Calendula (Calendula officinalis) vs Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa)

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa)

About

Calendula (Calendula officinalis), with its bright orange daisy-like flowers, is among the most versatile herbs in Western herbal medicine. Its petals contain antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and vulnerary properties, making it excellent for speeding tissue repair in wounds, burns, bruises, and various skin irritations. Calendula is also used internally for gastrointestinal inflammation (e.g., Crohn’s disease, colitis, gastritis).

Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa) is a perennial growing to about 1-2 ft (30-60 cm), with sticky leaves and purple tubular flowers. One of the most prized herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s considered both cooling (raw) and nourishing (prepared), supporting liver, kidneys, blood, and longevity.

Safety & precautions

Internal Use & Pregnancy: Not advised during pregnancy when taken internally. Topical Use: Generally safe; rare cases of allergic skin reactions may occur. General Note: Calendula has a mild estrogenic effect and may influence menstruation.

Pregnancy: Consult a practitioner. Diarrhea or Appetite Loss: Not advised if these symptoms are prominent, as rehmannia can be cooling and heavy on digestion.

Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.