Calendula
Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also known as marigold or pot marigold, is an annual plant that is native to the Mediterranean countries but now grows throughout the world. It has many traditional culinary and herbal uses, as well as magical ones. The dye obtained from the flowers was used to flavor and color foods like rice, custards, butter, stews, and soups. An infusion made from the crushed petals was used for its cleansing and antiseptic properties, and extracts and ointments were used to treat jaundice, to induce menstruation, to produce sweat during fevers, and also as a remedy for digestive disorders.
Calendula Medicinal Uses
Calendula is used to treat a variety of conditions and diseases such as jaundice, stomach ulcers, liver complaints, digestive disorders, conjunctivitis, and externally, to heal wounds. It is also used to promote menstruation, induce sweating, increase urination, and to relieve flu and fevers. For external use, Calendula flowers and leaves are made into ointment or powder for a great many skin ailments, such as cuts, scrapes, scalds, blisters, abrasions, acne, rashes, athlete’s foot, and chicken pox. As a shampoo, a Calendula rinse can be made of tea to bring out the highlights in blonde and brunette hair. Calendula has also shown to reduce pain caused by ear infections in children, and laboratory studies found that it inhibited the activity of HIV in test tubes.
Calendula Superstitious Believes
Calendula was believed to bring on prophetic dreams, to be useful for respect, protection, and psychic powers, and to help with legal matters. For protection, garlands of Calendula were hung over entry doors to prevent evil from entering. For prophetic dreams, Calendula petals were scattered under the bed. For legal matters, Calendula petals were carried on the body, in order to guarantee a favorable outcome in court. It was believed that if a mesh bag of Calendula petals were put under the faucet when running bath water, admiration and respect could be won of everyone one encountered after bathing. It was said that if a woman trod on Calendula petals with her bare feet, she would understand the language of the birds.
Calendula Products and Dosages
Calendula comes in tincture, liquid extract, infusion, ointment, and cream form. A solution can be made by adding one or two teaspoons of dried Calendula petals to 5 oz. of boiling water and letting is soak for 5 to 10 minutes. The solid particles are strained out and the solution can be either consumed up to three times a day, or used as mouth- or skinwash. Calendula can further be made into a poultice by soaking a cloth in Calendula solution and applying the cloth to the skin. Calendula is known to affect the menstrual cycle and should therefore not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. People who are allergic to daisy may also have allergic reactions to Calendula. There are no side effects known.
Related Articles: