Calendula

Calendula is popular in ointments, salves, oils, or creams for various skin problems, such as eczema, skin rashes, bed sores, diaper rash, varicose veins, bruises, cuts, burns, chapped, dry skin and lips, insect bites, and sore breasts. The tea is used locally for sore throats, slow-healing wounds, or leukorrea and internally for fever and swollen lymph glands. The tea or tincture is beneficial for the healing of ulcers in the digestive tract and to ease gallbladder inflammation and enlarged, sore lymph glands. An extract of calendula flowers (combined with allantoin) was shown to dramatically accelerate the healing of surgically induced wounds and prevent infection. The entire flower head (not just the petals) is used to make calendula preparations that can be found in drugstores and natural food stores alike, since calendula has long been the go-to herb for skin problems.

Science shows that extracts of the flowerheads have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Herbalists have long recommended tea infusions of calendula to help heal ulcers in the digestive tract, soothe gallbladder inflammation, and treat enlarged, sore lymph glands. Research has uncovered an anti-herpes virus action, and the cream is often applied to ease the pain and inflammation of herpes sores.

Calendula has a taste of SPICY, BITTER and a temperature of NEUTRAL.