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Parts Used: Flower
Topical benefits: Eczema, ulcers, soft tissue injuries, burns, varicose veins, redness, dryness, hemorrhoids
Classes: Vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerogenic, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, astringent
Energetics: Bitter, warming, drying
Safety: Generally recognized as safe
Caution: Asteraceae allergy
Calendula officinalis is related to the “passage of time,” and is used internally and externally for soft tissue injuries and wound healing.
Calendula is also known as pot marigold. It is native to Mediterranean countries and is used for medicinal purposes, food appearances, or decoration. Calendula was commonly referred to as “poor man’s saffron” as it was used to flavour foods, like butters and cheeses, and add colour. The yellow and orange colours represent the sun, and was said that in Roman times, the flowers would open to the sun and close at night. The Calendula flowers were noted to have always bloomed on the first day of each month of the Roman calendar, or on each full moon. The Latin name “Calendae” means “the first day of each month.” There is an old tale about a girl named Mary-gold, who used to sit in a field at sun rise and disappear when the moon appeared. She one day disappeared and these bright orange and yellow flowers, known as Calendula, blossomed. The flowers now follow the same pattern around the sun as the little girl did.
British herbalists in the 1500s and 1600s applied Calendula petals as a topical remedy for insect bites, sprains, pain reduction, swelling, wart removal, and sore eyes. Folk medicine healers in Europe used Calendula internally to induce menstrual flow, sweat during feverish periods, treat liver issues, and heal mucous membrane lining (ie. Stomach ulcers, pharyngitis, ear infections, etc.). Externally, it was used to stop bleeding and heal bruises, burns, and wounds. The Calendula plant has been under cultivation and harvest for approximately six centuries, and is one of the oldest cultivated flowers. It is speculated to have been described as early as the 3rd century, BC and is grown in cooler climates. The plant blooms in July and will flourish up until the first frost.
When externally applied, Calendula speeds up wound healing by directing blood flow and oxygen to the affected area. It has been shown to improve skin hydration and firmness when consistently applied. The Calendula flower petals contain active constituents such as flavonoids, carotenoids, terpenoids, and polysaccharides, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and other therapeutic actions.
It is a part of the Asteraceae family, which is where sensitivity and/or allergies may arise. Internal use should also be avoided in early pregnancy, as it has the ability to stimulate menstruation and cramping.
Parts Used: Flower
Topical benefits: Dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, ulcers, burns, acne rosacea, redness, dryness, abrasions
Classes: Vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, anti-anxiety
Energetics: Sweet, bitter, warming
Safety: Generally recognized as safe
Caution: Asteraceae allergy
Matricaria chamomilla is known as the “star among medicinal species,” and is used internally and externally for inflammation and wound healing.
German chamomile is native to Southern and Eastern Europe, and Western Asia. It is commonly confused with Roman chamomile, which have similar medicinal properties. It contains therapeutically active compounds, including: sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, coumarins, and volatile oils. German chamomile is a natural source of blue oil, which is the essential oil. The bluer the oil, the higher the quality and presence of the active constituents.
Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman medicinal texts describe German chamomile as calming, a treatment for superficial redness of the skin, and abnormally dry skin. It is found in the writings of Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and Galen, in the 5th century BCE, 1st century CE, and 2nd century CE, respectively. It can be used both internally and externally, depending on the condition. Back in the Middle Ages, the flower was dried and used for common issues, such as: asthma, colic, inflammation, nausea, skin diseases, and more.
Externally, German chamomile is used as a salve or compress to aid in skin conditions; eczema, psoriasis, ulcers, wounds, etc. Due to its vulnerary actions, topical application aids in healing the wounded skin and repairing the skin barrier. It has been shown to effectively soothe the skin, decrease irritation and itching, prevent bacterial infections, and reduce redness and dryness. It improves the appearance of the skin and quality of life in individuals experiencing any skin-related issue. Internally, it can be used as capsule or tea to reduce cramping, gastrointestinal issues, sedation, anxiety, inflammation, and more.
It is a part of the Asteraceae family, which is where sensitivity and/or allergies may arise.
