Calendula: how to apply it externally and internally

marigold (calendula officinalis) is an excellent ally of the skin: heals and repairs damaged tissues, strengthens mucous membranes and removes impurities.

If you go to any herbalist and ask for a remedy to treat any skin problemthere is a good chance that the professional will recommend either aloe or calendula.

The latter is undoubtedly one of the best valued plants for the treatment of mild or moderate dermatological ailments. And so much so that its extract is part of numerous creams, ointments, lotions and cosmetic products, both conventional and organic.

Characteristics and varieties of calendula

It owes its name to the Latin term kalendswhich designates the first day of each calendar month, in reference to its ability to flower for most of the yeareven in the dead of winter.

The marigold is a herbaceous plant that reaches between one and two palms in height, with lanceolate, sessile (without stalk) leaves, and orange-yellow flower heads, very showy.

For its beauty and resistance, the marigold is also highly valued in gardening.where different varieties in sizes and colors have been obtained.

It is widely cultivated as an ornamental. in parks, gardens, monasteries and cemeteries, and sometimes appears subspontaneously on roadsides. The smell of her is dense and unpleasant.

Its most likely origin seems to be southern Europe. Throughout Mediterranean Europe and North Africa, marigold or wild marigold (calendula arvensis)which flowers from January to autumn, and is used much less in phytotherapy.

Calendula medicinal properties

are attributed to him, externally, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiseptic, parasiticide, antifungal (especially due to its resins) and healing properties. Its applications are wide and its effectiveness is more than remarkable.

in internal useas an infusion, tincture and extract, calendula is indicated by itsIts antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue and mildly estrogenic virtues to treat menstrual irregularities and menopausal disorders (spasms, muscle pain, etc.), digestive disorders such as peptic ulcers, colitis and gastritis, as well as liver congestion and against intestinal parasites.

What is calendula used for?

calendula It is basically intended for topical applications, to relieve burns first degree sunburn, mild scalds produced in the kitchen or when handling burning objects and barbecues, to heal scrapes, scratches, skin ulcers and bruises.

Reduces inflammation and relieves pain caused by bites against insects and even exerts a certain preventive effect due to its antimicrobial virtues, which is why it is an essential element of the travel or excursion first-aid kit and when traveling to a tropical country in the rainy season.

It is also used for reduce warts and corns, and to calm inflammation for sprains. Other of its applications are inflammation of the gums or gingivitis, pharyngitis, vulvovaginitis and vaginal thrush, where it is very effective.

It is also a good ally for combat pimples, urticaria, seborrheic dermatitis and juvenile acne.

Relieves itching and helps disinfect and heal wounds, to reduce bruising and reduce swelling. Most of these effects are due to its astringent power on blood capillaries.

In short, calendula contributes to promoting the epithelium and regeneration of damaged and sensitive skin, stimulating the synthesis of nucleoproteins and collagen during the epidermal regeneration process.

In cosmetics it is used to treat irritated or prematurely aged skin and chapped and dry lips.. It has also been indicated as a home remedy to relieve hypersensitivity in the breasts and pain. pain in the nipples

Furthermore, it turns out suitable to be applied on the delicate skins of babies when diaper rashes, eczema and pruritus appear.

Calendula extracts are being tested in epidermal regeneration treatments and to combat cases of severe dermatitis and other skin damage in patients undergoing radiotherapy sessions for breast cancer.

Besides, also fights fungal infectionsuch as athlete’s foot, a well-known ailment among gymnasts, and candidiasis.

Various forms of application

It is preferable to stick to external uses via topical and take it only if you have medical advice.

externally

In decoction of about 20 g of dried flowers (or 80 g of fresh flowers) per liter of waterapplied in washes or scrubs on the irritated area, or by soaking some gauze. oil applied as a massage or scrub over the affected area. It is prepared with the ligules (external flowers, which in practice are false petals) separated from the heads (central buds). The oleate is obtained macerating the ligules for several weeks in olive oil that covers them completely. Then, already filtered, it is deposited in a translucent glass bottle.
This oil should not be confused with essential oil!, which is a highly concentrated extract of the plant and It is used in aromatherapy in very small doses. and never for internal use.In creams and ointments with traces of the extract, tincture or oleate. alcoholic tincture (100 g of fresh ligules per liter of alcohol), dissolved in waterto apply in wash or with a soaked gauze on eczema, pimples and boils.lipstick containing calendula extract. often with propolis, to apply to delicate or chapped lips.As a homeopathic remedy in the manner prescribed by a professional of that medicine.

internally

in infusion of a teaspoon of flowers per cup of water. Two cups are taken daily on an empty stomach in case of menstrual irregularities. tincturedissolved in water or fruit juice, up to 50 drops in three daily doses.In fluid extract, 0.5 to 1 ml in three doses daily.in capsulesto take from 2 to 6 daily, only under medical control.

When not to use

No interactions have been described. with other plants or drugs. Do not take their extracts during pregnancy or lactation.If it is taken for digestive, liver or gynecological problems, it is better consult the doctor before.Better not eat it during the menstrual perioddue to its high anticoagulant power and because it stimulates menstruation. Some isolated cases of allergies or dermatitis by direct contact of the fresh plant with the skin.