Calendula officinalis
Family: Asteraceae
Habitat and cultivation: Easy. Prefers open sunny areas, like sunflowers. Great companion plant. attracts pollinators and discourages pests. Native to Eurasia but grows world-wide.
Parts used: Flower/ ray flowers
Actions: Alterative, anti-septic (bacteria, fungal, viral), anti-inflammatory, astringent, choleretic, demulcent, immune stimulant, vulnerary, gentle lymphatic.
Specific indications: Swollen lymph glands, liver/spleen congestion, wound healer.
*Chronic lymphatic swelling- Lymph node congestion, esp. in chest, Lymph moving properties, Clears congestion, dries dampness
**Immune/systemic infection: Curbs infection, incl. candida,-stimulates white blood cell production, clears toxins and inflammation. Internally and externally. Inhibits growth of E.coli, staph and some protozoas.
*Skin repair- Gets skin to work better in general. Improves skin physiologically, Bad skin stuff: fungal stuff that just wont leave. Chronic infections. Really bad acne, especially chronic inflamed. eczeme-esp. dry and scaly (w/chickweed to soothe itch and repair.) Burns, bed sores, eye wash (scratched cornea)
*Tissue repair and growth- Blood vessel growth. Supports granulation of tissue (w/gotu kola). Supports healing in tissue that isn’t healing. Slow healing in duodenal or gastric ulcers. Leaky gut syndrome (w/ plantain)-repairs gut epithelium, decreases inflammation in engorged gut lymphatics by moving the lymph. Increases peripheral circulation.
System affinity: Lymph, immune, Skin, digestive, CV/Heart, lungs
Energetics: Bitter, pungent, cooling, drying.
Contraindications: Avoid in internally in pregnancy, mild emmenagogue, lactation.
Preparation and dosage: tincture- dry herb 1:4 70-80%, 5-50drops 2-3x/day. Tea- 2-3g/day dry. 8oz wiped slowly. Infused oil: use dry flowers or petals topically.