USES FOR CALENDULA The calendula flowers contain high concentrations of colorful orange xanthophylls, carotenoids and other flavonoids that are powerful antioxidants. The flavonoid extract has been shown scientifically to be effective against inflammation, fever and to stimulate bile flow for aiding digestion and cleansing the liver. The aqueous extract has also been shown to have an uterotonic effect. Studies done of the flowers of Egyptian Calendula officinalis L. conducted at the Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Japan, found hypoglycemic and stomach protective properties for calendula flowers. The principal saponins inhibited an increase in serum glucose levels in glucose-loaded rats and prevented gastric lesions in rats. CALENDULA HAS ANTIBIOTIC, ANTI-FUNGUS, AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES AND IS SUGGESTED FOR: Circulation Bruises Eczema Fungal infections Varicose veins Cuts and scratches Cramps Gastrointestinal disorders Balancing menstrual cycle Fever Vaginal dryness due to menopause Facilitate healing after childbirth NEW USES FOR CALENDULA A recent study has shown efficacy for helping to heal surgical wounds after caesarian section. Another recent study showed that a naturopathic preparation containing calendula extract was effective in the management of ear pain associated with acute otitis media. The in vitro anti-HIV activity of calendula extract was examined. Infected T cells were protected up to 24 hours from fusion and subsequent death. Calendula extract also caused a dose-dependent reduction of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activity. This has sparked an interest in the therapeutic use of calendula in HIV infection.

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