Parts Used: Flower
Topical benefits: Eczema, ulcers, varicose veins, sunburn and windburn, calm acne, redness, dryness, fungus
Classes: Vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, moisturizing, sedative, antidepressant
Energetics: Cooling and warming, toning and relaxing, pungent, bitter
Safety: Generally recognized as safe
Caution: Undiluted essential oil may cause hypersensitivity
Lavandula is a powerhouse healer with a sweet floral fragrance that fights microbes, promotes relaxation, and wound healing.
Lavender is said to be originated from the Mediterranean, Middle East, and India. It was the European settlers who brought this wonderful herb to North America. The first recorded use of lavender dated back to the ancient Egyptian times, of approximately 2500 years ago. Fun fact, it was used in the mummification process as well as a natural fragrance. The Latin verb “lavare” means “to wash”, which is fitting since the Romans used to place it in public bathhouses for an aromatic scent. In Medieval times, washerwomen were known as “lavenders” because they would place the freshly washed laundry to dry over a lavender bush for its scent. Royalty would also bathe in lavender water. In the Gospel of Luke, lavender was referred to as “spikenard.”
Aside from its origin, lavender is commonly known as a “herb of love.” In scriptures, it was noted as a charmer. It was also documented to have been taken by maidens to unveil their true love. Lavender was also used to cleanse new houses before moving in to disinfect and deodorize any past scents and/or microbes. Many used to place it in their closets to prevent moths. It can be either hung or burned to fight off evil or witchcraft. Early medicinal uses of lavender were interestingly for fighting off cholera and the plague. In the 17th century in London, it was tied to the wrists of those trying to prevent deadly disease.
Lavender is a versatile herb. It can be used both internally and externally for different purposes. Its actions range from easing muscle spasms, aiding digestion, relieving tension headaches, improving depression, and promoting sleep, to healing ulcers and wounds, reducing acne scars, soothing sunburns and windburns, and fighting fungal infections. Lavender is known to be very cooling, relaxing, and anti-inflammatory, making it an excellent herb for heat-related symptoms when applied topically; ie. Acne rosacea, rashes, dermatitis, etc. Due to its moisture trapping action, it is commonly used for excess dryness and replenishing moisture to the skin.
Parts Used: Fruit
Topical benefits: Inflammation, rashes, insect bites/stings, wounds, sunburns, redness, dryness, abrasions
Classes: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial, nourishing, sedative, antidepressant
Energetics: Cooling, moisturizing, sweet
Safety: Generally recognized as safe
Caution: Undiluted essential oil may cause hypersensitivity. Allergies may be present.
Rosa canina L., the “Queen of flowers,” is one of the oldest plants and is used as a vitamin C supplement, wound healer, and an antidepressant.
Rosehip shrubs are native to Europe and Western Asia. They develop on wild roses as the flowers fall. Rosehips are the “fruit of the rose,” and are commonly called the “rose haw.” They begin to bloom in the early spring or summer following pollination and grow up until autumn. They were heavily utilized during the prehistoric times, as the fruit acquires nutritious and medicinal properties. Rosehip is known to contain linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acid, which improve the function and appearance of the skin. The active constituents are polyphenols and flavonoids, such as quercetin and catechins, that aid in the healing process.
During World War II, rosehips were made into a syrup to supplement vitamin C and iron, preventing scurvy and deficiency. The fruits are highly concentrated in vitamin C, about 20x as rich when compared to oranges. The Latin name “Rosa canina” translates to “Dog rose,” as the Romans believed that rosehips were able to cure rabies from a canine bite. Herbalists in the Roman times commonly treated stomach issues, colds, and toothaches with rosehip extractions. Not only was rosehip used as a medicinal supplement, but is popular in the culinary art. Records support the conversion of rosehips into a jam, as they are very sweet. It is frequently used in soups, syrups, and teas.
Rosehips are a versatile herb. Topically, it is very effective for burns, wounds, insect bites, inflammation, and rashes. Its moisture trapping action further moisturizes the skin, and the high antioxidant concentration adds essential vitamins and minerals needed to heal; vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids. When ingested, it acts as a natural antidepressant, which opens the heart to allow the feeling of joy rather than grief. It has been found to calm the nervous system when experiencing anxiety or trauma. Rosehip has been documented to improve circulation, strengthen bones, and improve menstruation and fertility. It may also be used for mouth sores or sore throats.
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