External Applications in Anthroposophic Nursing

Calendula

Synonyms
Calendula officinalis
Composition
Calendula, flowering plant
Manufacturer(s)
There are many good calendula preparations from different manufacturers in the form of ointments and essences

Guiding principle

Calendula belongs to the family of composite flowers. These flowers are characterized by great variability of shapes and colors. They love light and warmth. We find many aromatic and spicy (medicinal) plants in this family, as well as special wound herbs such as arnica, echinacea and calendula.
Already Calendula’s outer appearance shows strong vitality in the leaf area, which culminates in a brightly radiant, very orderly flower pattern. The plant’s life forces can also be seen in its luxuriant seed formation and fast germination.
In addition to essential oils (warmth process), calendula mainly produces carotenes (light and silica process), bitter substances (life forces), mucilage (balance between hardening and dissolving). The wound-healing effect of the substances in calendula has been widely researched. As a wound herb it is used for infected and/or open wounds.

“While arnica works especially where the surface of the body is still intact, calendula helps especially when the skin is torn or bruised, when there is a ‘opening’ which must now heal. Here, calendula stimulates healthy growth and ordering processes.”
(M. Sommer “Heilpflanzen”, aethera Verlag)

Indications and application

Bedsore

Pressure ulcer

Wounds, chronical