HISTORICAL USE OF CALENDULA

Calendula has been used for medical purposes since the 12th century. It was well known by old
Herbalists as a garden flower and for use in medicine and cookery. Below is a collection of
writings from historic Herbalists stating the knowledge and usage of the plant.

Dodoens-Lyte from A Niewe Herball, 1578

It hath pleasant, bright and shining yellow flowers, the which do close at the setting downe of
the sunne, and do spread and open againe at the sunne rising.

Fuller from Antheologie 1655

We all know the many and sovereign virtues in your leaves, the Herbe Generalle in all pottage.

Stevens, in Maison Rustique, or the Countrie Farme 1699

Mentions the Marigold as a specific for headache, jaundice, red eyes, toothache and ague. The
dried flowers are still used among the peasantry 'to strengthen and comfort the hart.' He says
further:
'Conserve made of the flowers and sugar, taken in the morning fasting, cureth the trembling of
the harte, and is also given in the time of plague or pestilence. The yellow leaves of the flowers
are dried and kept throughout Dutchland against winter to put into broths, physicall potions and
for divers other purposes, in such quantity that in some Grocers or Spicesellers are to be found
barrels filled with them and retailed by the penny or less, insomuch that no broths are well
made without dried Marigold.'

Maude Grieve
Formerly its flowers were used to give cheese a yellow colour.
Medicinal Action and Uses---Marigold is chiefly used as a local remedy. Its action is stimulant
and diaphoretic. Given internally, it assists local action and prevents suppuration. The infusion
of 1 ounce to a pint of boiling water is given internally, in doses of a tablespoonful, and
externally as a local application. It is useful in chronic ulcer, varicose veins, etc. Was
considered formerly to have much value as an aperient and detergent in visceral obstructions
and jaundice.

It has been asserted that a Marigold flower, rubbed on the affected part, is an admirable
remedy for the pain and swelling caused by the sting of a wasp or bee. A lotion made from the
flowers is most useful for sprains and wounds, and a water distilled from them is good for
inflamed and sore eyes.
An infusion of the freshly-gathered flowers is employed in fevers, as it gently promotes
perspiration and throws out any eruption - a decoction of the flowers is much in use in country
districts to bring out smallpox and measles, in the same manner as Saffron. Marigold flowers
are in demand for children's ailments.
The leaves when chewed at first communicate a viscid sweetness, followed by a strong
penetrating taste, of a saline nature. The expressed juice, which contains the greater part of
this pungent matter, has been given in cases of costiveness and proved very efficacious.
Snuffed up the nose it excites sneezing and a discharge of mucous from the head.
The leaves, eaten as a salad, have been considered useful in the scrofula of children, and
the acrid qualities of the plant have caused it to be recommended as an extirpator of warts.
A yellow dye has also been extracted from the flower, by boiling.

In Macer's Herbal
It is stated that only to look on Marigolds will draw evil humours out of the head and strengthen
the eyesight.
'Golde [Marigold] is bitter in savour
Fayr and zelw [yellow] is his flowur
Ye golde flour is good to sene
It makyth ye syth bryth and clene
Wyscely to lokyn on his flowres
Drawyth owt of ye heed wikked hirores
[humours].
.......................
Loke wyscely on golde erly at morwe [morning]
Yat day fro feures it schall ye borwe:
Ye odour of ye golde is good to smelle.'
'It must be taken only when the moon is in the Sign of the Virgin and not when Jupiter is in the
ascendant, for then the herb loses its virtue. And the gatherer, who must be out of deadly sin,

must say three Pater Nosters and three Aves. It will give the wearer a vision of anyone who
has robbed him.'

Eleanour Sinclair Rohde's Old English Herbals:

Of marygold we learn that Summe use to make theyr here yelow with the floure of this herbe,
not beyng contet with the naturall colour which God hath geven the.'

