time if cooled and covered tightly between beatings.

3. Allow calendula oil to cool to the point where the calendula petals can be strained from the oil, pouring it through (unbleached) cheesecloth. Twist cheesecloth full of oily petals into a bundle and secure with a twist tie or string.

4. Use a wooden spoon to press oil free through the cheesecloth. I find a stainless steel mesh strainer helpful. The cheesecloth is placed in the mesh strainer over a bowl as you press oil out of calendula flowers. It takes a fair amount of pressing to remove every precious spoonful of amber colored calendula oil. It is also a wonderful opportunity for you to dab yourself with the oily cheesecloth and rub or massage the warm oil into your chapped hands, knees, elbows.

5. In order to blend oil with melted beeswax both must be similar temperatures. Return calendula oil to pan to be gently warmed again while beeswax is melted in a double boiler so that it is not directly over heat as it is highly flammable. When wax is melted and close to the temperature of the oil, pour wax into oil. When completely unified remove from heat. Pour into lipped measuring cup and then into small sterilized jars. With a clear jar you will be able to observe the salve "setting up" over the next ten minutes. Now is a good time to decorate/illustrate labels for your jar. After cooled and set, cap jars with lids and adhere labels. Allow to cool another 10 minutes before handling. Store in cool conditions free from direct sunlight and heat.

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Or...

The petals, with their slight aromatic bitterness are used in fish and meat soups, rice dishes, salads, and as a coloring for cheese and butter. The whole flower was used as a garnish in medieval times.
Try these in your kitchen:

* Calendula flowers, when pressed or strained, can add or intensify a delightful golden color to your dishes: Add color to your mashed potatoes, or showcase the yellows in your egg salad.
* Mix 1 cup of sugar with ½ cup calendula petals. Pulse in a food processor (or spice grinder, using small batches) to make an attractive and colorful sugar for bakery items, such as cookies and cakes.
* Calendula petals can be used as an attractive and edible garnish on almost any dish.

An infusion of the petals can be used as a rinse to lighten and brighten hair. The petals are also a key ingredient in nourishing cream for the skin.

To learn how to make natural herbal soaps and other natural bath and body products click on this link.
Here you will find instructions under, "How to Make Your Own Herbal Shampoo", for creating your own shampoo with Calendula flowers.
You will also find an abundance of information, learn the benefits of making your own products, find useful resources, recipes, and quality organic ingredients.

Click on this link for my recommended supplier of organic calendula and natural calendula products

The likelihood that calendula preparations may cause a contact allergy is extremely low. To be on the safe side, people with known sensitivity to other members of the Compositae/Asteracceae family (ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums) should avoid the topical application of calendula or other calendula products.

Contraindictions: None known. This herb can be safely consumed when used appropriately. No adverse effects are expected when used during pregnancy or lactation.

Side Effects: Allergic reactions rarely occur following topical application.

Drug Interactions: None known.

Toxicity: None known.

Disclaimer: the herb mentioned in this article enhances the body's response to certain ailments and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.

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