CALENDULA
  
                                                                              Seeds
  
A double-flowered cultivar
  
(Calendula officinalis)


Part used: flower
Properties: astringent, vulnerary, antispasmodic, diaphoretic.
What it affects: blood and skin.


Preparation and amount:
Infusion: steep 5-15 min. take 1 tbsp each hour or 1 cup daily.
Fluid extract: take 1/2-1 tsp. 3 times daily
Powder: take 3-10 #0 capsules(15-60 grains) 3 times daily.


Purposes:
Internally, calendula can be used as a non- irritating fomentation or salve for sores, burns, bleeding hemoroidss and wounds. It reduces inflammation and is soothing to the skin. It is used internally as warm infusion-- to treat fevers, ulcers, cramps, and eruptive skin diseases. It has been successfully used as a nasal wash for sinus problems.


An infusion of the flowers(either the rays or the whole head) can be used for such gastro- intestinial problems as ulcers, stomach cramps, colitis, and diarrhea. As a warm infusion, it is useful internally for fever, boils, abscesses, and to prevent recurrent vomiting. The fresh juice of the herb or flowers can substitute for the infusion.


Calendula tincture helps gastritis and menstrual difficulties, vaginal infections, ulcers, and cramps.An infusion can be used in treating smallpox and measles.


The tea, made with oz. of herb per pint of water, may be taken hourly for acute ailments. It is commonly used in making salves and is very good first- aid remedy.


Internally, calendula can be used with oil in a salve or poultice in order to stop bleeding, soothe pain and irritation, and promote mending and healing of wounds. A very good salve for wounds can be made from the dried flowers or leaves, from the juice pressed out of the fresh flowers, or from the tincture. The salve or diluted tincture is also good for bruises, sprains, pulled muscles, sores, and boils. To get rid of warts, rub on the fresh juice. The oils is put in ears and left overnight for earaches. A strong tea can be used as a sitz bath for bleeding hemorrhoids. A fomentation is good for varicose veins. It is also good for bee stings and skin ulcers. You can wash wounds with it.