Calendula

Calendula officinalis

Monograph

1. Plant Family:
• Asteraceae, or daisy family ^[1]
2. Habitat & Cultivation:
• A short-lived, herbaceous perennial, calendula is probably native to southern Europe, though its long history of cultivation makes its precise origin unknown, and it may possibly be of garden origin. The flowers may appear all year long where conditions are suitable - widely cultivated and can be grown easily in sunny locations in most kinds of soils. ^[1]
3. Parts Used:
• Petals, flower head ^[2]
4. Herbal Actions:
• Vulnerary
• Anti-inflammatory
• Lymphatic
• Hemostatic
• Antimicrobial
• Antifungal
• Antispasmodic
• Astringent
• Emmenagogue (stimulating menstrual flow)
• Cholagogue (stimulating flow of bile from the liver) ^[1]
5. Indications:
• Calendula may be used externally to treat inflammation of the skin, bruising, strains, bleeding, minor burns and skin ulcers. Internally, calendula is also anti-inflammatory and can help treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, relieve gallbladder problems, treat swollen lymph glands, and ease indigestion (soothes digestive and mucous membranes). Calendula can also be used internally and externally to combat fungal infections. Calendula may stimulate the immune system (via bone marrow) and may help normalize menses and ease painful periods. ^[1,2]
6. Plant Constituents:
• Triterpenes (calendulosides A-D); flavonoids (including narcissin, rutin); volatile oil; chlorogenic acid ^[2]
7. System Affinities:
• Digestive, integumentary, lymphatic, immune, reproductive (female) ^[2]  
8. Energetics:
• Bitter, pungent, cooling ^[3]
9. Safety:
• Potential allergen to those with sensitivities to the Asteraceae family. ^[2]
10. Interactions:
• None known. ^[2]

Personal Experience

1. Organoleptics:
•  The flowers are a gorgeous rich orange color, and the stems are bright green. The dried product is sweet-smelling and has a mild bitter taste.
2. Preparation Method:
• Hot Infusion: 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of flowers, infuse for 10-15 mins. Drink 3x/day or apply externally. ^[2]
• Oil Infusion: ½ cup of dried flowers in 1 cup coconut oil and ¼ cup olive oil (to encourage softer consistency). Seal in a jar and place in hot water bath for 8 hours then strain. (Personal Recipe)
• Tincture: 1-4 mL 3x/day (1:5 in 60%) ^[2]
3. Usage Notes:
•  I made a calendula-infused coconut oil (with a little olive oil to help it stay soft at room temperature). My thoughts behind this came from using coconut oil as a topical antifungal when dealing with yeast infections. I wanted to increase these properties of coconut oil by adding calendula which is also antimicrobial, immune-stimulating, and wound-healing. I think this kind of oil would be soothing and healing for a postpartum woman’s perineum (I love that it's also hemostatic!). I used this oil for a week and felt that it helped relieve some of the symptoms associated with yeast. After my experience I will be sure to tell future clients to use a pantiliner, though! It is so very orange.
• I also made a hot infusion to add to a bath one evening after a long birth. I was worried it was going to turn my skin orange, but the few cups of tea were very diluted in the bath so that wasn’t a problem. It was a very relaxing experience, and the bathroom smelled amazing for a while after I got out of the tub. I’m not sure how different my skin felt… although I did notice less itching – my legs get very itchy after I use a razor so I might use the oil I made as a post-shave moisturizer in the future.

Sources:

1. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Week 7 Study Questions. Bastyr University: WI-18_MW5122-A Botanicals 2: Postpartum.
2. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
3. Frawley, D. & Lad, V. (2001). The Yoga of Herbs. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press.