Gerard
'The fruitful or much-bearing marigold, . . . is likewise called Jackanapes-on-horsebacke: it hath
leaves stalkes and roots like the common sort of marigold, differing in the shape of his floures;
for this plant doth bring forth at the top of the stalke one floure like the other marigolds, from
which start forth sundry other small floures, yellow likewise and of the same fashion as the first;
which if I be not deceived commeth to pass per accidens, or by chance, as Nature often times
liketh to play with other flowers; or as children are borne with two thumbes on one hande or
such like; which living to be men do get children like unto others: even so is the seed of this
Marigold, which if it be sowen it brings forth not one floure in a thousand like the plant from
whence it was taken.'

Culpepper
'herb of the Sun, and under Leo. They strengthen the heart exceedingly, and are very
expulsive, and a little less effectual in the smallpox and measles than saffron. The juice of
Marigold leaves mixed with vinegar, and any hot swelling bathed with it, instantly gives ease,
and assuages it. The flowers, either green or dried, are much used in possets, broths, and
drink, as a comforter of the heart and spirits, and to expel any malignant or pestilential quality
which might annoy them. A plaister made with the dry flowers in powder, hog's-grease,
turpentine, and rosin, applied to the breast, strengthens and succours the heart infinitely in
fevers, whether epidermal or not.'

King's American Dispensatory, 1898 by Harvey Wickes

Felter, M.D., and John Uri Lloyd Phr.M Phd. D
One-third its quantity of water; lint is saturated with this, applied to the parts, and renewed as
often as it becomes dry."

The statement of Dr. Clary has stood the test of time, and now hundreds of advocates of
calendula endorse it. It may be used well diluted for the chafing and excoriations of infants.
Michener (Cal. Med. Jour.), claims remarkable results from its use in gangrenous and indolent
ulcers with capillary impairment. Use 1 part of specific calendula to 3 parts of water, locally,
keeping the parts constantly wet. Teaspoonful doses every 4 hours of a solution of specific
calendula flj, in water fliv, are to be given at the same time. He also uses it successfully after
surgical operations to induce healing by first intention, to wash abscess cavities, to prevent
cicatrization from burns and scalds, in eczematous and ulcerative skin diseases, vaginitis (wash
or tampon), endocervicitis, gonorrhoea, non-specific urethritis, and mercurial stomatitis. Dr.
Bradner (An. of Ec. Med., 1890), states that cavities from which epitheliomatous growths have
been removed, heal quickly under the use of the evaporated fluid extract mixed with
petrolatum. Locally, by atomizer, the doctor directs: Rx Tr. calendula, gtt. x to lx; ol. petrolatum,
i. Mix. In catarrhal conditions of the nose and throat, with raw and tender membranes, its
action is kindly and soothing. Lamoreaux (An. of Ec. Med., 1890), uses it in mild conjunctivitis in
the proportion of 5 drops to the ounce of rose water; and as a dressing for lacerated perineum
he states that it operates to prevent pain and swelling. In obstetric practice it is of value to
relieve burning and smarting after delivery, and relieves to some extent the pain and
tenderness of excoriated nipples. In vaginitis, endometritis, all uterine and vaginal abrasions,
and non-malignant ulcerations, leucorrhoea, and as an intra-uterine wash, calendula has
received strong endorsement. It is a vaso-motor stimulant, and relieves capillary engorgement
of the mucous tissues and skin. Congestion of the nasal membranes and its consequent
unpleasantness are removed by it. Uterine subinvolution and vaginal engorgements are thus
relieved. It stimulates ecchymosed tissues, and has been recommended in varicoses of the
lower limbs, using it both locally and internally. Locally, it is applied diluted to inflamed
conjunctival and aural tissues, and to traumatic injuries of the eye and ear. Foltz (Dynam. Ther.)
employs in suppurative otitis media as follows: Rx Specific calendula, flj; boric acid, j. Mix.
Ft. chart, No. 1. Use by insufflation. Prof. Webster values it in superficial skin affections, even
where there are long-standing inflammatory indurations, as in stubborn acne. Use it both locally
and internally. Locally, specific calendula (the best form), from 1 to 4 parts of water to full
strength; internally in doses 1 to 10 drops.
Specific Indications and Uses.Locally, to wounds and injuries to prevent suppuration and
promote rapid healing. Internally, to aid local action, and in chronic suppuration., capillary
engorgement, varicose veins, old ulcers, splenic and hepatic congestion.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.Slightly stimulant and diaphoretic. Used for similar
purposes with saffron, but less active. Has been reputed useful in spasmodic affections,
strumous maladies, icterus, suppressed menstruation, typhoid febrile conditions, cancer, etc.
Used in infusion or in the form of extract, from 4 to 6 grains, 3 or 4 times a day; also applied
locally to cancerous and other ulcers. Probably overestimated. Its chief use is as a local
remedy. Dr. William J. Clary, of Monroeville, Ohio, writes me as follows, in relation to this plant:
"As a local remedy after surgical operations, it has no equal in Materia Medica. Its forte is its
influence on lacerated wounds, without regard to the general health of the patient or the
weather. If applied constantly, gangrene will not follow, and, I might say, there will be but little,
if any, danger of tetanus. When applied to a wound it is seldom that any suppuration follows,
the wound healing by replacement or first intention. It has been tested by several practitioners,
and by one, is used after every surgical operation with the happiest effect. You need not fear to
use it in wounds, and I would not be without it for a hundred times its cost. It is to be made into
a saturated tincture with whiskey diluted with one-third its quantity of water; lint is saturated
with this, applied to the parts, and renewed as often as it becomes dry."

