Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Common name: Marigold

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) in the daisy family (Asteraceae) is a small, cool weather annual with yellow or orange flowers.1 It is native to the Mediterranean countries and is also known as pot marigold. The name calendula comes from the Latin word for “first day of the month” and may refer to the fact that the plant can be found blooming at the beginning of most months of the year. The common name pot marigold refers to the Virgin Mary).1

History and Traditional Use

Historically calendula flower was known as “poor man’s saffron” and was used as a color and flavoring agent in foods.2 Folk medicine healers in Europe prepared infusions, extracts, and ointments with the petals to induce menses, produce sweat during fevers, and to cure jaundice. Currently and historically calendula has been used externally to speed the healing of burns, bruises, and wounds.2 Traditionally the flower was also used as an antiseptic, to staunch bleeding, and internally for stomach ailments and gastric and duodenal ulcers.3

Modern Medicinal Use

The German Commission E has approved calendula flower for both internal and topical use in treating inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.2 It is also approved externally for the healing of wounds; herbal infusions, tinctures, and ointments are used for skin and mucous membrane inflammations, such as pharyngitis, leg ulcers, bruises, boils, and rashes.2 Antiviral and immunostimulating effects of calendula have also been reported. It has antispasmodic, anti-hemorrhagic, emmenagogue (stimulates menstrual flow), wound healing, styptic (stops bleeding through astringent action) and antiseptic properties.4 An herbal ear drop product including calendula, mullein, St. John’s wort, and garlic in an olive oil base, has been shown to be as effective as a standard anesthetic ear drop in reducing ear pain caused by middle ear infection in children.5 Calendula has been shown to be effective for the prevention of acute dermatitis, especially during radiation therapy for breast cancer.6

Modern Consumer Use

Calendula flower is included in many skin care products such as face, body, and hand creams, night creams, ointments, and shampoos.3 Its carotenoid pigments are used as coloring agents in cosmetics, while the volatile oil is used as an ingredient in perfumes.7 The flowers are also used in teas; and the petals are sometimes added to salads2 or consumed as a seasoning.8

References

1 Bown D. The Herb Society of America’s New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses. London: Dorling Kindersley Limited, 2001.

2 Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, editors. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

3 Leung AY., Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York: Wiley-Interscience; 1996.

4 Barnes J, Anderson LA, and Phillipson DJ. Herbal Medicines: a Guide for Healthcare Professionals. 2nd ed. Chicago: Pharmaceutical Press; 2002.

5 Brown DJ. Herbal ear drops effectively treat ear pain associated with acute otitis media. HerbalGram 2002;No. 54:23-24.

6 Pommier P, Gomez F, Sunyach MP, D’Hombres A, Carrie C, and Montbarbon X. Phase III randomized trial of Calendula officinalis compared with trolamine for the prevention of acute dermatitis during irradiation for breast cancer. J Clin Oncol 2004; 22(8):1447-53.

7 Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler’s Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 4nd ed. New York: Haworth Herbal Press; 2000.

8 DerMarderosian A, Beutler JA. The Review of Natural Products: The Most Complete Source of Natural Product Information. 3nd ed. St Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons; 2002.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Calamus (Acorus calamus)

Actions: carminative, demulcent, anti-spasmodic

Indications : Calamus, also known as Sweet Flag, is both demulcent and carminative, making it an excellent herb for digestion. It may be used for ulcers, gas, bloating and poor appetite. It is also used as a fixative in the cosmetic industry. To use,blend 10 or more drops of essential oil or fragrance into 1 tablespoon cut and sifted or powdered calamus root. Allow to dry. Blend with dried flowers to make pot pourri. Preparation: blend 1 or 2 teaspoonsful of the herb into 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10 minutes. Drink 3 x daily.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus aculeatus)

Parts used and where grown: ButcherÕs broom is a spiny, small-leafed evergreen bush native to the Mediterranean region and Northwest Europe. It is a member of the lily family and is similar to asparagus in many ways. The roots and young stems of butcher’s broom are used medicinally.

In what conditions might butcher’s broom be supportive?

Â¥ atherosclerosis

Â¥ chronic venous insufficiency

Â¥ hemorrhoids

Â¥ varicose veins

Medicinal Properties: Tops: cathartic, diuretic Seed: cathartic, emetic

Historical or traditional use: Butcher’s broom is so named because the mature branches were bundled and used as brooms by butchers. The young shoots were sometimes eaten as food. Ancient physicians used the roots as a diuretic in the treatment of urinary problems.1

Active constituents: Steroidal molecules called ruscogenin and neoruscogenin are responsible for the medicinal actions of butcher’s broom.2 Similar to diosgenin, found in wild yam, ruscogenins decrease vascular permeability Ñwhich accounts for the anti-inflammatory activity of this herb. Butcher’s broom also causes small veins to constrict.3 4

How much should I take? Ointments and suppositories including butcher’s broom are typically used for hemorrhoids. These are often applied or inserted at night before going to bed. Encapsulated butcher’s broom extracts, often combined with vitamin C or flavonoids, can be used for systemic venous insufficiency in the amount of 1,000 mg three times per day. Alternatively, standardized extracts providing 50-100 mg of ruscogenins per day can be taken.

