Calendula - An Herbal Remedy for Wounds, Skin Inflammation and More

Calendula

Calendula Officinalis

Common Names: Garden Marigold, Holigold, Marigold, Mary Bud, Pot Marigold.

Medicinal Parts: Leaves, Flowers

Description: Calendula is an annual garden plant with an angular, branched, hairy stem 1 to 2 feet high. From June to October the plant bears large, yellow or orange flower heads.

Properties and Uses: Antispasmodic, aperient, cholagogue, diaphoretic, vulnerary. An infusion of the flowers (either the ray flowers alone or the whole head) can be used for such gastrointestinal problems as ulcers, stomach cramps, colitis and diarrhea. It is also useful taken internally for fever, boils, abscesses, and to prevent recurrent vomiting. The fresh juice of the herbs or flowers can substitute for the infusions. For external use, a very good salve for wounds can be made from the dried flowers or leaves, from the juice pressed out of the fresh flowers, or from the tincture. The salve or dilute tincture is also good for bruises, sprains, pulled muscles, sores, and boils. To get rid of warts, rub on the fresh juice. The tincture is often used internally for gastritis and for menstrual difficulties.

When an individual first begins exploring the use of herbs to treat common ailments, many are frightened off by statements from the FDA and the medical community, which insist that the healing properties of specific herbs have not been scientifically documented.

While this is true, you might want to bear in mind that clinical studies cost money. There is little or no incentive for any medical company to thoroughly investigate the healing properties of herbs simply because they cannot be patented and the FDA approval process is lengthy and expensive.

Pot Marigold (Calendula Officinalis) has been utilized for centuries for healing all manner of wounds and skin inflammation. And has been used by many to help heal painful lesions caused by dry eczema. Its use was well documented during the American Civil War. Doctors on the battlefield used the flowers on a large scale to treat open wounds. It proved to be an effective antiseptic, staunching bleeding, preventing infection, and speeding the healing of wounds. The practice continued by doctors during WWI.

According to Wm. Boerickes Materia Medica with Repertory: Calendula Officinalis is a remarkable healing agent, applied locally it is useful for open wounds, parts that will not heal, ulcers, etc. It promotes healthy granulations and rapid healing. For all wounds, the greatest healing agent.

Marigold Infusion can be used to soothe chapped hands and may be used in infusion form in the bath to reduce body scars and soothe varicose veins. For inflamed areas prepare a strong marigold tea with equal parts of apple cider vinegar. Apply this with a compress to the effected area.

A few drops of Tincture of Calendula can be added to a cup or more of boiling water and applied as a compress to treat cuts, bruises and even open wounds.

A Special Note: This discussion refers only to Pot Marigold or Calendula Officinalis, not to be mistaken with the non-herb marigolds, dwarf French Marigolds and African Marigolds. This is one herb that should not be used if you are pregnant.

1. "The Herb Book," by John Lust, Benedict Lust Pub., May 1974

2. Herbal Medicine, The Natural Way to Get Well and Stay Well, Dian Dincin Buchman, Gramercy Publishing Company, Gramercy 1980 Edition.

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What is herbal medicine?

An approach to healing which uses plant or plant-derived preparations to treat, prevent, or cure various health conditions and ailments. This approach is incorporated into various medical systems. Although herbal medicine does not have a specific point of conception, at present an estimated 80% of the world’s population rely on medicinal plant preparations for their primary healthcare needs, according to the World Health Organization. ...
Herbal medicine involves the use of any or all of the different parts of plants (roots, leaves, stems and seeds) to treat illnesses and maintain health. Medicines are given to improve the body’s natural functions and to restore a natural balance of health. Herbal medicines can be given in many forms, such as liquids, infusions, tablets, creams and ointments.
Herbs are used in both Eastern and Western medicine. The aim is to use all parts of the herb and particular emphasis is laid on the energetic content of the herbs and its ability to stimulate healing. Thus the method of picking the herb and the time of day can affect the potency. The whole herb has a wider healing potential than the single active agent used by the pharmaceutical industry.