Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is an annual plant with yellow flowers. Even in ancient Rome, they noticed its amazing property: at sunrise, the buds open their petals, at sunset they close. In Russia, the name "calendula" is not widespread. Due to the external similarity of the seeds with the claws of a cat, the plant began to be called marigolds.
Calendula is known all over the world, many legends, traditions, rituals are associated with it. So, in India, she became the favorite flower of Krishna. In China, it is a symbol of longevity. Among the Slavic tribes, it is calendula that symbolizes love, fidelity, the strength of marital relations. Useful properties and contraindications, recipes for curing ailments - we will consider all this in the article.
Useful properties of calendula
Calendula has been considered a medicinal plant for centuries. Folk and officialmedicine finds use in all its parts. The following medicinal properties of calendula are used:
- Reduces pain.
- Acts as an expectorant, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, cholagogue.
- Disinfects.
- Heals wounds.
- Calms, normalizes sleep, relieves irritability.
- Increases immunity.
- Fights cancer cells.
Calendula is a pantry of nutrients and vitamins. These are minerals: copper, magnesium, iron, iodine, manganese, zinc, fluorine, phosphorus. It contains:
- Essential oils that work as an anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, sedative.
- Carotenoids - help in the synthesis of vitamin A.
- Coumarins - act as an anti-inflammatory, pain reliever.
- Sterols - reduce cholesterol levels.
- Triterpenoids act as a regenerating, wound healing, hemostatic agent.
The plant is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Teas, decoctions, tinctures, oils, ointments are made from it.
Using calendula for pancreatitis
Before using calendula for pancreatitis, the medicinal properties and contraindications of this plant should be discussed with your doctor. Marigolds are used to normalize the process of bile secretion. In addition, calendula is used to treat such gastrointestinal disorders: hepatitis, gastritis, ulcers, colitis, cholecystitis. Marigold preparations are necessary for the prevention of the formation of stones in the gallbladder. Atpancreatitis calendula is recommended by many, as it:
- Has choleretic properties.
- Improves the functioning of the digestive tract.
- Reduces inflammation.
- Reduces spasms.
- Has a bactericidal, analgesic, sedative effect.
Nevertheless, it is worth abandoning calendula-based drugs in the event of seizures, in the acute course of the disease. Also, experts do not recommend using any alcohol-containing drugs for pancreatitis.
Using calendula for eye disease
This beneficial plant helps relieve inflammation in:
- Conjunctivitis.
- Barley.
- Inflammatory diseases of the eyes.
Recipe: Pour 10 g of dried inflorescences with water brought to a boil (200 ml), insist for half an hour, then strain. Make compresses.
The use of calendula in cardiology and neurology
Experts advise using calendula for:
- dyspnea;
- puffiness;
- arrhythmias;
- headaches;
- hypertension;
- diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
- sleep disorders;
- irritability.
The plant is useful for normalizing pressure. Before taking it, it is better to consult a doctor.
For primary hypertension or a short-term increase in pressure, the following infusion is recommended.
Recipe: 2 tablespoons of marigold flowers (usefulproperties and contraindications should be discussed with a specialist) pour water brought to a boil (200 ml), keep the composition in a water bath for 10 minutes. Then strain. It is recommended to drink the drink warm half an hour before meals. Divide the prepared amount into three doses.
For chronic hypertension, it is better to use a tincture of marigolds in alcohol, which should be consumed 3 times a day, 25 drops each.
The use of calendula in dentistry
Useful properties and contraindications of calendula inflorescences and its other parts have been studied in detail in the field of dentistry. The use of infusions for rinsing the mouth will be effective. Recommended plant for:
- bleeding gums;
- stomatitis;
- periodontal disease;
- thrush in young children.
If the gums are inflamed, the infusion helps: take 1 tablespoon of calendula and chamomile, pour boiling water (1 cup), insist for half an hour, strain, rinse the mouth with the resulting liquid.
