Although there are plenty of chemical products on the market that can help with various health issues, it’s always nice to find a natural, sustainable, and budget-friendly option that can be easily grown in the garden or picked up from a local or online health store.
Calendula (the Calendula officinalis plant) is one such item. Also known as pot marigold, the pretty orange-yellow calendula flower petals grow in gardens around Europe, the United States, and Western Asia, to name a few. The plant’s dried petals have been used for cooking, decoration, and medicinal purposes since the 12th century or even earlier.
Long ago, marigolds were popular as a flavoring for cooking. The bright yellow color of the petals was utilized to add a bright hue and extra flavour to stews and rice-based dishes. As well, garlands of calendula were hung on door handles to keep evil, especially contagions, at bay; and poultices made from marigolds were used to help heal smallpox scars. Today, there are still many ways for people of all ages to make use of the healing power of the plant.
Whether you purchase some essential oil made from the flower, or opt to buy some organic calendula herbal tea, you and your family are sure to enjoy the healing properties of this natural product. Read on for some of the uses and health benefits of calendula you don’t want to miss out on.
How Calendula Is Used
Anyone looking to stock a first aid kit and/or pantry with natural remedies is advised to add some calendula oil to their shopping list. While calendula can be utilized in many different forms, it is commonly used as an herbal oil remedy, processed with cold-pressed oils such as olive or almond oil. In addition, the flower is used to make herbal teas that can be enjoyed for a variety of health benefits.
Boost the Immune System
The bright yellow-orange color of the calendula flower comes from beta-carotene, a component that most people associate with carrots. The beta-carotene in the plant means that, like the root vegetable, it is bursting with vitamin A and provides many of the same health benefits.
The flower is also packed with a variety of other vitamins and minerals, plus essential oils, flavonoids, and antioxidants. As a result, it can help with healing, plus boost the immune system. People can drink calendula tea when they feel like they’re getting a cold or flu, or when they want to speed up the healing process. Furthermore, gargling some calendula water may also be used to ease a sore throat.
Treat Problems With the Skin
Calendula oil is regularly used on the skin too, as it is a natural and effective solution to sooth and nourish inflamed or damaged skin. Oil made from this flower is perfect for anyone with sensitive or swollen skin that needs to stay well clear of highly chemical-laden or fragranced products.
Add some drops of calendula oil to bath water if you’re keen to sooth dry skin or psoriasis, or lather it on problem skin to help protect from blemishes or to reduce the appearance of scars left over from acne.
Calendula can also be used in the same way for hemorrhoids, eczema, bedsores, or any other skin inflammation. This is due to the high content level of triterpenoids — a group of phytochemicals — in the plant, that are even being investigated for their possible anti-cancer benefits.
Calendula oil is also often used for diaper rash in babies and for shaving rash in adults. A salve made from the plant can also be applied to help soothe (and prevent infection from) insect bites, minor burns, bruises, scratches, abrasions, nail fungus, minor cuts, and sunburn.
Calendula’s antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immuno-stimulant properties help to fight bacterial infections, while at the same time easing pain and helping wounds on the skin to heal. (The calendula flower helps to stimulate the production of collagen at sites of injury.) This is especially helpful for people with comprised immune systems who have trouble getting cuts, burns and other assorted issues to heal in a short timeframe.
Help to Relieve PMS
Calendula is also believed to work well with the female reproductive system, aiding to regulate the menstrual cycle and ease the pain and discomfort of symptoms of PMS. Drinking a calendula tea can help to relieve menstrual cramps and pain, reduce excessive bleeding, and help the lymphatic system to clear. In addition, the calendula flower is said to reduce headaches and nausea caused by the menstrual cycle, and even help relieve hot flashes felt through menopause.
