Marigold/Calendula properties And Benefits

Marigold Properties

Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genre: Calendula
Variety: officinalis

Calendula is used primarily as a cream or ointment, soothes and heals thereddened skin, inflamed or swollen. With its bright orange flower heads can also make a tea that, once cold is a bath or lotion  indicated for inflamed rashes and sting cuts and abrasions.


Action
Antifungal - Anti-inflammatory - Antimicrobial - purifies blood - Healing the wounds.


Skin infections
Whether a topical use on the skin or ingested, calendula has antiseptic, purifying and detoxifying properties and its potential uses are plentiful.

As a lotion, cream or ointment acelerates the healing and stops infections such diverse problems as minor burns, sunburn, insect bites, red bumps and pustules , cuts and abrasions, inflamed rashes, hemorrhoids and varicose veins.


Digestive Action
Calendula can be ingested but more better as infusion to treat inflammatory problems of the entire digestive system, such as peptic ulcers and gastritis.


Due in part to its antifungal properties, helps to recover from gastrointestinal infections, especially those related to intestinal dysbiosis and yeast, and is used to treat conditions such as acne, throat infections and mastitis.

Combines well the infusion with herbs such as cleavers ( Galium aparine ) , red clover (Trifolium pratense) and chamomile ( Chamomilla recutita).


Benefits
* Calendula flowers are used to prevent menstrual cramps and treat muscle spasms.

* Calendula is recommended to treat dermatitis and acne.

* It is antiseptic, anti inflammatory and cicatrizant. Thousands years ago the Egyptians regarded calendula a special plant, the Greeks and Romans used for the treatment and prevention of diseases.

* Stimulates epithelization, ie, has a natural action of dermal healing that regenerates damaged skin, enhancing the synthesis of glycoproteins and collagen , making the skin heal without scarring.

* Has emollient, soothing and softening properties by phytosterols, saponins and beta-carotene that it contains, contains caryophyllene, quercetin that give it an analgesic effect.

* In the market there are creams naturist whose base active is calendula  and are indicated to help to relieve the irritation rash for babies.

* Is eaten in salads, in other dishes is often used to color as a substitute for saffron.


Calendula oil.
Dried flowers are placed in vegetable oil and placed in the dark and dry place for several days. After the oil is placed on a sieve, calendula is discarded and again the same oil with more dried Marigold calendula.
The oil have to cover calendula to prevent bacterial growth and infiltration. This oil is used to make soaps and skin treatments.

 
Precautions
* Sometimes it can cause allergic reactions if present a sensitive skin to this plant.

* Do not take during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended.

* Not recommended for use on skin  and eyes irritated.

It is recommended to consult a medical specialist in this topic if you have questions about this plant.