Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a medicinal plant that has many uses and is highly valued for its medicinal properties. Originally from Egypt, it arrived in Europe at the time of the Crusades and began to be cultivated in the gardens and gardens of convents and monasteries.
Dr_verde
08/28/2023
09:06:39
Marigolds are an annual upright fragrant plant about 50 cm high. Generic name calendula comes from latin calendula what does it mean “for months” which we wanted to emphasize the long flowering period of the plant and the species name drugexpresses its medical natureHe.
This flower is decorative and grows near urban settlements. For this reason, it was widely used in everyday life, either as a yellow dye (a substitute for saffron in the kitchen), or as a decoration for salads, etc.
Today, this yellow-orange plant, ornamental in gardens and parks, has many medicinal and cosmetic uses. Belonging calendula for medicinal purposes, its flower heads are used, which must be collected during the period of full flowering and, if possible, in the first hours of the day after sunrise.
Phytotherapeutic use:
External applications:
Calendula very effectively promotes the epithelialization and regeneration of damaged, especially sensitive or allergic skin, stimulates the synthesis of nucleoproteins and collagen during the necessary process of skin regeneration.
– In case of not very serious burns, burns and friction, it reduces inflammation and promotes skin regeneration. It is used in infusions, oleates, creams, ointments, in which it is included.
– For acne, urticaria and for the treatment of youthful acne. For dry eczema, boils and abscesses.
– With atopic dermatitis, including in infants, diaper irritation, allergic skin.
– With exfoliative dermatitis and psoriasis with generalized peeling of the skin, sometimes with itching and swelling, redness of the skin.
– In insect bites, calendula acts as an anti-infective and anti-inflammatory agent.
– With bruises and bumps, reduces swelling and relieves pain. It is applied in the form of impregnated compresses or in partial baths. Indicated for the treatment of cuts, scratches, blisters and sprains, applied in the form of compresses soaked in infusion or tincture.
-On irritated, aging skin affected by the sun and time. With superficial wounds, light bleeding, ulcers and ulcers on the skin, it has an anti-hemorrhagic and healing effect.
– For dry and chapped lips. For mouth ulcers, inflammation of the tongue (glossitis) and gums (gingivitis).
-It is a support for the relief of rheumatic pains, the use of infusions or alcohol in massage.
-Fight against fungal infection, mycosis of the hands and feet, such as mycosis of the foot, and candidiasis.
– Relieves throat irritation when gargling.
Internal Applications:
-Calendula is indicated as a gynecological remedy for young women due to its antispasmodic action, for the treatment of menstrual disorders such as amenorrhea, metrorrhagia and dysmenorrhea.
– Calendula infusion is shown as a traditional remedy for anemia and recovery. It is better if it is combined with plants that enhance its effect, such as rosemary or nettle.
– It has been used as a relief from stomach ulcers by taking a decoction of the flowers and leaves.
– It stimulates the production of bile and, when combined with appropriate herbs such as barberry, centaury, or chimney, is indicated for the treatment of liver disease and recovery of liver function after an episode of food poisoning or allergies.
-It is indicated as a traditional remedy for jaundice.
– An infusion or wine of marigold is also used as a traditional remedy to expel intestinal parasites.
Plant preparation:
-In a simple infusion or in combination with other plants that enhance a certain effect. Two to three cups a day.
– In a decoction of dried plants, flowers and leaves.
– In tincture or macerated in alcohol. 50 to 80 drops thrice daily mixed with juice or water.
-Infusion and tincture are used in the form of cold or warm compresses.
– Macerated in oil to obtain marigold oleates, very effective for burns and other skin conditions.
-Liquid extract in drops mixed with water or fruit juice. 30 to 50 drops per day.
-Decoction or tincture for use in baths and washes.
-Infusion used as a rinse or mouth rinse.
-Mask of calendula for the treatment of youthful acne.
– Ointments, creams, bath gels and hand soaps with its extract.
-Talc with calendula applied to irritated skin.
Warning:
– It is recommended to avoid consuming this plant during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Its emmenagogical or menstrual-regulating effect may be somewhat inconvenient, and in any case care must be taken to avoid the slightest risk to the pregnant woman.
– Contact with the fresh plant, especially its leaves, may cause dermatitis or rash in sensitive or allergic people.
– Due to its tannin content, which is potentially irritating to the gastrointestinal tract, high doses of calendula and long-term oral intake should be avoided.
-If you are taking pharmacological treatment, you should check with your doctor if you can take this herb as some studies that are still active have shown that this herb enhances the sleep-inducing effects of conventional sedatives.
Source: Diario22.ar, Medline Plus and personal file.
Medical Consultant: Dr. René A. Trivigno G. – MP 5812 – Integrative Medicine