Calendula

Calendula is a native Herb of Egypt and Southern Europe cultivated on a wide scale for medicinal purposes.

Botanical Name

 Calendula officinalis (this is the only type of Calendula that should be used for therapeutic purposes).

 Calendula is from the Asteracea family.

Parts Used

 Flower Head

 Petals

Only the traditional orange pot marigold should be used for herbal purposes.  The flowers and petals of the newer, multi-colored hybrid varieties do not contain the beneficial properties of Calendula officinalis.

Cardiovascular System

 Calendula (applied topically) may be effective for the treatment of Hemorrhoids. 

 Calendula (infusion of cold petals applied topically on cotton wool to the nostrils) may inhibit Nosebleeds. 

 Calendula (applied topically) may heal Varicose Veins. 

Digestive System

 Calendula (extract consumed orally) may alleviate the Inflammation associated with Colitis.  ^[1]

 Calendula may assist the treatment of problems of the Gallbladder:

 Calendula may stimulate the flow of Bile.  ^[2]

 Caution:  Calendula may stimulate the flow of Bile so effectively that bilousness sometimes results.

Excretory System

 Calendula (flowers) contain substances that may decrease the proliferation of the Detrimental Bacteria that cause Body Odor. 

 Calendula may alleviate Edema.  ^[3]

Eyes

 Calendula may accelerate the healing of Topical Eye Ailments (wash the Eyes with an infusion of Calendula petals strained through a coffee filter) including: 

 Bloodshot Eyes 

 Conjunctivitis 

 Styes 

Hair

 Calendula (infusion of petals applied topically as a rinse) may impart a new depth of color to blonde Hair, highlights brown and auburn Hair and may treat Oily Hair. 

Immune System

 Calendula may inhibit/kill some forms of Bacteria - Detrimental:

 Calendula may inhibit/kill Staphylococcus aureus.