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

If you go to any herbalist and ask for a remedy to treat a 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 almost all year roundeven in the dead of winter.

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

Due to its beauty and resistance, calendula 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. Its smell is dense and unpleasant.

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

Medicinal properties of calendula

They 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 more than notable.

In internal useas an infusion, tincture and extract, calendula is indicated for itss antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue and mildly estrogenic virtues to treat menstrual irregularities and menopause 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?

The calendula It is basically intended for topical applications, to relieve burns. first degree solar radiation, minor scalds caused in the kitchen or when handling burning objects and barbecues, for Heal scrapes, scrapes, skin ulcers and bruises.

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

It is also used for reduce warts and calluses, and to calm inflammation due to sprains. Other applications are gum inflammation or gingivitis, pharyngitis, vulvovaginitis and vaginal thrush, where it is very effective.

It is also a good ally for combat pimples, hives, 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 their astringent power on blood capillaries.

In short, calendula contributes to enhancing the epithelation 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 in the nipples.

Furthermore, it turns out suitable to be applied to the delicate skin of babies when diaper rashes, eczema and itching 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, an ailment well known to gymnasts, and candidiasis.

Various forms of application

It is preferable to stick to external uses topically and Ingest 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 by washing or rubbing on the irritated area, or by soaking gauze.
• He applied oil as a massage or scrub on 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, once filtered, it is placed in a translucent glass bottle.
  This oil should not be confused with the essential oil!, which is a highly concentrated extract of the plant and It is used in aromatherapy in tiny doses and never for internal use.
• In creams and ointments with traces of the extract, tincture or oleate.
• In alcoholic tincture (100 g of fresh ligules per liter of alcohol), dissolved in waterto apply as a wash or with a soaked gauze on eczema, pimples and boils.
• lipstick that contains calendula extract. often with propolis, to apply to delicate or chapped lips.
• As a homeopathic remedy in the manner prescribed by a medical professional.

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.
• In tincturedissolved in water or fruit juice, up to 50 drops in three daily doses.
• In fluid extract, from 0.5 to 1 ml in three doses daily.
• In capsulesto take 2 to 6 daily, only under medical supervision.

When should not be used

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