Calendula Flower Petals (Calendula officinalis) 1 oz to 1 lb (Pot Marigold) Used as an infusion, decoction, extract, ointment and lotion. Marigolds are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Cabbage Moth, The Gothic, Large Yellow Underwing and Setaceous Hebrew Character.

The ointment of this herb is thought to cure a range of skin problems from burns to acne as it has properties that reduces inflammation, controls bleeding and soothes irritated tissue. Use internally or topically for minor wounds, eczemas and cysts as well as diaper rash and cradle cap in infants. Also, when planted near tomato plants in the garden, Marigolds help to reduce the presence of aphids.

Marigold petals are considered edible. They are often used to add color to salads, and marigold extract is commonly added to chicken feed to produce darker egg yolks. Their aroma, however, is not sweet, and resembles the smell of hops in beer. The oil from its seed contains calendic acid.

The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Calendula flower for 'Internal and topical use: Inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. External: Poorly healing wounds. Ulcus cruris.'

'Dosage: 1 - 2 g per cup of water (150 ml) or 1 - 2 teaspoons (2 - 4 ml) tincture per ¼ - ½ l water, or prepared in ointments equivalent to 2 - 5 g crude drug in 100 g ointment. Mode of Administration: Powdered herb for infusions and other galenical preparations for local application.'

'Actions: Promotes wound healing. Antiinflammatory and granulatory action in topical application have been described.'

Calendula is recognized for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is considered one of the most effective herbal remedies for skin problems, such as wounds, rashes, chapped hands, and infections. Useful for inflammation of the mouth and throat, wounds, burns, leg ulcers, dry, chapped skin and skin rashes.

Calendula's triterpenes clearly demonstrate anti-inflammatory actions, malking it usefuyl internally for arthritic problems.

Calendula's anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antiseptic (antibacterial and antiviral) properties have been confirmed by modern laboratory and animal studies. Some studies indicate an immune-stimulating action as well. The benefits of calendula in healing burns and wounds have also been demonstrated in research studies.

In Europe, ointments used to treat oral lesions or slow-healing cuts and sores rely on the immunostimulating and antibacterial actions of calendula. Tests also demonstrate that ointments containing calendula activate tissue regeneration and epithelial tissue development.

Calendula is also traditionally used to treat spasms, fever, suppressed menstruation, and other health conditions.

It is an emmenagogue, therefore should not be used by pregnant women. After birth, however, women have, for generations, found calendula to be profoundly useful.

Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'Marigold [Calendula officinalis] is chiefly used as a local remedy. Its action is stimulant and diaphoretic. Given internally, it assists local action and prevents suppuration.'

'The infusion of 1 ounce to a pint of boiling water is given internally, in doses of a tablespoonful, and externally as a local application. It is useful in chronic ulcer, varicose veins, etc. Was considered formerly to have much value as an aperient and detergent in visceral obstructions and jaundice.'

'It has been asserted that a Marigold flower, rubbed on the affected part, is an admirable remedy for the pain and swelling caused by the sting of a wasp or bee.'

'A lotion made from the flowers is most useful for sprains and wounds, and a water distilled from them is good for inflamed and sore eyes.'

'An infusion of the freshly-gathered flowers is employed in fevers, as it gently promotes perspiration and throws out any eruption - a decoction of the flowers is much in use in country districts to bring out smallpox and measles, in the same manner as Saffron. Marigold flowers are in demand for children's ailments.'

'The leaves when chewed at first communicate a viscid sweetness, followed by a strong penetrating taste, of a saline nature. The expressed juice, which contains the greater part of this pungent matter, has been given in cases of costiveness and proved very efficacious. Snuffed up the nose it excites sneezing and a discharge of mucous from the head.'

'The leaves, eaten as a salad, have been considered useful in the scrofula of children, and the acrid qualities of the plant have caused it to be recommended as an extirpator of warts.'

'A yellow dye has also been extracted from the flower, by boiling.'

'Preparations and Dosage: Fluid extract, ¼ to 1 drachm.'

King's 1898 Dispensatory: 'Slightly stimulant and diaphoretic. Used for similar purposes with saffron, but less active. Has been reputed useful in spasmodic affections, strumous maladies, icterus, suppressed menstruation, typhoid febrile conditions, cancer, etc.'