John M.Scudder M.D Specific Medication and Specific

Medicines, 1870
A tincture of Calendula has been employed by the Homoeopaths as a local application in
wounds; but without any advantage that I have been able to see.

Ellingwood, 1919: the American Materia Medica

CONSTITUENTS
Calendula, volatile oil, amorphous bitter principle, gum, sugar.
PREPARATIONS
Tinctura Calendulae, Tincture of Calendula. Dose, from half a dram to one dram.
Specific Calendula. Dose, from one to sixty minims.
Physiological ActionThrough the cerebro-spinal vaso-motor nervous system (Burt's fourth
edition Homeopathic Materia Medica), calendula has one specific action. It induces paralysis in
the arterial capillary vessels. Through it the vaso-motor nerves become partially paralyzed and
the vessels become loaded with blood. From this increased irritation which attracts a large
number of white corpuscles, the adhesive quality of these corpuscles induces adhesive

inflammation, as is beautifully shown in lacerated wounds and cuts where calendula is used,
producing union by first intention. Calendula is best applied in a cerate.
TherapyThis agent is used principally for its local influence. Internally it is given to assist its
local action, and to prevent suppuration in cases where there is a chronic tendency to such
action. It is useful in varicose veins, chronic ulcers, capillary engorgement, and in hepatic and
splenic congestion.
As arnica is applied to bruises and sprains, this agent is also applicable; and in addition it is of
much service applied to recent wounds, cuts and open sores. It is antiseptic, preventing the
formation of pus. It causes the scar, or cicatrix, to form without contraction of tissues, and in
the simplest possible manner. It hastens the healing of wounds and materially favors union of
co-apted surfaces by first intention. It relieves the pain in wounds, and if there are not bad
bruises, it quickly relieves the soreness and favors the healing process.
It is applicable to catarrhal mucous surfaces, to festering sores, local swellings, glandular
inflammations and to epithelioma and carcinoma to correct the fetor. It is especially applicable
to severe burns, to promote healing and to prevent the formation of a contracting scar.

Hildegard von Bingen's Physica

The marigold is cold and damp, it has strong powers of growth in it, and is a remedy against
poison. If anyone eat poison, or if it be served to him, let him boil marigolds in water, and after
the water is pressed out let him lay them directly onto his belly and they will soften the poison
and make it depart from him. One who has scabies on his head should take the flowers and
leaves of Calendula squeeze out the juice and with this juice and a litle water and fine whole
whea or rye flour prepare paste. He should put I all over his head covered by a cloth cap until it
grows warm and the paste breaks down. He should repeat this for nine days everytime the
paste is removed he should wash his head with lye prepared from Calendula juice and he will
be better.