Calendula’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and vulnerary qualities make it a popular ingredient for making oils, salves, and creams for external remedies. I love using Calendulas from the garden in my salves and facial toners. It is a mighty wound and tissue healer, both externally and internally. It has long been used to soothe and heal cuts, burns, bites, sprains, bruises, rashes, sunburns, and abrasions due to its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, and tissue-healing actions. Calendula also contains salicylic acid. Calendula’s slightly bitter taste hints at its use for the digestive system, including the gallbladder and liver. By stimulating these organs, the calendula stimulates the secretion of bile and digestive enzymes, aiding the digestive process and improving absorption. Calendula can also be taken internally for ulcers in the digestive tract. I add Calendula to my bone broths. Calendula is an outstanding herb for stimulating the lymphatic system and relieving stagnation. It treats chronically swollen lymph nodes resulting from respiratory infections, localized infections, and tonsillitis. It is also used to build immunity by helping to prevent infection by stimulating the lymphatic system.

TCM: Jin zhan ju

Energy: Bitter, Warm/Drying/Soothing

Part used: Whole flowers

Medicinal Preparations: Tea, tincture, infused oil, salve, lotion, broth, compress, poultice.

Actions: Lymphagogue, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vulnerary.

Medicinal Uses: Rashes, stings, wounds, burns, sunburns, abrasions, swellings, eczema, acne, surgical wounds, scrapes, chickenpox, and cold sores.

Dried, 4oz $12.95

Precautions and Contraindications: Do not use it internally during pregnancy.