Calendula Benefits and Uses: Plus 16 DIY Recipes

Calendula applies to the skin can help heal bruises, burns, diaper rash and wounds.  In fact, a 2011 study confirmed that calendula extracts applied to rats’ wounds healed faster.

Reducing Throat and Neck Radiation Effects:

Calendula helps to reduce throat and neck radiation effects.  In a 2013 study, subjects gargled with a 2% calendula formula while undergoing radiation for neck and head cancer. The study found that the solution helped reduce damage to the mucuous membranes of the throat.

Helping with Insomnia

The tincture is used in homeopathy for the treatment of insomnia and mental tension.

Preventing Dermatitis for Breast Cancer Radiation:

Breast cancer radiation can cause dermatitis.  A 2004 study revealed that dermatitis was significantly reduced when calendula was used versus a topical application, trolamine.

Reducing Ear infection (otitis media) Pain:

If you have ever had an ear infection, then you know how painful it is.  A 2001 study showed that a homeopathic remedy which contained calendula as an ingredient was beneficial to alleviate ear pain.

Reducing Blood Sugar:

Insulin resistance has become an epidemic.  A 2001 study revealed that calendula delays gastric emptying in mice and thus lowered blood sugar.

Alleviated Ulcer & Gastritis Symptoms:

A 1981 study revealed that an herb remedy which included calendula quickly reduced problems related to digestion and palpitations in patients with ulcers or gastroduodenitis.

Moreover, a German study found the herb reduces hormonal reaction that produces swelling of the stomach lining. According to Phyllis Balch, author of the book, “Prescription of Natural Healing,” using calendula may counteract Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium associated with both gastritis and peptic ulcers.

Food Allergies:

Calendula prevents overgrowth of candida in the bowel, which in turn helps reduce food allergies.

Bowel Disease:

Calendula helps reduce inflammation and pain in the bowels.  It also relaxes the digestive muscles to help with the bowels.

Conjunctivitis:

Calendula has been used to heal conjunctivitis.  In addition, the tea is used as an eye wash.

Consideration for Use:

Balch advises due to the cumulative nature of  the anti-bacterial toxins in calendula, it is advisable to use the herb no more than the earlier of  2 weeks or  after the symptoms have subsided.  Wait six weeks before resuming the use of the herb.

In addition, when taken internally, calendula can increase the sedative effect of medication taken for anxiety and insomnia.

Moreover, if you have a sensitivity to ragweed, you may have a sensitivity to calendula since they are in the same plant family.

Recipes to Make Your Own Calendula Ointments, Salves, etc.

Now that you have hopped on the calendula benefits train, here are 16 recipes for you to try.

• Calendula Lotion Bars–The Nerdy Farm Wife
• Boo Boo Balm–The Nerdy Farm Wife
• A Natural Remedy for Irritated Eyes–The Nerdy Farm Wife
• Calendula Oil Salve–The Nerdy Farm Wife
• DIY Natural Neosporin–Purposefully Simple
• Calendula Tincture— Cheshire Fields
• Self Care DIY Bath Crystals with Herbs–Studio Botanica
• Herbal Bathing–Brew Yourself a Tub Tea–Studio Botanica
• Self Care and Vaginal Steams–Studio Botanica
• Soothe Your Skin with Herbs–Studio Botanica
• Calendula Sugar Scrub–Homespun Seasonal Living
• DIY Skin Toner and Bath Soak–It Takes Time
• An Herbal Deodorant that Works Finally–Herbal Academy of New England.
• Calendula Infused Facial Toner–Growing Up Herbal
• Herbal Sinus Infusion Using Calendula–Fresh Eggs Daily
• Calendula Lip Balm–The Free Range Life

(PS If you are thinking of making your own herbal remedies,  Jan of the Nerdy Farm Wife just wrote  the book, 101 Healthy Products for Skin, Health and Home.)

If you are just looking to make the tea, HERE is a recipe to follow.

Where to Buy Calendula:

If you don’t want to grow it, you can buy it from me at Anna Lee Herbs. I sell both the petals and the entire flower.

I grow calendula from seed, harvest it and dry it on the farm.  All packages are vacuumed sealed for freshness.

So what are you waiting for?  Go make some balm!

(PS There are a ton of other great herbs at Anna Lee Herbs that are waiting for you to whip into a product, sprinkle on your food,  or make a nice herbal cup of tea. Don’t keep them waiting.)

****As always, the information provided above has not been approved by the FDA and it is not intended for medical purpose.  Many of these studies were conducted with small control groups.  Please consult your medical doctor or holistic practitioner before taking any herb especially if you are pregnant and/or nursing.****

Can I Ask a Favor?

Please pin and share this article via your social media channels so everyone can learn why calendula is so awesome? Thanks from the bottom of my garden boots!

 

Join the Conversation:

Do you use calendula?

Sources:

Arora, D., Rani, A., & Sharma, A. (2013). A review on phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological aspects of genus Calendula. Pharmacognosy Reviews Phcog Rev,7(14), 179. Retrieved March 15, 2016, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229067785_Review_on_Pharmacological_Update_Calendula_officinalis_Linn.

Babaee, N., Moslemi, D., Khalilpour, M., Vejdani, F., Moghadamnia, Y., Bijani, A., . . . Moghadamnia, A. A. (2013). Antioxidant capacity of calendula officinalis flowers extract and prevention of radiation induced oropharyngeal mucositis in patients with head and neck cancers: A randomized controlled clinical study. DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences DARU,21(1), 18. Retrieved March 15, 2016, from http://download.springer.com/static/pdf/750/art%3A10.1186%2F2008-2231-21-18.pdf?originUrl=http://darujps.biomedcentral.com/article/10.1186/2008-2231-21-18&token2=exp=1458151639~acl=/static/pdf/750/art%253A10.1186%252F2008-2231-21-18.pdf*~hmac=5dffbb19131c27edb2d77537671ca352474a8082712dfe562a957b36e451f039.

Balch, J. F., & Balch, P. A., (2002). Prescription for herbal healing. New York, NY: Avery.

Chakŭrski, I., Matev, M., Stefanov, G., Koĭchev, A., & Angelova, I. (1981). Treanntment of duodenal ulcers and gastroduodenitis with a herbal combination of Symphitum officinalis and Calendula officinalis with and without antacids. Vutr Boles,20, 44-47. Retrieved March 15, 2016, from http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/7336704.

Ehrlich, S. D. (2015, June 15). Calendula. Retrieved March 16, 2016, from http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/calendula.

Parente, L., & Andrade, M. (2011). Angiogenic activity of Calendula officinalis flowers L. in rats. Acta Cirurgica Brasileira, 26(1), 19-24, 26(1), 19-24. Retrieved March 15, 2016, from http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-86502011000100005&lng=en&tlng=en