Calendula and The Extracellular Matrix
The cells in our bodies are not independent units—they are controlled by signals of the extracellular matrix. This fluid, which is more gel-like than water-like, holds us together and makes order out of our organ systems and the messaging that goes from cell to cell, or tissue to tissue, or organ to organ. The matrix is an incredible network of informational flow and is essential to wound healing.
Calendula is the monarch herb in our Lâche-Lymphe, Calendula Botanical Solution, Fleur Vibrante Serum Cerate, and an essential herb carried throughout our formulary. It helps with draining, stimulating the lymphatics, moving stagnation, and stabilizes the population of microbes during wound healing.
Herbalist Matthew Wood in his book: Holistic Medicine and the Extracellular Matrix, states, “Calendula assists in laying down the new scaffolding consisting of matrix polymers similar to those found in the petals of the calendula flower.” He also notes that calendula is said to pick up available iodine in the body, which is essential for hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is the most important of all glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)—the ground substance or architect of the matrix. We tend to lose HA as we age. I’ve personally never known the topical application of HA to produce meaningful results. I know they require a lot of water to thoroughly hydrate and unfold. To that end, this is where the Anelemma becomes useful, and to drink the bone broth rich in GAGs while we’re at it.
Echinacea, too, has an essential relationship with the first stage of healing. Echinacea supports calendula’s lymphatic activity and engages immune function with a unique extract of highly enriched alkylamides. These bind to the receptors bringing resolution to skin issues and lymph swelling. Echinacea is also said to be an antidote to the enzymes that dissolve HA while simultaneously encouraging the growth of HA.
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Calendula assists in laying down the new scaffolding consisting of matrix polymers similar to those found in the petals of the calendula flower.
It’s important to note when taken internally, echinacea has a diffusive tingling sensation. Our chemist, Dr. Kevin Spelman, calls it the trigeminal response. You can feel that tingle, which he says is important as it’s a marker of high-quality echinacea. The alkylamides from echinacea are the piece that gives you the buzz in your mouth. And the echinacea in Lâche-Lymphe has the highest known level of alkylamides of any on the market.
Echinacea strengthens the matrix, helps the veins and lymphatics carry away waste products, and improves the quality of the gel that envelopes collagen. Echinacea also has a histaminic skin signature and is an excellent external remedy for acute bee stings and bug bites. I tried Lâche-Lymphe topically on mosquito bites and it did provide some relief. But since it is our priciest tincture formula, I don’t recommend it unless there is an absolute emergency as you will fly through the product.
Extracellular Essentials
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Lâche-Lymphe |
Calendula Solution |
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FVCS |
Fleur Vibrante Balm |
