Calendula is a herb I use often externally, in my Body Butter Balms, as an infused oil or as a wound care pack. As a tincture (in Europe anyway) it usually comes in two varieties a 25% proof (to extract its delicate constituents like flavonoids) and a 90% proof (extracting resins etc), I personally use much more of the 90% as its a much stronger antiseptic and tissue repairer, I really should use the 25% internal (well, its not really that simple) proof more as its quite excellent.
Externally it is a preeminent wound healer, skin blemish improver and antiseptic; I've seen it sort out eczema, acne, bruises, small cuts, burns, mosquito bites etc, brilliant and indispensable in a first kit; its also good to aid in the reduction of inflammation and as a mouth/ vaginal wash (please use two separate washes).
Internally its a pokey addition to Galium (looked at a few weeks ago), for whilst Galium opens the full circulation and allows the trapped fluids to flow, Calendula goes to the lymph system and aids in the reduction of lymph inflammation, aiding in a state of low immunity especially post infections. Its polysaccharides stimulate white blood cell activity as well as antibacterial/ antiviral properties shown against multiple strains of the flu virus and herpes.
Its an antiseptic (antiviral/ bacterial/ fungal/ parasitic) and soothing tonic to the digestive system, soothing for peptic ulcers, colitis, Crohn's disease, gastritis, its bitters improve digestive, liver and pancreatic function; whilst its astringency reduces diarrhoea and bleeding.
Also this astringency aids with venous return so peps up the circulatory system (added by its aiding the lymph system), provides a small amount of systemic anti-inflammatory effect, aids as a lung and urinary antiseptic. One area needing much more research is its traditional usage in reproductive medicine, it has female hormone balancing effect regulating menstruation (astringency aids in excessive bleeding); and aids (alongside its anti-inflammatory, liver and lymph restoring effects) in menopausal symptoms and uterine fibroids/ breast cysts.
Dosage: Externally there are many creams and oils available from reputable health shops and pharmacies, if unsure please contact your local Medical Herbalist (check out www.theccp.uk for the nearest), for any issue mentioned here for which you feel that the internal taking would help you, again please contact your local Medical Herbalist (check out www.theccp.uk for the nearest).
Cautions: Contraindicated with pregnancy.
Also these pages are not to aid in serious self diagnosis (nothing on the internet is) if concerned about any feeling of illness or discomfort, please contact your GP, dial 111 or visit your nearest medical herbalist (visit www.theccp.uk for the nearest).
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