Learning to Trust Calendula
by Beth Goodwin, PDHom
When I first began studying homeopathy, I had a lot to unlearn. I had been raised in the Midwest in a household dedicated to traditional medicine. So, it was natural for me to be a bit sceptical when I learned that the little orange and yellow marigold flower I had treasured in childhood contained powerful healing properties. Specifically, the English marigold, also known as Calendula officinalis.
I learned that I could use Calendula instead of my usual over the counter antiseptic for mild burns, scrapes, cuts and more. Well! I was eager to try it out! Fortunately, an event presented itself. I was boiling some water in my mother’s kettle. As I was pouring boiling water into a cup, the top of the kettle shifted releasing hot steam onto my hand. After running it under cold water I braced myself for several days of deep discomfort. But, hey! This was it! I immediately applied some Calendula salve.. Truly, I forgot about my hand and by the next morning, all redness and discomfort was gone. I never even blistered! Since then, I have continued to use Calendula in various forms when the opportunity arises.
Here are some inspirational segments from A Physician’s Posy by Dr. Dorothy Shepherd: “The Marigold is one of the most decorative flowers that I know; its colour reflects the health-giving qualities of the warming and healing sunlight….Sepsis is the great danger of open wounds and injuries, and antiseptics are the answer of the surgeon to this enemy. Unfortunately, antiseptics which are potent enough to kill the micro-organisms are also injurious to the living cells of the body and the defending white blood corpuscles which are sent out to kill off the attacking microbes….our little herb Marigold exerts a far greater healing power than the orthodox chemical antiseptics. It provides the healing touch of nature and prevents the spread of disease. Calendula is wonderfully soothing as an external application, it neither destroys nor irritates any new epithelial cells which are forming; it rather stimulates their growth.”
GENERAL USE
*Calendula tincture (An alcoholic extract of a plant material)
Wounds, cuts, scrapes: Dilute 10-20 drops of tincture in approximately 2-3 cups of water and soak surface wounds or apply with a cotton ball. Prevents infection.
After childbirth: Dilute 10-20 drops of tincture in approximately 2 cups of water and soak a washcloth or cotton pad. Apply to vaginal tissue / perineum / stitches to encourage healing.
After dental work: Dilute 10 drops of tincture in 1 cup of water. Take some of the solution into the mouth and swish around or place some on a cotton ball and apply to soothe the gums.
Vaginal douche: Dilute 15 drops of tincture in approximately 2 cups of water. Douche with the solution to soothe irritated dry tissues.
*Calendula Homeopathic Remedy
Cuts, scrapes, wounds, burns: Whenever your skin is having a difficult time healing, think of Calendula 30c. After using diluted Calendula tincture to thoroughly clean the injury or applying Calendula ointment, using the homeopathic remedy internally can accelerate the healing process. Take one pill daily for up to 7 days.
Calendula ointment, salve or oil
Burns: Serious burns should be addressed by a medical doctor, but, for general household burns, apply as needed.
Cuts: After cuts have closed, apply Calendula ointment to prevent scarring.
Breastfeeding: After cleaning and drying the nipple, apply after each feeding to prevent chafing or infection.
Calendula lotion or gel
Apply as needed for cuts, scrapes, chafing, minor burns and sunburn.
*Available through professionals. Contact Beth Goodwin, beth@goodhomeopath.com.
All other products available at WILLOWTREE Market in Winslow.
(This article is meant to be educational. All suggestions are suggestions only. Please seek advice from a medical professional for any serious or life threatening condition.)
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