With stomatitis, calendula infusion helps: chop 10 g of flowers, pour 1 glass of boiling water, heat in a water bath (10 minutes is enough), insist, strain. Rinse your mouth in the morning and evening. The course of treatment is designed for one week. You can use pharmacy alcohol tincture: pour 1 teaspoon of the drug into 1 glass of water.
The use of calendula in the treatment of colds
Ancient healers began to use marigolds for colds. The plant can be used for the following diseases:
- ARVI;
- bronchitis;
- tracheitis;
- pneumonia;
- pharyngitis;
- sinusitis.
A patient with colds will benefit from teas with calendula. They can be used as:
- sweatshop;
- tonic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antiseptic.
Recipe for classic tea: pour 1 teaspoon of flowers with boiled water (200 ml), insist.
Recipe for calendula and green tea: pour 1 teaspoon of mint, calendula into the teapot for brewing. Add boiling water, leave for at least 10 minutes.
It is recommended to include other herbs in he alth tea recipes. A positive impact will enhance honey.
Calendula has long been used in the treatment of sore throats, especially at the first sign. You can use a water extract, alcohol tincture. Be sure to remember that these are highly concentrated forms that must be diluted: 1 tablespoon of the drug per 200 ml of water.
When gargling, pathogenic bacteria are removed from the body. It is necessary to remember the rules of rinsing:
- Rinse should be between 36-40°C.
- The procedure must last at least 30 seconds.
- It is recommended to gargle 7-10 times during the day.
- Children should only perform the procedure in the presence of adults.
- Nouse in case of an allergic reaction to the components of the composition.
External use of calendula medicines
Traditional and folk medicine confirms the regenerating and antiseptic properties of marigolds. These qualities are effectively used to treat a number of skin lesions:
- furunculosis;
- cut, stab wounds;
- bruises;
- gangrene;
- burns;
- ulcer;
- dermatitis.
In Brazil, marigolds are used as part of ancillary drugs in the fight against cancer.
Calendula: medicinal properties and contraindications for women
Marigolds are on the list of many recipes that traditional medicine recommends to restore women's he alth. Disinfectant, anti-inflammatory qualities of calendula are used. Medicinal properties and contraindications in gynecology have been studied for many years, and today it is safe to say that doctors recommend the plant for menstrual irregularities, erosions, uterine bleeding, and fibroids.
When ectopia, fibroids, douching is used. Recipe composition: one tablespoon of the petals must be poured with 200 ml of boiling water, insist until the liquid becomes 37 ° C. You can start the procedure.
For the treatment of cervical erosion, it is recommended to use a ready-made alcohol preparation. You can also cook it yourself according to the recipe: pour 20 g of flowers with vodka, leave for threeday. For douching, dilute 1 teaspoon of the drug with a glass of boiled water.
Traditional medicine uses an effective infusion: pour 2 teaspoons of marigold inflorescences with boiling water (250 ml), leave for an hour and a half, strain (preferably twice), use for douching. The course of treatment should be started the next day after the end of menstruation. Experts say that a monthly course is enough to restore the mucous membranes.
For the treatment of uterine fibroids, an infusion is used: 1 g of calendula, chamomile, buckthorn bark, 2 g of St. John's wort, hawthorn, 3 g of immortelle, motherwort. A decoction can be made in a thermos. To do this, pour the herbs with boiling water (half a liter), leave to infuse overnight. Drink twice a day half an hour before meals, half a glass. The course of treatment is advised to spend three months.
According to reviews of calendula, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which we are considering, it is effective in the treatment of thrush. In this case, the douching method is used. It can be decoctions of several medicinal plants, for example, calendula, chamomile, oak bark. Traditional medicine recommends an effective decoction: take 1 liter of boiling water, pour 3 tablespoons of calendula into it, leave for three hours.
