Calendula's efficacy and effects

Modern medical research believes that calendula contains many nutrients that are beneficial to the human body. As a traditional Chinese medicine, its efficacy and functions have been widely recognized. Let's take a look at its specific situation.

[Other names] Calendula, sobering flower (poetry notes in "Wanling Collection"), marigold ("Compendium of Materia Medica for Famine Relief"), Catharanthus roseus ("Compendium of Materia Medica"), Catharanthus chamomile ("Xuepu Zaxiu"), golden calendula, catharanthus herba ("Modern Practical Chinese Medicine").

[Source] The whole herb and flowers of Calendula officinalis, a plant of the Asteraceae family. Harvested in summer.

[Original morphology] Annual or biennial herb, about 40 cm tall, with scattered soft hairs all over the plant. The stem is erect and branched at the top. Simple leaves are alternate; oblong-lanceolate, acuminate at the apex, coarsely serrated at the margin, and cuneate at the base. The head inflorescence is terminal, pedunculate, and about 2 cm in diameter; the involucral bracts are green, linear, and membranous on the edges; the marginal ligulate flowers are female, sulphur yellow, and the ligule has 3 teeth at the apex; the central tubular flowers are bisexual, with 5 lobes at the apex; the receptacle is flat and has no pedicels. Achenes, with soft thorns on the back, several in the outermost row are straight and mouth-like, while several in the inner row are curved inward like rings, without pappus. Flowering period is summer.

[Habitat distribution] It is cultivated in many gardens across my country.

[Chemical composition] The flowers contain essential oil, bitter substances, resin and gum.

【Functions and indications】 ① "Modern Practical Chinese Medicine": "Diuretic, sweating, stimulating, laxative, and menstruation-regulating. It can also treat intestinal hemorrhoids and bleeding."

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 0.6-1.5 qian. For external use: mash the juice and apply.

[Additional prescription] To treat intestinal wind and bleeding: add more than ten calendula flowers, add rock sugar as needed, stew with boiling water, and take twice a day. (Fujian Folk Herbs)

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

[Source] From "Compendium of Materia Medica".

The above is some introduction to the effects and functions of the traditional Chinese medicine calendula. Calendula is very helpful for human diseases, but it is worth noting that we should use symptomatic medication according to our personal physical condition and avoid indiscriminate consumption.