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Calendula plant
Calendula (marigold) is a genus of an annual plant in the sunflower family.
Calendula (marigold) is a genus of an annual plant in the sunflower family. It is widely cultivated in cool climates as ornamental plants and used for culinary and medicinal purposes. It is used in traditional medicine across Europe and Asia for its wound-healing properties, as a protective agent against jaundice, and to treat cramps. Various compounds present in the flower, for example, triterpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, quinones, volatile oils, carotenoids, and amino acids, have medicinal properties against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The uses of Calendula are as follows:
- Flavonoids provide anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. These are used for skin conditions such as boils, sores, and bruises.
- A study compared the topical herbal extract containing garlic, Calendula, and St. John's wort in olive oil with topical anesthetic treatment for treating ear pain in 103 children with middle ear infection. Both the groups experienced comparable improvements in pain throughout the 3 days of the study.
- Calendula oil is successfully used to cure ulcers, stomach ailments, and menstrual cramps.
- There is limited evidence to prove that Calendula helps with dermatitis caused by radiation in patients with cancer.
- Calendula keeps the skin firm and hydrates it. Its petals (dried) are used in ointments, tinctures, and face washes. It reduces the appearance of age spots, wrinkles, and scars. Daily intake of Calendula tea provides an even-toned and smooth skin.
- As per a study, Calendula has antiviral, antitumor, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It may have a preventive role in viral hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and other viral diseases.
- Studies are underway to assess Calendula as a treatment for memory impairment. The antioxidant properties of Calendula may protect the brain cells from damage due to diabetes, blood pressure, and other environmental toxins.
- Calendula is used as mouthwash for dental hygiene. Calendula mouthwash reduces gingivitis and dental plaque and promotes wound healing with its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- The cream made from Calendula oil may help relieve sunburn and other heat-related injuries.
- Applying Calendula oil helps treat bruises, scrapes, cuts, and insect bites. The oil speeds up the healing process. It also prevents infections of the scrapes and wounds.
- Calendula possesses antioxidant properties that improve vision health. The presence of beta carotene helps promote eye function. It prevents the risk of cataract and macular degeneration.
- It is an aid for skin problems, and its external use helps cure sore eyes, sprains, and varicose veins.
- The tincture or infusion made from Calendula flowers is used to treat stomach cramps, ulcers, herpes viruses, diarrhea, yeast infections, and colitis. It also helps in digestion.
- The stems of Calendula (crushed) are used for treating corns and warts.
- Calendula is effective in treating fever, kidney ailments, anemia, chickenpox, ulcer, measles, and snow bites.
- Calendula oil possesses antifungal properties, so it’s used to treat athlete’s foot.
- Calendula extracts can also help in relieving menopause symptoms.
- Calendula works wonders in increasing cell turnover by promptly eliminating dead skin cells and debris and promoting the formation of new tissues. This is an important function that helps keep the structural integrity of the skin intact. Moreover, the plethora of antioxidants in this floral extract stimulates the synthesis of collagen that is the key protein for enriching skin texture. This vastly diminishes the signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging and plumps up the skin for a youthful and glowing look.
Calendula holds a very powerful healing effect internally and externally. Bright, wonderful colors of the Calendula flower come from the potent flavonoids that can protect and heal our bodies. It’s a great natural remedy that has very few side effects. Calendula is considered very safe but be careful if you are taking sedatives and blood pressure or diabetes medications because it could enhance their effects. However, Calendula should not be taken if