Calendula officinalis, the medicinal type of Calendula, is a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, characterized by its large bright orange or yellow daisy-like flowers. Originating in southern Europe, these beautiful annuals can be cultivated effortlessly in various temperate regions worldwide. Thriving in any soil, they sprout easily and need minimal upkeep apart from weed control. Once they begin blooming in spring, they will continue until the frost arrives. The flowers are collected for their medicinal qualities as they blossom in early summer; subsequently, they are meticulously dried and stored in a dark, dry place until required.
ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS
The active constituents of a plant are the compounds or chemicals that have a medicinal impact on the body. In the plant Calendula officinalis, these active constituents are detailed individually below.
Bitter glycosides
Organic compounds found in plants serve a protective role by having a distinct bitter taste that deters consumption. In animals, these compounds have medicinal benefits such as enhancing digestive secretions, boosting appetite, and aiding digestion. Furthermore, certain glycosides exhibit anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic properties.
Carotones
Found in numerous plants, these antioxidants are red, orange, or yellow pigments that play a crucial role in photosynthesis. In animals, they help decrease oxidative stress, enhance health, and shield the body from various conditions.
Flavonoids – Astragalin, Hyperoside, Isoquercitrin, Rutin, Narcissin
These compounds, which are another bright color pigment important for filtering UV light for plants, also serve as valuable detoxifying agents with antimicrobial properties. They are beneficial antioxidants that many of us regularly consume, some of which have anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, and anti-carcinogenic properties, as well as the ability to modulate enzyme functions within the body.
Mucilage
Plants produce a gel-like substance that helps retain water and forms a protective layer on surfaces. This substance can serve as a seed coating in plants and support the digestive or respiratory tracts in animals. If you have ever soaked chia seeds in water, you have witnessed this valuable substance firsthand. It is a highly beneficial material with healing and protective properties.
Sesquiterpenes
Various forms of compounds, including alcohols, acids, and essential oils, have been discovered to have beneficial anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and even anti-tumor properties. This makes them valuable not only to medical herbalists but also to the pharmaceutical industry.
Sterols
Plant sterols are natural steroid alcohols that, when consumed by animals, can compete with sterol compounds in the body to carry out a detoxifying function. Because plant sterols closely resemble cholesterol, they are commonly used to lower cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
Triterpene saponins (2-10%)
These molecules offer plants protection from pathogenic microbes and browsing animals due to their bitter taste, which is toxic to herbivores when consumed. The advantages of these compounds have been extensively studied and their uses range from vaccine adjuvants to cosmetics. In herbal medicine, Triterpene saponins are considered crucial in the healing properties of Calendula officinalis, showing anti-viral, antibacterial, cytotoxic, and anti-tumor effects.
Volatile oil
When you come into contact with a plant in the garden and inhale its strong scent, you are encountering volatile oils - these are fragrant oily substances that plants produce and release into the air to attract or deter organisms. While these volatile oils are often extracted as essential oils, they can be dangerous for pets due to their high toxicity levels. When in their natural plant form, however, they can have therapeutic benefits, such as Calendula oils being effective against bacteria, fungi, and inflammation.
Chlorogenic acid
An acid found in a broad range of plants that we commonly eat and consider beneficial to our health, such as honey, apples, and blueberries. This powerful antioxidant offers valuable antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS and MEDICINAL USES
Calendula officinalis has remarkable wound healing properties and can be utilized as a Douche, Poultice, Cream, or Salve as needed. Its antiseptic qualities combat bacteria, fungi, and viruses, effectively cleansing wounds and promoting healing. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects alleviate discomfort commonly linked to skin ulcers and wounds, while its astringent, styptic, and vulnerary properties help control bleeding and encourage healing. When taken internally, this herb can aid in detoxification and healing processes throughout the body.
Applications
Infusion
You can create a powerful antifungal douche for yeast infections, an antibacterial rinse for irritated skin, or an eye wash for general irritations with a straightforward infusion. When ingested, this infusion can also provide similar benefits to the digestive system, making it suitable for stomach infections and ulcers that require a gentle treatment method. To prepare, steep 5-30g of dried petals in 1 cup of boiling water, cover, and let it infuse for 10-15 minutes. Remember that covering the infusion helps preserve its medicinal properties instead of letting them evaporate.
Cream or Salve
Infuse the flowers or petals in a carrier oil suitable for food, such as Organic olive oil, to create a cream or salve. This mixture can be applied externally for various skin issues like irritations or lesions, including mastitis. Using high-quality food ingredients in your preparation helps prevent any toxicity concerns if your pet licks the treated area, which they tend to do.
Dried herb
It is easy and convenient to incorporate dried herbs into the diet, but it is important to make sure you are using the right medicinal variety of good quality (colour can be a good indicator of quality) and follow the recommended dosage. When used correctly, Calendula officinalis offers a beneficial detoxifying effect that is effective in treating various skin conditions, swollen glands, infections, and irritations in the body.
Concentrated extracts
Concentrated extracts come in various forms and provide the same internal benefits as infusions or dried herbs, but in a more potent and easily absorbed manner. Tinctures, the most common form, utilize alcohol to extract and preserve a plant's medicinal properties. While this method can be highly effective for humans due to its minimal dosage and rapid absorption for quick relief, it is unsuitable for pets that cannot metabolize alcohol. While some may view the small amount of alcohol in tinctures as insignificant, there are alternatives available for those seeking to avoid any potential risks. One approach is to mix the required tincture drops with boiling water to allow the alcohol to evaporate before consumption. Another option is to choose a glycerine-based preparation instead.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Calendula officinalis should not be used during pregnancy due to its ability to stimulate menstruation when taken internally.
Individuals who have a sensitivity to plants in the daisy or Asteraceae family may develop an allergic response and should refrain from using this herb.
QUICK VIEW SUMMARY
REFERENCES
Hoffman, D. 2003. Medical Herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press.
Hoffman, D. 2003. Holistic Herbal: A safe and practical guide to making and using herbal remedies. London, England: Thorsons.
Wynn, S. G. & Fougere, B. J. 2007. Veterinary Herbal Medicine. Missouri, USA: Mosby, Elsevier.
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