• used to relieve oral inflammation
• used for its antimicrobial action
• used to relieve lymphatic congestion and inflammation
• used adjunctively for gastric and duodenal ulcer
With its strong antiseptic qualities, calendula has a long and distinguished history of both topical and internal use in traditional Western medicine.
Eclectic sources refer to calendula’s usefulness for the internal treatment of ulcers and lymph-related conditions.
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia lists gastric and duodenal ulcers, as well as enlarged or inflamed lymphatic nodes, among its indications for calendula.
Indeed, a recent scientific study suggests that calendula has immunomodulatory properties.
James Duke notes that, “Calendula has been shown to alleviate symptoms of chronic stomach inflammation, what doctors call hypersecretory gastritis, a condition that has been associated with ulcers. Clinical trials in Europe suggest that this herb may also be useful for treating ulcers.”
Herbalist David Hoffmann adds further that, “When taken internally, calendula has anti-inflammatory actions in the digestive system, and thus may be used in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers. As a cholagogue, it helps relieve gallbladder problems and many of the vague digestive complaints known as ‘indigestion’... In the laboratory, calendula has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral activities.”
Naturopathic physician William A. Mitchell Jr. refers to the value of this herb as a gargle for sore throats, pointing out that calendula “is useful against most of the common pathogenic bacteria that frequent the throat, including Staphylococcal and Streptococcal organisms.”
Herbalist Matthew Wood affirms that “Calendula is perhaps the best general remedy when swollen glands take on an existence of their own, lingering after an acute illness or coming and going with ‘low immunity’. It increases the dispersal of fluids through the lymphatic system and quiets inflammation in the glands and ducts.”
Administration:
25-40 drops (0.8-1.3ml) three times daily, in a mouthful of water, between meals
Contraindications and Cautions:
Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use if you are allergic to the Asteraceae (daisy family).
Available in bottle sizes of 50ml, 100ml, and 250ml.
A NOTE ON TINCTURES
Tinctures are more readily absorbed by the body and have a high degree of bio-availability. As well, they have a long shelf life.
Sometimes people ask us why tinctures are alcohol-based. There are very good reasons. Alcohol is critically important in the extraction of an herb's medicinal ingredients. It also helps to stabilize and preserve them. Alcohol is the ideal carrier substance, conveying the therapeutic goodness of the herb to the body. In itself, too, science has proven that alcohol enhances the immune system and its defences.
As for the amount of alcohol taken in an average dose of tincture, you'll be surprised to learn that it's about the same as what you'd find in an overly ripe banana!
Tinctures remain the most practical way to take advantage of the amazing, health-giving power of herbs.
Ingredients:
Certified Organic
Calendula
(Calendula officinalis) |
