CALENDULA - Know your HERBS -

**Admin** Tue Mar 12, 2013 5:32 am

The botanical name for Calendula is Calendula officinalis.

Calendula is an annual plant that thrives in almost any soil but can typically be found in Europe, Western Asia, and the United States. It belongs to the same family as daisies, chrysanthemums, and ragweed. Its branching stems grow to a height of 30 - 60 cm, and it blooms from early spring until frost. The orange-yellow petals of the flowers are used for medicine.

The parts of the Calendula herb used, are: flowers

Health Benefits of Calendula

Calendula extracts are known to show anti-cancer effects, especially in diseases like leukemia, melanoma, fibrosarcoma, breast, prostate, cervix, lung, pancreas and colorectal cancers.
The flower extract is used to treat bee stings and scorpion bites.
Since it is anti-inflammatory, calendula constricts blood vessels and helps stop bleeding.
Calendula tincture is used to treat ailments like bruises, sprains, pulled muscles and sores.
The oil is applied directly to the ear for reducing earache. Calendula tea is prepared and consumed for treating ear infections.
Calendula tea is used as eyewash for sore, reddened eyes.
The tea is also used to aid digestion, stimulate the immune system, detoxify the body and regulate the menstruation cycle.
Calendula helps in forming new blood vessels and heals wounds such as cuts and scratches.
Its oil stimulates blood circulation and induces sweating, thus reducing body heat and fever.
Calendula is applied topically to aid abrasions, acne and burns.
When taken orally, calendula helps in soothing stomach ulcers and inflammation.
It is also very effective in fighting boils, abscesses and recurrent vomiting.
Calendula is used in ointments that help in treating vaginal itching caused due to menopausal tissue changes, insect bites, eczema, diaper rash, acne, hemorrhoids, burns, scalds and sunburns.
The flower forms a part of many cosmetic creams that help in decreasing the appearance of wrinkles and hydrate skin as well.
It is also used to treat capillary engorgement, chronic ulcers, varicose veins and congestion.
Calendula ointments are used to treat chapped lips, bedsores and shingles.
It is widely used as a cleanser for liver, gallbladder and other organs.