The Medicinal World of Plants: Calendula

The word ‘Calendula’ was derived from the Latin word "calendae," which means "little calendar", "little weather-glass", or "little clock." The plant is very conscious when it comes to its blossoming period, which happens either on the new moon or on the beginning of the calendar month; like clockwork. The flower of Calendula is used to celebrate Mother Mary on Catholic holidays. It is used in India to decorate the deities of the Hindu tradition. Ancient Greeks and Romans would wear crowns of Calendula flowers around their heads, and ancient Egyptians used the flower in many spiritual rituals as they believed the flowers were sacred and had revitalizing attributes. After researching this divine little plant and taking the time to sit with it during this past week, I can't say they were wrong.

Calendula has amazing physical benefits, and can be grown easily almost anywhere. I really love this plant, and am planning on purchasing my own so I can use the flowers in tinctures, toothpastes and sugar scrubs.

Physical Benefits of Calendula

• Anti-Inflammatory Capabilities
• Calms Muscle Spasms
• Heals Ulcers, Wounds, and Hemorrhoids
• Aids Menstruation
• Contains Anti Microbial and Antiviral Components
• Improves oral Health
• Discourages Cancer
• Improves Skin
• Boosts vision
• Treats Ear infections
• Varicose Veins
• Cleanses Toxins in the Gallbladder and Liver
• Remedy for Cold and Flu

Like White Willow Bark, Calendula has strong anti-inflammatory properties because it contains the plant-based antioxidants known as flavonoids which protect our cells from free-radical damage and fight off bacteria, viruses and other foreign invaders, which makes the herb a very useful tool when it comes to cleaning wounds. The plant also contains anti-inflammatory linoleic acid which helps to improve a number of inflammatory issues, such as dry eye syndrome, ear infections, dermatitis, diaper rash, ulcers and soar throats.

I recently made a sugar scrub with the flower petals of Candula. When applied to the skin, it enhances blood flow to the skin cells. It helps to reduce wrinkles, age spots, and even visibility of scars. For Calendula recipes, click here

Calendula oil is amazing for fighting cancer and has anti-tumor properties.

Personally, my health didn't really change that much this week, but my health was in good condition when I started working with the plant. My skin looks better, and it helped to cure a soar throat I had earlier in the week. I'm sure it was working more on the inside than I can attest to. I definitely will keep this herb in mind, and recommend it to anyone who has a urinary tract infection, or any of the other dis-eases listed above.

The Magic in Calendula

This is my favorite part of the article. This is why I work with plants to begin with, because I feel the spiritual side effects and also, plants give out such exquisite energy when you take the time to really sit with them and listen.

Calendula has an a divine spirit that I really enjoy working with. I've felt really calm the last week, and have had major information downloads and prophetic and detailed dreams.

Spiritual Properties of Calendula

• Prophetic dreams
• Protection
• Respect
• Legal Matters

If you carry the petals of the flowers into court, you will apparently get the outcome you're looking for. Sorry, I wasn't able to try this one out, but if I ever have to go to court, I'll let you guys know what my outcome is as I carry a bunch of brightly colored petals into a court house with me.

I purchase herbs specifically for protection, which this plant definitely seems to have. However, I felt that it more-so protected my dreams. This, of course is fine by me, because the one area I have the most trouble with protecting is my astral world. But if you are looking for protection in the waking hours while you are at work or out on the street, I would suggest Blessed Thistle.

My dreams were very, very intense this week, and very detailed. I had a few prophetic dreams, but nothing extravagant (honestly, nothing important was going on in my life this week, so it might be because of that). Throughout my day, I would sense the same feelings I sensed the night before in my dreams. There were a lot of instances throughout the week that I said to myself, "wait a second, I dreamt of this" I also dreamt of small, unimportant situations that actually came to fruition the next day...but even though it wasn't anything to gloat about, I still find this paranormal experience pretty cool, and I really like plants that help to open me to my ability to do it. This is my new favorite plant when it comes to dreams.

The herb can be used in rituals to attract optimism, vitality, and to attract success in every part of our lives. I put a little bit of the petals at the end of my bed in hopes that this information is true. Like everyone else, I'd love to be more successful!

Side Effects of Calendula

The herb is known to cause drowsiness.

Precautions with Calendula

Pregnant women or nursing mothers: It is best not to take Calendula as there are some concerns it can cause a miscarriage or cause harm to the baby who is still nursing.

Sensitivity to the Asteraceae/Compositae family: Calendula may cause an allergic reaction if you are sensitive to this family. Includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, etc.

If you are taking Sedative medications (CNS depressants): If you are taking medications such as clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), and others, it is best to avoid combining Calendula.

References

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22669722
• https://draxe.com/calendula/
• https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/calendula.html
• https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-235/calendula
• https://www.advancedtissue.com/calendula-wound-healing-herb/
• http://ayurvedicoils.com/tag/top-5-health-benefits-of-calendula-oil
• http://herbalriot.tumblr.com/post/65896610634/magickal-uses-for-calendula

Follow me on Pinterest for recipes and information on the herbs I work with.

Bitcoin: 1q7zTeDx1qvmFxxcNDYXg8wNhsA5WFn9D
Bitcoin Cash: 1AN8LuibTmPuN9vCuAH9BwzEk1jjvYfxcU
EOS: 0x605d15ceb4ba1106e9745492375139f7fc010c44
Dash: XgZvTarGsFELr79sCgZmMb6yDg5YjfVD9H
ETH: 0x605d15ceb4ba1106e9745492375139f7fc010c44