According to the reviews of many women, calendula (the beneficial properties and contraindications of the plant are described in detail in the article) gives a positive result during menopause. To do this, it is recommended to use the following composition: pour 2 teaspoons of calendula with boiling water (400 ml), strain after 2 hours, use 4 times a day forhalf a glass. The drink is recommended to drink with pain in the head, spasms, dizziness, poor sleep, irritability.
It is strictly forbidden to take calendula inside pregnant and lactating women.
Calendula in pharmacology
Pharmacological enterprises produce alcohol tincture from marigolds. Calendula ointment is produced, which is recommended as a regenerating medicine for eczema, burns, wounds.
Caleflon is produced in the form of tablets - purified marigold extract. The drug is prescribed as an anti-inflammatory, regenerating, antispasmodic. This medicine effectively helps with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Calendula cosmetic uses
Useful properties and contraindications of calendula for women have been studied not only in the field of traditional medicine, but also in cosmetology. Marigolds are an effective plant for preserving and improving the appearance of the fair sex. As far back as the 16th century, women on an empty stomach took jam made from marigold petals to prevent skin aging.
- Calendula for hair. Rinsing with infusion of marigolds helps to reduce skin irritation, get rid of dandruff. Regular rinsing of oily hair improves their condition, adds shine. The following recipe has proven itself well: 1 tbsp. a spoonful of plant inflorescences must be poured with boiling water (1 liter), then insist for half an hour, strain. Use forrinsing hair after washing. For oily hair, it is recommended to add 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the finished infusion.
- For hand skin. Calendula is used to improve the condition of the hands. If cracks and peeling have formed on the skin, it is recommended to make baths with a decoction of flowers (1 tablespoon per liter of water). It is necessary to use the prepared composition within a day, otherwise its bactericidal properties will disappear, and the procedure will be useless. It is also recommended to use a remedy consisting of plant juice and rendered internal fat of domestic animals. This cream is great for hand skin in winter.
- For facial skin. Cosmetology has long used calendula in the fight against acne, inflammation, pigmentation, freckles. It is part of the means with a rejuvenating effect. Preparations from calendula reduce sebum secretion, narrow pores, cleanse and heal the epidermis. With the help of masks with marigolds, you can reduce the pigmentation of the skin of the face, make freckles invisible. To do this, you can use calendula as part of tinctures, masks and other means. A good effect is rubbing with an ice cube made from an infusion of flowers. The recipe is as follows: pour 1 tablespoon of raw materials with boiling water (250 ml), leave for 2 hours, then freeze in ice molds.
To cleanse the skin, it is recommended to use a mask, which includes clay and calendula. Clay dries out pimples, and marigolds promote their healing. Mask recipe: dilute 3 tablespoons (tablespoons) of blue cosmetic clay with hot infusion of marigolds. You should get a mixture similar to sour cream. Apply the composition to the skin of the face, hold for no more than 15 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
Lotion is suitable for wiping the skin: take 1 tbsp. spoon of chamomile and calendula flowers, pour boiling water (1 cup), leave for half an hour, strain.
Useful marigolds as part of preparations with a rejuvenating effect. Mask recipe: you need to take 1 teaspoon of aloe juice, honey, 2 tablespoons (tablespoons) of marigold infusion. Mix everything, apply on the skin, wash after 15 minutes. As a result of application, the complexion improves, fine wrinkles are smoothed.
Industrial cosmetology uses marigolds in the production of shampoos, balms, masks, lotions and other products.
Contraindications
Calendula herb has not only medicinal properties. Contraindications should also be carefully studied before using the plant in order to improve well-being. Marigolds should not be used if there are such diseases:
- Hypotension.
- Bradycardia.
- Allergic reaction.
- Heart failure.
- Pregnancy. Taking the plant may cause miscarriage.
Required to consult a doctor if a person is prone to allergic reactions. Calendula preparations are prohibited for patients with bronchial asthma.
Calendula uses in other areas
Marigolds are used in various areas of human life. The food industry usespomace from flowers for flavoring and coloring compositions in the manufacture of margarines, cheeses, butter and other food products.
