Commonly known as 'Pot Marigold', 'Mary gold', 'Ruddles', 'Bull's eye', 'Mary bud'.  It is native to Mediterranean Europe, from the Asteraceae family and the flowers - bright yellow to orange in colour are used medicinally.  Grown from seed. it self sows freely in gardens.  Preferring sunny open areas and regular de-heading to encourage more flowers.  Rich in vitamins A & C, & carotenoids, which make it useful for using in many health areas such as cardiovascular, respiratory, immunity, digestive, reproductive as well as topically.

CALENDULA has been shown to have the following actions:

Lymphatic i.e strengthen and support lymphatic system, helping improve elimination of cellular wastes and manufacture of lymphocytes and phagocytes (White Blood Cells).

Antiinflammatory i.e. reduce inflammation of affected tissue.

Astringent i.e. contracts tissues making them firmer and reduces discharges.

Vulnerary i.e. hastens the healing of wounds.

Emmenagogue i.e. promotes normal menstruation.

Spasmolytic i.e. counteracts or relieves convulsions/spasmodic pains.

Cholagogue i.e. stimulates or aids the release of bile from the gall bladder.

Antiseptic i.e. prevent, resist and counteract infection whether bacterial, fungal.

Sedative i.e. calm the nervous system and reduce the stress throughout the body.

Circulatory Stimulant i.e to improve circulation to the peripherals, strengthen and tone arterial and venous vessels, improve venous return from legs to trunk.

Mild Diaphoretic i.e. helps in reducing fevers.

WITHIN Calendula are found the following constituents which make up its healing activity:

Saponins: stimulate a more fluid mucus in the respiratory tract and aid expectoration; aid digestion & absorption of nutrients.

Bitters: increase secretion of saliva, gastric, liver & pancreatic secretions which stimulate the process of digestion and help to improve the effectiveness of peristalsis (normal constriction & relaxation of digestion) therefore reduce griping pains and indigestion.

Sterols: help to plump the skin and keep it thick.

Mucilages: soothe tissues they come in contact with i.e. digestive tract, externally skin, as well as soothe tissues of the respiratory and urinary tract relieving inflamed tissue and easing tissue spasm.

Flavonoids: a group of nutrients with varying action, making antispasmodic, diuretic or stimulatory in action.  Calendula has in particular isorhamnetin & rutin.  Rutin strengthens capillaries which helps people who bruise or bleed easily, improves peripheral circulation, lowers blood pressure, chelates metal ions such as iron thereby reducing the Fenton reaction (reaction which results in increased free radicals) and stabilises vitamin C and increases vitamin C activity within us.  Isorhamnetin's may reduce the risk of cancer (in-vivo & in-vitro tests showed apoptosis (cell death) with lung, liver and oesophageal cancer cells), improve heart health (showed isorhamnetin improves endothelial function through its antioxidant action and reduced oxidation of HDL resulting in a decreased risk of arteriosclerosis & reduction of high blood pressure), ease diabetes complications i.e. cataract, lipid peroxidation and high blood glucose levels.

Calendic Acid Calendula is made up of over 50% Calendic Acid.  Similar in action to Conjugated Linoleic Acids (CLA) an Omega 6 fatty acid which has been shown to be a great antiseptic, have ant-cancer properties, and help with increasing lean body mass and decreasing total body fat.

CALENDULA has shown positive healing activity against:

Trichomonas vaginalis - S.T.D.

Escherichia coli - bacteria associated with gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, mastitis, neonatal meningitis.

Staphylococcus aureus - bacteria associated with skin infections, sinusitis, and even dermatitis in cows.

Streptococcus faecalis - bacteria associated with root canal infections, urinary tract infections, meningitis, endocarditis (inflammation of the endocardium the inner layer of the heart).

Pseudomonas aerugionsa - bacteria associated with lung infections, urinary tract infections, burns, ear infections, medical devices i.e. catheters.

Herpes simplex - virus associated with cold sores and genital herpes

CALENDULA has been used as medicinal herb as long ago as the 6th Century B.C.  It's name derived from the Latin 'Kalendae' meaning the first day of the month, possibly referring to its efficacy as a herb for the treatment of menstrual disorders.  It's common name stems from a supposed association with the virgin Mary - 'Mary's Gold'.  Today it is used in the following health areas with great success:

Gingivitis

Periodontitis

Gastric Ulcers

Enteritis (inflammation of small intestine)

Jaundice

Hepatitis

Gall Stones

Duodenal Ulcers (Calendula is British Pharmacopoeia (BHP) Specific* for healing Duodenal Ulcers)

Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)

Proctitis (inflammation of the anus)

Haematemesis (vomiting of blood)

Indigestion

Anorexia

Liver congestion

Constipation

Biliary insufficiency

Varicose Veins (internally & externally)

Haemorrhoids (piles)

Crural Ulcers

Lymphoma (a type of blood cancer)

Lymphadenopathy (swollen enlarged lymph nodes) *BHP specific for enlarged and inflamed lymph nodes

Epistaxis (nose bleeds)

Colds

Influenza

Functional amenorrhoea (absence of menstruation)

Dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation)

Leucorrhoea (discharge related to vaginal infection)

Mastitis (breast infection)

Vaginitis

Cervical dysplasia (changes in the cells on the surface of the cervix)

Vaginal Thrush

All wounds and lesions

Bruises

Furunculosis - (boils)

Eczema (dermatitis)

Psoriasis

Chilblains

Acne

Diaper Rash

Fungal Infections i.e. athletes foot

Diaper/Nappy Rash

Sebaceous Cysts *BHP Specific

Conjunctivitis/Blepharitis  (eye infections)

Cold sores

Broken capillaries

Sunburn

Chickenpox scarring

*[The British Pharmacopoeia is the only comprehensive collection of Standards for UK Medicinal Substances]

Further Studies that have shown the efficacy of Calendula as a Natural Medicine:
(Either click on or copy & paste the links below each study)

Calendula prevent radiation induced oropharyngeal mucositis in patients with head and neck cancers

Regression of carotid atherosclerosis

Inhibited Maillard reaction (a non-enzymatic reaction that occurs between sugars & proteins) and prevented oxidation in-vitro.  Possible use in curbing chronic diabetic implications and slowing down ageing

Healing acceleration in hamster of 'oral mucositis' (painful ulceration of mucous membranes lining mouth and digestive tract) treated with Calendula officinalis

Prevention of skin reactions due to teletherapy (radiation treatment) in women with breast cancer

Antitumour effect of Calendula especially with melanoma

Reduction of bacteria & bacterial infection on sutures

Antimicrobial activity against fungi, gram-negative & gram-positive pathogens

Resolution of symptoms caused by Ulcerative colitis

Relief of diaper dermatitis in children

Anti-leukemic properties inducing cell death

Wound healing and anti-inflammatory effect

Protection against cigarette smoke exposure

Inhibition of metastasis (travelling) of melanoma cells

Protection against ischemic heart disease

Topical treatment of Exfoliative Chelitis (chronic inflammatory condition of the lips)

Inhibition of the growth of Helicobacter pylori & Campylobacter jejuni

Liver & Kidney protective actions

Anti-parasitic & Anti-bacterial actions

Treatment of venous leg ulcers

Anti-HIV activity shown from Calendula officials

Treatment of chronic colitis

Positive results for treatment of duodenal ulcers and gastroduodenitis