Uses: For circulatory disorders, gout, leg cramps, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, phlebitis, thrombosis, and jaundice . Good for kidney and bladder. Relieves inflammation. Excellent for dropsy, toothache, ague, acute constipation, swelling of the spleen.

Used with uva-ursi, cleavers, and dandelion makes an excellent remedy for cleansing the kidneys and bladder, and to increase the flow of urine. Makes a good ointment for lice or vermin. A cardiac depressant to quiet an overactive heart. A lymph tonic.

One of the legumes, it also increases available nitrogen in the soil, benefiting plants growing around it, and is a collector of calcium.

Are there any side effects or interactions? There are no significant side effects or problems if butcher’s broom is used in the amounts listed above.

Special United Kingdom Considerations: Butcher’s broom is either not available or may require a prescription. Please check with your nutritionally oriented physician.

Warning

Large doses can cause vomiting, purging, weakening heart, lowered nerve strength and low blood pressure. Advanced stages of toxicity can cause complete respiratory collapse. It also speeds up the heartbeat. Large doses have been reported to cause fatal poisoning.

Broom contains alkaloids and hydroxytyramine, and should not be used except under proper medical supervision.

Bibliography

Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss; pg., 98.
The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, pgs., 148-149, 180.
Complete Herbal & English Physician, by Nicholas Culpeper, pg., 32.
Earl Mindell’s Herb Bible, by Earl Mindell, pgs., 59-60.
Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, pg., 89.
Herb Gardening, compiled by The Robison York State Herb Garden, pg., 164.
The Magic of Herbs, by David Conway, pg., 89.
The Herb Book, by John Lust, pgs., 349-350, 529, 561, 566.
Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., pg., 178.
American Folk Medicine, by Clarence Meyer, pg., 285.
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., pg., 49.
Webster’s New World Dictionary, Third College Edition, Victoria Neufeldt, Editor in Chief, pg., 178.
The Rodale Herb Book, edited by William H. Hylton, pgs., 375-376.

References:

1. Grieve M. A Modern Herbal, vol I. New York: Dover Publications, 1971, 128-9.
2. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum, 1988, 117-8.
3. Bouskela E, Cyrino FZGA, Marcelon G. Inhibitory effect of the Ruscus extract and of the flavonoid heperidine methylchalcone on increased microvascular permeability induced by various agents in the hamster cheek pouch. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1993;22:225-30.
4. Bouskela E, Cyrino FZGA, Marcelon G. Effects of Ruscus extract on the internal diameter of arterioles and venules of the hamster cheek pouch microcirculation. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1993;22:221&endash;4.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Burdock (Lappa Lappa minor)

Bardane Beggar’s Button Thornybur

Parts used and where grown: Burdock is native to Asia and Europe. The root is the primary source of most herbal preparations. The root becomes very soft with chewing and tastes sweet, with a mucilaginous texture.

In what conditions might burdock be supportive?

Â¥ acne

Â¥ psoriasis

Â¥ rheumatoid arthritis

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES: Blood purifier. Cleanses and eliminates impurities from the blood rapidly. Will clear skin diseases, boils and carbuncles. Made into a salve for skin eruptions, burns, wounds. Diuretic, especially good for children. Excellent to reduce weight!

Historical or traditional use: In traditional herbal texts, burdock root is described as a “blood purifier” or “alterative” 1 Burdock root was believed to clear the bloodstream of toxins. It was used both internally and externally for eczema and psoriasis as well as to treat painful joints and as a diuretic. In traditional Chinese medicine, burdock root in combination with other herbs is used to treat sore throats, tonsillitis, colds, and even measles.2 It is eaten as a vegetable in Japan and elsewhere.

Burdock root has recently become popular as part of a tea to treat cancer. To date, only minimal research has substantiated this application.3

Active constituents: Burdock root contains high amounts of inulin and mucilage. This may explain its soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Bitter constituents in the root may also explain the traditional use of burdock to improve digestion. It also contains polyacetylenes that have been shown to have antimicrobial activity.4 Burdock root and fruit also have the ability to mildly lower blood sugar (hypoglycemic effect). Even though test-tube and animal studies have indicated some antitumor activity for burdock root, these results have not been duplicated in human studies.5

How much should I take? Traditional herbalists recommend 2-4 ml of burdock root tincture per day. For the dried root preparation in capsule form, the common amount to take is 1-2 grams three times per day. Many herbal preparations will combine burdock root with other alterative herbs, such as yellow dock, red clover, or cleavers.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Use of burdock root at the dosages listed above is generally safe. However, burdock root in large quantities may stimulate the uterus and therefore should be used with caution during pregnancy.

References:

1. Hoffman D. The Herbal Handbook: A UserÕs Guide to Medical Herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1988, 23&endash;4. 2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 107&endash;8. 3. Morita K, Kada T, Namiki M. A desmutagenic factor isolated from burdock (Arctium lappa Linne). Mutation Res 1984;129:25-31. 4. Wichtl M. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1994, 9&endash;101. 5. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 52&endash;3.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.