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Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
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Commonly known as "pot marigold," calendula is an
exceptionally versatile herb native to the Mediterranean. For centuries, it has
actively been grown in gardens to use as food and for its healing properties.
Identified by its bright orange and yellow petals which hold medicinal
properties, it should not be confused with the garden variety
marigold.
The name calendula is
derived from the plant's tendency to bloom according to the calendar, either
once a month or with the new moon. This annual flourishes in cool, temperate
climates and grows to a height of 9-20 inches.
When it comes to skin care, the benefits of Calendula
oil are quite numerous. Together with Calendula cream and Calendula lotion,
Calendula oil proves high efficiency in preventing skin from over-drying,
inhibiting the formation of sun-caused wrinkles. Due to the high content and of
carotenes, phytosterols and polyphenols, it also delays premature aging of the
skin tissue.
The flavenoids present in the calendula flower and its
inherent anti-inflammatory, astringent, antifungal, and antiseptic properties
result in an ideal topical agent. It can be applied to the skin to treat boils,
rashes, sunburn, chafed skin, insect bites, and other skin irritations. The
properties of calendula make it an attractive herb for treating and soothing the
scalp.
Calendula is usually found as dried flowers or
essential oil. The Calendula oil is extracted by way of steam distillation. Its
consistency is thin liquid. It is characterized by strong spicy-sweet,
bitter-warm aroma. The positive effect of Calendula preparations on the skin
were known as far back in history as at the time of ancient Egyptians. And yet
it remains one of the most popular herbal anti-fungal and anti-bacterial
remedies to promote skin healing and cell regeneration.
It was truly
invaluable cure for open wounds during the wartime. Mention must be made of the
fact that Calendula oil is equally beneficial for all skin types. It is
considered to be an excellent remedy for all kinds of skin damage, such as
wounds, scars, burns, scalds, abrasions, infections, various inflammations and
other injuries. The powerful action of Calendula oil lies in improving the blood
flow to the inflicted area and in further tissue regeneration. Its
anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties have been proved by substantial
scientific evidence.
Whereas it is
applicable for all skin types, in the case of dry or ageing skin it is
especially efficient as a tonic, soothing oil. The effect produced by Calendula
cream and Calendula lotion is similar. Apart from being a restorative means,
provided regular application, these products attribute pleasant olive shine to
the skin, and still provide the powerful protection from age-related thinning.
The benefits of Calendula oil related to healing,
scar-prevention are truly magical. In less than no time this herbal panacea is
sure to soothe the pain and stop bleeding without any negative side effects,
sometimes caused by conventional antiseptics. In addition to the abovementioned
cases, Calendula oil is successfully used for chapped skin and lips, scrapes,
gashes, insect stings and bites, eczema, bed and pressure sores. It is safe to
be applied in the area around eyes. It can also make much use in healing leg
ulcers, varicose veins, chilblains, bed sores. Calendula oil is salubrious for
cracked nipples from breast-feeding and still it is harmless for the child.
Calendula oil has been long recognized as powerful
aphrodisiac. It provides with fast relief in case of flatulence and colic. It is
also used to help digestive problems and mental strain. Its application is
extended to cookery, as it is widely used as culinary spice for meat dishes,
pickles, various sauces, soups, salads, cookies, cheeses, cakes, and drinks.
Calendula oil is frequent ingredient of masculine colognes due to its special
aroma. Calendula provides with a wonderful base not only for Calendula oil, but
also for various creams, lotions, salves, herbal ointments, and other kinds of
natural cosmetics.
Sprains: Mix equal amount of calendula oil in some of carrier oil and gently massage over wrenched ligaments of ankle, wrist or other joints. It will alleviate pain and swelling associated with sprains.
Gum Infections: Add a few drops of calendula oil in a cup of water and use the solution as mouthwash to eradicate bad breath, swelling and mouth ulcer.
Sore Throat: Put 5-6 drops in lukewarm water and gargle several times a day to get instant relief from the condition of sore throat.
Mastitis And Sore Nipples: Dilute calendula oil in a ratio of 1:5 with almond oil and gently massage over teat or nipple to strengthen nipples for preventing mastitis in nursing mothers.
Acne: Take 3-4 drops of calendula oil in your palm and mix with your daily cream. Apply over the affected parts of facial skin to diminish the appearance of pimples and scars.
Nappy Rash: Infuse 8-10 drops of calendula oil over the nappy of newborns and babies to prevent and heal the condition of diaper dermatitis that is commonly known as nappy rash.
Athlete's Foot: Put 10-15 drops in warm water and soak your feet for 10-15 minutes. Repeating this step several times a day will provide you utmost relief from athlete's feet.
Ring Worm: Directly apply a few drops of calendula oil over the infected area to wipe out skin infections within 4-5 days that are caused by susceptible fungus.
Period Pain: Putting 5-6 drops in regular tea will help to regulate the menstrual cycle and effectively reduce pains associated with it.
Digestive Inflammation: Topically applying 4-5 drops of calendula oil over the abdomen makes a great cure to reduce inflammation related to the digestive system. Alternatively, sipping tea containing 4-5 drops of calendula oil will boost your digestive system.
Scar Reduction: Simply use undiluted calendula oil or add 3-4 drops to your daily skin cream to reduce the visual intensity of scars.
Alleviate Feverishness And Mild Fever: Put 5-6 drops of calendula oil in your tea or other beverages to trigger beneficial neurons which are responsible for relieving from the condition of fever.
Skin Softening: Prepare a blend of 1:5 by intermixing calendula oil and some of carrier oil ( lavender or lemon ). Regular and gentle massage with this mixture will surely lend you a soft, clear and supple skin.
Eczema: Gentle massage of calendula oil over the skin is a sure shot remedy to subdue hot eczema conditions such as itching, redness and inflammations.
Dry Chapped Skin: Regularly massaging calendula oil over the skin will keep it moisturized to rejuvenate conditions of dryness and cracks.
Varicose Veins: Simply mix 5-6 drops in a teaspoon of warm carrier oil (coconut or lemon) and massage the solution over the affected part for few days to retrieve back the original shape of widened, bulged and twisted varicose veins.
Cold Sores: Massaging neck and chest with calendula oil is helpful in providing the utmost level of relief to cold sore sufferers.
Chillblains: Massage with few drops of calendula oil to eradicate the symptoms of painful, itching and swelling conditions over hand or foot during winters.
Disclaimer: The information presented herein is intended for educational
purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not
intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may
vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with
your own health care provider.
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