Calendula is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory plant, useful against menstrual pain, in cases of colitis and for sunburn. Discover the beneficial properties, what are the contraindications of calendula and how to use it.
Calendula ( Calendula officinalis ) belongs to the Composite family. Also known as "Maria's gold", calendula is very useful as an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory . Let's find out better.
Properties of calendula
Calendula contains triterpenes, flavonoids, polysaccharides, carotenes, phytosterols, essential oil, mucilage, salicylic acid and bitter substances. For internal use, generally as mother tincture or glycerine macerate, it is used in dysfunctions of the female genital apparatus, since it increases the scarce menstruation and decreases the abundant ones. It has antispasmodic action on menstrual and abdominal pains.
The anti-inflammatory property acts on the irritation of the mucous membranes, given the presence of mucilages, and is therefore indicated in cases of colitis, gastritis, ulcers and any disease affecting internal tissues.
For external use, its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, healing, emollient and dermopathic activities make it the elective remedy for burns, wounds, redness and irritation of the skin, mouth ulcers and gum inflammation.
Method of use
INTERNAL USE
INFUSION: 1 tablespoon of calendula, 1 cup of water
Pour marigold flowers into boiling water and turn off the heat. Cover and leave to infuse for 10 min. Filter the infusion and drink it in case of abdominal spasms or menstrual pain and inflammation of the gastro-intestinal system.
Mother tincture of calendula : 30 - 40 drops, 2 - 3 times a day.
EXTERNAL USE
CALENDULA OIL : 100 grams of dried marigold flowers, ½ l of sweet almond oil.
Put the marigold in a glass jar with an airtight lid, cover the flowers with oil and close the jar. Once a day, shake the jar. After 30 days, filter the oil through a light cloth, or gauze. Squeeze the residue. Store in a dark glass bottle in a cool dark place. The calendula oleolite is useful for its healing and anti-inflammatory action: it promotes the regeneration of the skin and is an excellent soothing and calming. Also useful for diaper dermatitis!
Calendula mother tincture is a natural vitamin A supplement.
Contraindications
No contraindications or side effects are known for taking and using calendula. Also the risk of allergy to the plant is very low, given the absence of elenalina (sesquiterpene lactones).
Discover also the properties of the homeopathic remedy obtained from calendula
Description of the plant
Plant with tap root, branched stem (50 cm) and covered with down. The leaves are thick, lanceolate with entire or slightly serrated margin. The flowers are flower heads with colors ranging from yellow to orange and appear in spring and summer. The rubbed plant gives off a pleasant aroma .
Calendula habitat
Calendula is a rustic plant that adapts to different environments and soils . It can also be grown on hills up to 600 m altitude, in areas with good exposure. It is found in the wild state in southern Italy. Some varieties are grown in gardens and have larger and more colorful flowers.
Background
The name calendula comes from the Latin calendae, meaning "first day of the month", indicating that it blooms on the first day of each month throughout the year. Another hypothesis is that it is called "calendar", since it marks the rhythm of the day opening in the morning and closing at sunset. Peasant tradition has it that if the flowers remain closed in the morning it will probably rain. For this reason, in medieval texts it was referred to by the name of Solis sponsa, meaning "bride of the sun".
The marigold is also known by the popular name of "gold of Mary", perhaps due to the property of its infusion of relieving periodic female pains, thus highlighting its link with the feminine, with the Great Mother; on the other hand his hooked seed resembles a crescent moon.