'Used in infusion or in the form of extract, from 4 to 6 grains, 3 or 4 times a day; also applied locally to cancerous and other ulcers. Probably overestimated. Its chief use is as a local remedy. Dr. William J. Clary, of Monroeville, Ohio, writes me as follows, in relation to this plant: 'As a local remedy after surgical operations, it has no equal in Materia Medica. Its forte is its influence on lacerated wounds, without regard to the general health of the patient or the weather. If applied constantly, gangrene will not follow, and, I might say, there will be but little, if any, danger of tetanus. When applied to a wound it is seldom that any suppuration follows, the wound healing by replacement or first intention. It has been tested by several practitioners, and by one, is used after every surgical operation with the happiest effect. You need not fear to use it in wounds, and I would not be without it for a hundred times its cost. It is to be made into a saturated tincture with whiskey diluted with one-third its quantity of water; lint is saturated with this, applied to the parts, and renewed as often as it becomes dry.'

'The statement of Dr. Clary has stood the test of time, and now hundreds of advocates of calendula endorse it. It may be used well diluted for the chafing and excoriations of infants. Michener (Cal. Med. Jour.), claims remarkable results from its use in gangrenous and indolent ulcers with capillary impairment.'

'Use 1 part of specific calendula to 3 parts of water, locally, keeping the parts constantly wet. Teaspoonful doses every 4 hours of a solution of specific calendula flj, in water fliv, are to be given at the same time. He also uses it successfully after surgical operations to induce healing by first intention, to wash abscess cavities, to prevent cicatrization from burns and scalds, in eczematous and ulcerative skin diseases, vaginitis (wash or tampon), endocervicitis, gonorrhoea, non-specific urethritis, and mercurial stomatitis.'

'Dr. Bradner (An. of Ec. Med., 1890), states that cavities from which epitheliomatous growths have been removed, heal quickly under the use of the evaporated fluid extract mixed with petrolatum. Locally, by atomizer, the doctor directs: Rx Tr. calendula, gtt. x to lx; ol. petrolatum, i. Mix.'

'In catarrhal conditions of the nose and throat, with raw and tender membranes, its action is kindly and soothing. Lamoreaux (An. of Ec. Med., 1890), uses it in mild conjunctivitis in the proportion of 5 drops to the ounce of rose water; and as a dressing for lacerated perineum he states that it operates to prevent pain and swelling.'

'In obstetric practice it is of value to relieve burning and smarting after delivery, and relieves to some extent the pain and tenderness of excoriated nipples.'

'In vaginitis, endometritis, all uterine and vaginal abrasions, and non-malignant ulcerations, leucorrhoea, and as an intra-uterine wash, calendula has received strong endorsement.'

'It is a vaso-motor stimulant, and relieves capillary engorgement of the mucous tissues and skin. Congestion of the nasal membranes and its consequent unpleasantness are removed by it. Uterine subinvolution and vaginal engorgements are thus relieved. It stimulates ecchymosed tissues, and has been recommended in varicoses of the lower limbs, using it both locally and internally.'

'Locally, it is applied diluted to inflamed conjunctival and aural tissues, and to traumatic injuries of the eye and ear. Foltz (Dynam. Ther.) employs in suppurative otitis media as follows: Rx Specific calendula, flj; boric acid, j. Mix. Ft. chart, No. 1. Use by insufflation. Prof. Webster values it in superficial skin affections, even where there are long-standing inflammatory indurations, as in stubborn acne.'

'Use it both locally and internally. Locally, specific calendula (the best form), from 1 to 4 parts of water to full strength; internally in doses 1 to 10 drops.'

American Materia Medica, 1919 (Ellingwood): 'This agent is used principally for its local influence. Internally it is given to assist its local action, and to prevent suppuration in cases where there is a chronic tendency to such action. It is useful in varicose veins, chronic ulcers, capillary engorgement, and in hepatic and splenic congestion.'

'As arnica is applied to bruises and sprains, this agent is also applicable; and in addition it is of much service applied to recent wounds, cuts and open sores. It is antiseptic, preventing the formation of pus. It causes the scar, or cicatrix, to form without contraction of tissues, and in the simplest possible manner. It hastens the healing of wounds and materially favors union of co-apted surfaces by first intention. It relieves the pain in wounds, and if there are not bad bruises, it quickly relieves the soreness and favors the healing process.'

'It is applicable to catarrhal mucous surfaces, to festering sores, local swellings, glandular inflammations and to epithelioma and carcinoma to correct the fetor. It is especially applicable to severe burns, to promote healing and to prevent the formation of a contracting scar.'