🌿 Calendula

{"conditions_treated": ["Skin wounds, cuts, and abrasions (one of the best wound-healing herbs \u2014 stimulates tissue regeneration)", "Burns and sunburn (soothing, cooling, promotes healing)", "Eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin (anti-inflammatory, moisturizing)", "Diaper rash (gentle and effective \u2014 standard ingredient in natural baby products)", "Varicose veins and hemorrhoids (topical anti-inflammatory)", "Minor fungal infections (antifungal \u2014 ringworm, athlete's foot)", "Mouth ulcers and sore gums (calendula mouthwash)", "Conjunctivitis (calendula eyewash \u2014 must be well-strained)", "Lymphatic congestion (internal use \u2014 stimulates lymphatic drainage)", "Digestive inflammation (gastritis, ulcers \u2014 internal demulcent, anti-inflammatory)", "Menstrual cramps and irregular cycles (emmenagogue)"], "preparation_methods": ["Calendula salve: Dried flowers infused in oil (olive or coconut), strained, mixed with beeswax \u2014 THE standard wound-healing salve for every home apothecary", "Calendula oil: Fresh or dried flowers in carrier oil; 2-4 weeks solar or gentle heat infusion; use directly on skin or in salves", "Tea/infusion: 1-2 tsp dried petals steeped 10-15 min; drink for lymphatic support and digestive inflammation; also used as mouthwash or skin wash", "Eyewash: TEASPOON of well-strained, cooled calendula tea; use sterile technique for conjunctivitis", "Tincture: 1:5 in 60% alcohol; 2-4ml 3x daily for lymphatic support and internal inflammation", "Compress: Cloth soaked in strong calendula infusion for wounds, varicose veins, hemorrhoids", "Bath: Strong calendula infusion added to bathwater for widespread skin conditions and children's eczema", "Cream: Water-based calendula cream for conditions needing moisture (vs. salve for protection)"], "active_compounds": ["Triterpenoid saponins", "Flavonoids (quercetin, isorhamnetin)", "Carotenoids (calendulin)", "Polysaccharides", "Essential oil"], "toxicity_warnings": "Very safe herb \u2014 one of the safest topical remedies. Avoid internal use during pregnancy (emmenagogue \u2014 may stimulate uterine contractions). Rare allergic reactions in Asteraceae-sensitive individuals (ragweed, daisies). Do not use on deep or infected wounds without medical supervision (may heal surface too quickly, trapping infection)."}