Calendula officinalis

 Calendula officinalis [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://www.agreengarden.com/plants/calendula-officinalis.asp

Latin Binomial:

Calendula Officinalis 

(Mabey, 1988, p. 46).

Common Name:

Calendula, Marigold, bull’s eye 

(Mabey, 1988, p. 46).

Parts used:

Flower 

(Mabey, 1988, p. 46).

                                     

Family Name:

Compositae 

(Keville, 2009, p. 54).                                                  

                                                                                                                                       

Constituents:                                                               

• Carotenoids, 
• Resin, 
• Essential oil
• Flavonoids
• Sterol
• Bitter principle
• Saponins
• Mucilage 

(Mabey, 1988, p. 46).  

Actions:

Vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, lymphatic, styptic (hemostatic), antimicrobial, antiviral (topically), antifungal (topically) (Bone, 2003, p. 120). Astringent, cholagogue, emmenagogue (Hoffman, 1988, p. 213)

Indications:

• Calendula is used in the context for the following (Bone, 2003, p.70):
• Internal and topical treatment for inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa (Bone, 2003, p. 120).
• Internal treatment for gastric and duodenal ulcers; enlarged or inflamed lymph nodes, acne, sebaceous cysts (Bone, 2003, p. 120).
• Internal treatment for spasmodic conditions including dysmenorrhea (Bone, 2003, p. 120).
• Topical treatment for burns (Bone, 2003, p. 120).
• Topical treatment for inflammation of the skin and mucous, wounds, especially poor healing wounds (Bone, 2003, p. 120).
• Topical treatment for leg ulcers, venous circulatory problems, scalds; to help control bleeding (Bone, 2003, p. 120).
• Topicall treatment for eczema, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, acne, vaginal discharge (Bone, 2003, p. 120).

Contraindications:

Use with caution in patients with confirmed allergy to herbs or food from the compositae family (Braun & Cohen, 2004, p. 282).

Cautions:

Likelihood of Calendula causing a reaction is low however people with a known sensitivity to other members of the Compositae family should avoid topical application of Calendula (Bone, 2003, p. 120). There have also been cases of anaphylactic shock reported after gargling with an infusion of Calendula (Bone, 2003, p. 120). Arnica shouldn’t be used internally as it has been known to lower heart rate, blood pressure and can also irritate the digestive tract and kidneys (Keville, 1991, p. 45).

Dosage:

1.5 – 4.5ml of 1:2 liquid extract per day or 10-30mls of 1:2 liquid extract per week (Bone, 2003, p.120). One to 4gms of the herb has been used to make a tea for sore throat and peptic ulcer (International Journal of Toxicology, 2001, p. 5). An ointment containing 2% to 5% flower extract is used topically for wound healing (International Journal of Toxicology, 2001, p. 5).

Combinations:

For digestive problems it can be combined with Marshmallow root and American Cranesbill (Hoffman, 1988, p. 213). It can also be applied externally as a soothing application with Slippery Elm and any other relevant remedy (Hoffman, 1988, p. 213). It can also be commonly used as a anti-septic lotion when combined with Golden Seal and Myrrh (Hoffman, 1988, p. 213).

References: 

Bone, K. (2003) A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs; herbal formulations for the individual patient. Churchill, Livingstone: Missouri.

Braun, L. Cohen, M. (2010) Herbs and natural supplements; an evidence-based guide. Elsevier: NSW.

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.

Ma        Mabey, R. (1988). The complete new herbal. Penguin Books: London.
             
             (2001). Final report on the safety assessment of Arnica montana extract and Arnica montana. 
             International journal of Toxicology, 20 (2), 1-11. 
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