Simply and Naturally

Calendula: Endless Health Benefits And Uses

By Simply and Naturally June 12, 2024 Natural Remedies, Wellness

Calendula: Endless Health Benefits And Uses

Calendula: A Natural Wonder with Endless Health Benefits

Calendula, also known as pot marigold (Calendula officinalis), is a bright yellow and orange flower that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It can be taken orally, but more popularly it’s applied topically. Calendula grows naturally around western Europe, southeastern Asia and the Mediterranean. This vibrant herb is not only a beautiful addition to any garden but also a treasure trove of health benefits.

Calendula: Endless Health Benefits

  1. Wound Healing: Calendula’s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties make it an effective natural remedy for wound healing, acne, and skin irritations.
  2. Skin Conditions: The herb is known to soothe and calm various skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis, reducing inflammation and promoting healthy skin.
  3. Eye Health: Calendula has been traditionally used to treat eye infections, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and even dry eyes due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
  4. Oral Health: The herb’s antibacterial and antifungal properties make it effective in treating mouth sores, gum inflammation, and bad breath.
  5. Digestive Issues: Calendula has been used to alleviate digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  6. Immune System Support: The herb contains flavonoids, which help boost the immune system by fighting off infections and reducing inflammation.
  7. Menstrual Relief: Calendula’s anti-inflammatory properties can provide relief from menstrual cramps, heavy bleeding, and PMS symptoms.
  8. Anti-Aging: The antioxidant-rich calendula helps combat free radicals, reducing signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
  9. Fights Cancer: Calendula can help fight against cancer due to cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Animal studies have shown that it not only fights carcinogenic activity within tumors, but it also activates the lymphocytes, which fight against foreign and infectious invaders. (1) Another 2018 study showed calendula’s antitumor and antimetastatic effects in animal models, but it needs further study. (2)
  10. Antibacterial properties: The plant’s bioactive compounds exhibit antibacterial activity against a range of microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  11. Anti-inflammatory effects: Calendula has been shown to reduce inflammation in various tissues, which may help alleviate conditions like arthritis, eczema, and acne.
  12. Antioxidant properties: The plant’s flavonoids and carotenoids have antioxidant activity, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.

How To Use Calendula

Calendula can be used in various forms and preparations to harness its benefits for skin, hair, eyes, digestive health, and more. Here are some ways to incorporate calendula into your daily routine.

1. Topical Applications
  • Infused Oil: Combine calendula flowers with a carrier oil (coconut, olive, or jojoba) in a ratio of 1:3. Steep for 4-6 weeks, shaking the mixture daily. Strain and use as a massage oil, skin cream, or hair treatment.
  • Calendula Cream: Mix calendula oil with coconut oil, beeswax, and vitamin E oil to create a soothing cream for skin issues like eczema, acne, or psoriasis.
  • Salve: Combine calendula oil with olive oil and beeswax to create a protective salve for wounds, burns, or scrapes.
  • Tincture: Steep dried calendula in vodka or brandy (1:5 ratio) for 2-4 weeks. Strain and use as a topical treatment for skin issues or taken internally as a supplement.
2. Internal Use
  • Tea: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried calendula flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain and drink 1-3 cups daily to support immune function, digestive health, or menstrual relief.
  • Capsules: Purchase calendula capsules from a reputable herbal supplier or make your own by filling gelatin capsules with dried calendula powder. Take 2-4 capsules per day as needed, or take 500-1000 mg of standardized calendula extract daily for internal health benefits, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
  • Tincture: Mix 10-20 drops of calendula tincture with water or another liquid to create an oral supplement.
  • Supplements: Add dried calendula to your favorite smoothie, salad dressing, or soup recipe for an extra nutritional boost.
3. Hair and Scalp Care
  • Shampoo: Use a shampoo containing calendula extracts for dandruff, itchiness, or flaky scalp issues.
  • Hair Mask: Apply calendula oil as a hair mask to promote healthy hair growth, reduce dandruff, and soothe an itchy scalp.
4. Eye Care
  • Eyewash: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried calendula flowers in boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain and use as an eyewash (e.g., conjunctivitis – pink eye).
  • Eye Cream: Apply a calendula-based eye cream to reduce puffiness, dark circles, or dryness.

Tips and Precautions

  • Always consult with a healthcare professional before using calendula, especially if you have allergies, are pregnant, or taking medications.
  • Start with small amounts and gradually increase the dosage as needed.
  • Store dried calendula in an airtight container to preserve potency.
  • Use high-quality, organic calendula products to ensure maximum benefits.
Conclusion

Calendula is a natural wonder with an impressive array of health benefits. From wound healing to digestive issues, this versatile herb can be used topically or taken internally as a supplement. While calendula is generally considered safe when consumed as a dietary supplement or used topically in the form of creams, ointments, or teas, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or take medications.

DISCLAIMER:

The information here is provided for informational purposes only. It is not presented with the intention of diagnosing or treating any disease or condition. It is in no way intended to substitute for the advice provided by your doctor or other health care professional. (Read more)

Sources:

  1. A new extract of the plant Calendula officinalis produces a dual in vitro effect: cytotoxic anti-tumor activity and lymphocyte activation – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16677386/
  2. Calendula officinalis: Potential Roles in Cancer Treatment and Palliative Care – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30289008/
  3. Antimicrobial activity of Calendula officinalis, Camellia sinensis and chlorhexidine against the adherence of microorganisms to sutures after extraction of unerupted third molars – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3984193/
  4. A review on phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological aspects of genus Calendula – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3841996/
  5. Anti-inflammatory activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis Linn. and its possible mechanism of action – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19374166/
 2 
Tagged on: , , , , , , , , ,