CALENDULA
Calendula officinalis

Calendula is one of my favourite herbs, as it has a multitude of uses both internally and externally, the therapeutic dosage required is low and it can be used to treat a whole range of conditions. Calendula was given its name by the ancient Romans. They noted that the beautiful orange flowers (the part used medicinally) opened each morning and closed each night and that the flowering season extended for many months. The Latin word, calends or "calendar" refers to this trait. Ancient Egyptians valued Calendula as a rejuvenating herb. The petals were common additions in English and European cooking.

A Female Remedy

Specific for large and inflamed lymphatic glands, Calendula has an affinity to breast tissue and is frequently used by herbalists for treating breast lumps, whether benign or malignant (cancerous). Considering it is commonly thought of as what is known as an anti-cancer herb, Calendula is my key favourite remedy in treating breast cancer, whether an operation, such as a full or partial mastectomy has been performed or not. Calendula is also a very useful post-operative herb, as it is a powerful anti-inflammatory, vulnerary (healing) and anti-septic agent, active against staphylococcus and streptococcus (as is tea tree oil).

One of my most well loved anti-candida herbs; Calendula will destroy excessive amounts of Candida albicans (a sugar and yeast loving fungi) within the digestive system. (One of the most obvious signs of candida over-growth in the body is the presence of vaginal thrush, often prevalent after a course of anti-biotics). Calendula also has a reputation of assisting delayed menstruation and painful periods.

A Digestive Healer

The stomach is the first significant point of contact with most herbal remedies. Many have immediate effects on its function; such as calming it’s activity or increasing secretions of gastric juices in order to aid digestion. Calendula is used with a great amount of success in the treatment of digestive inflammations, gastric and duodenal ulcers, helping to break down the vicious cycle of ulceration and accelerate the healing process. Again this can be put down to its anti-inflammatory, vulnerary and anti-septic properties. Irritable bowel sufferers, who perhaps have loose bowel movements, may also benefit from Calendula. This is because Calendula has an astringent action, which reduces reflex irritation in the bowel and the herb also prevents spasm within the smooth muscle walls of the intestinal tract.

Calendula also has a protective effect on what is known as "leaky gut syndrome" or autointoxication. This is when the gut wall breaks down and is unable to provide the vital protection from harmful substances (such as partially digested food) leaking out of the intestinal tract into the body tissues. NSAID (Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), antibiotics, aspirin, stress, exposure to pesticides, poor diet, inadequate chewing of food, food allergies and intolerances all cause and/or exacerbate "leaky gut syndrome". This increase in permeability results in an inflammatory cascade in various tissues as well as increasing the toxic insult to the liver, blood and lymphatic system. Depending on the individual and his or her ability to detoxify these leaky gut metabolites, a number of symptoms can arise, from mood changes, memory lapses, irritable bowel, cancer, loss of energy, reduced immune response, arthritis, malnutrition, bloated ness etc. Common herbs such as Calendula, Chamomile, Liquorice and Slippery elm all help to reduce some types of increased permeability. There are many conditions that may be associated with "leaky gut". These include Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, iron deficiency and bowel cancer.

External Uses

Calendula was used in wounds during the Civil War to help stop bleeding and to promote healing. Several studies have shown that calendula ointment can accelerate wound healing. Calendula will soothe inflamed skin lesions and in some cases may be considered an alternative to conventional steroidal and other anti-inflammatory prescriptions. Calendula has a potent anti-fungal action both internally and externally and may also be used to treat a number of fungal infections on the skin, (such as tinea), in the form as an ointment, cream or infused oil.

Calendula, perhaps mixed with honey and/or liquorice root, will reduce inflammation in the throat and can be used as a gargle. As a bonus, Calendula will also help to mobilize activity in the surrounding lymphatic tissues. (Herbal gargles may also be swallowed to obtain a secondary, systemic effect.) Calendula will also heal mouth ulcers. It may be used topically on haemorrhoids, alongside witch hazel, due to its astringent and healing properties and has been used traditionally (again externally) in the treatment of varicose veins.