Calendula officinalis

An annual herb native to southern Europe but widely cultivated in gardens for its bright orange-yellow flowers. Belonging to the Asteraceae (Compositae) family, Calendula is rich in carotenoids, flavonoids, and resins. The fresh flowering tops are used in homeopathic preparation, macerated in alcohol to produce the mother tincture.

First homeopathic records by Hahnemann’s followers in the early 19th century; chiefly clinical remedy confirmed extensively by Hering and Clarke. Few true pathogenetic symptoms; the majority of its materia medica is based on clinical experience.

Calendula is the great herbal surgeon of homeopathy — pure, clean, and vitalising. It prevents decay and corruption in wounds, fostering healthy tissue regeneration. It is less about pain relief than about ensuring that healing takes place naturally and without infection, guiding the body’s repair process.

• Skin and soft tissues – Especially wounds, abrasions, burns, lacerations [Hering].
• Mucous membranes – Mouth, throat, genitals, urinary tract in ulceration or trauma.
• Glandular system – Local inflammation and suppuration prevention.
• Circulatory system – Promotes local healing by improving capillary circulation.
• Eyes – Injuries to eyelids and conjunctiva.

No pronounced mental proving symptoms; generally indicated in physical trauma where the patient feels anxious or fearful about wound healing. Some report irritability from pain or slow convalescence.

Restlessness from pain of wounds.

Not characteristic.

Acts as a local antiseptic and healer — internally as a stimulant to granulation and externally as a cleanser and repair-promoter. Especially valuable where there is loss of soft tissue with tendency to sluggish repair. Unlike Arnica, Calendula is for open wounds rather than closed bruises.

Low-grade fever in septic states; Calendula arrests suppurative process and reduces systemic inflammation.

Sweating may occur in septic or traumatic fever; not a primary modality.

Headache from septic states or after surgical operations, especially when due to absorption of septic material.

Injuries to the eye from foreign bodies or surgical intervention [Hering]. Conjunctivitis from mechanical irritation. Eyelid wounds heal rapidly under its influence.

Not a primary ear remedy, but used externally for lacerations or ulcerations around the auricle.

Traumatic injuries to nasal bridge or skin; wounds heal more cleanly when treated with Calendula.

Facial lacerations or ulcerations from trauma or surgery; reduces risk of disfiguring scar tissue [Clarke].

Aphthous ulcers in the mouth with raw, smarting pain. Indicated after dental extractions to prevent infection and hasten healing [Boericke].

Adjunct after tooth removal, reducing swelling and preventing suppuration.

Ulcerated sore throat after surgical procedures; gargle with Calendula tincture relieves pain and speeds healing.

Penetrating wounds to chest wall heal more cleanly with Calendula internally and externally applied.

Not a direct heart remedy; septic states with low vitality may indirectly affect pulse.

Dyspnoea from pain in chest wounds.

Nausea may occur in septic states requiring Calendula; not a direct gastric remedy.

Used externally for post-surgical abdominal wounds to prevent pus formation.

Anal fissures, lacerations after surgery or childbirth; promotes granulation tissue and reduces inflammation.

Adjunctive remedy in post-catheterisation trauma or surgical wounds of urinary tract.

No marked cravings or aversions.

Lacerations or abrasions of genital skin; speeds healing and reduces risk of secondary infection.

Lacerations of perineum after childbirth; prevents suppuration and promotes rapid granulation [Hering, Clarke]. Used as vaginal douche post-delivery or after gynaecological surgery.

Lacerations, abrasions, or surgical wounds of the back respond to Calendula dressings.

Cuts, crushed fingers, lacerations from machinery; prevents pus, promotes healthy granulation, and diminishes pain. Amputations heal more readily with Calendula [Boericke].

Perhaps its chief sphere: traumatic wounds (cuts, abrasions, tears, punctures, burns, scalds, ulcerations) heal with remarkable rapidity and minimal scarring [Hering, Clarke]. Promotes healthy granulation without exuberant tissue. Prevents septic suppuration even in deep lacerations. Used topically and internally. Burns (second degree) with raw, inflamed skin are soothed by external application.

• Arnica montana – Closed injuries, bruises; Calendula for open wounds.
• Hypericum perforatum – Nerve-rich injuries; Calendula for general soft tissue repair.
• Staphisagria – Clean incised wounds with marked pain; Calendula more for prevention of suppuration.
• Bellis perennis – Deep tissue trauma; Calendula more superficial.

• Complementary: Hypericum, Bellis perennis, Silicea.
• Antidotes: Excessive suppuration may require Hepar sulph.
• Follows well: Arnica in cases where wounds open and require granulation stimulation.

• Use internally and externally for maximum effect.
• Ideal after surgical operations to prevent pus and speed recovery [Clarke].
• Beneficial for lacerated perineum after childbirth; add to sitz bath or use as a wash.
• Acts best in clean, open wounds — for bruised but unbroken skin, prefer Arnica.

Mind:

• Anxiety about recovery after injury.
• Irritability from wound pain.

Skin:

• Lacerations.
• Ulcerations.
• Burns.
• Wounds, open, slow healing.

Mouth:

• Ulcers, aphthae.
• Post-extraction healing.

Female:

• Lacerations after labour.
• Surgical wound healing.

Generalities:

• Promotes granulation.
• Prevents suppuration.

1. Hering, C. – Guiding Symptoms: Wound-healing indications, prevention of suppuration.
2. Clarke, J.H. – Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica: External and internal uses, surgical adjunct.
3. Boericke, W. – Pocket Manual: Keynotes for lacerations and ulcerations.
4. Allen, T.F. – Encyclopaedia: Fragmentary proving notes, wound applications.
5. Hughes, R. – Manual of Pharmacodynamics: Mode of action on tissues.
6. Farrington, E.A. – Clinical Materia Medica: Comparative notes with Arnica and Hypericum.
7. Kent, J.T. – Lectures: Brief notes on surgical application.
8. Boger, C.M. – Synoptic Key: Characteristic local healing sphere.
9. Dewey, W.A. – Practical Therapeutics: Surgical and obstetric indications.
10. Nash, E.B. – Leaders: Calendula’s place in wound care hierarchy.