Calendula. Calendula officinalis.

Synonym—Marigold.

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 Action—Through 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.

Therapy—This 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.

The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 1919, was written by Finley Ellingwood, M.D.
It was scanned by Michael Moore for the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine.