Medicinal properties and contraindications of calendula, use in folk medicine

Calendula is a bright orange-yellow flower that can bloom from late spring until autumn, delighting others with its sunny appearance. In addition, calendula has medicinal properties, but it has practically no contraindications. It is widely used both in medicine and in cosmetology.

Chemical composition of calendula

The beneficial properties of this plant are based on the content of biologically active substances in it. And this:

• carotene (aka vitamin A);
• sterol;
• flavonoids;
• essential oils;
• coumarin;
• a number of macro- and microelements.

Calendula seeds contain fatty oils and alkaloids. And the roots contain inulin and a number of triterpene glycosides.

Beneficial features

This plant has many beneficial properties. It has wound healing, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, antispasmodic, choleretic, and diuretic effects. In addition, calendula can have a calming effect on the central nervous system. Helps speed up the regeneration of damaged skin areas.

Collection and preparation of medicinal raw materials

The largest amount of active substances is found in calendula flowers, which is why they are harvested.

Although calendula blooms until mid-autumn, flowers should be collected before the first frost. With the onset of frost, the plant will lose its beneficial properties. You also need to know that flowers acquire maximum healing power when the petals fully open. This happens at noon, which means they should be collected at lunchtime.

Calendula flowers, or marigolds as they are also called, require careful handling. They should not be crushed or piled up in large piles. The best option would be to collect them in shallow trays, laying out the flowers in one layer.

Immediately after collection, you need to send the pallet to the place where the plant will dry. This should be a dry, warm place with access to fresh air, such as a veranda or attic.

Important! You should not leave the collected inflorescences in the open sun. During the fermentation process, calendula will lose most of its healing properties. Then it can only be used as a flavoring, adding to tea.

The drying process lasts about a week. At this time, the buds are often turned over, but they do it carefully, trying not to crush the inflorescences. To check whether the calendula has dried enough, you need to press on the bud, which will cause the dry flower to crumble.

Storage of prepared raw materials

In order for the medicinal collection to last longer, it must be placed in a paper or linen bag. If you use polyethylene, mold may appear in the flowers.

The bag with marigold inflorescences should be stored in a dry, warm and well-ventilated place. If you follow these simple rules, the plant will not lose its properties throughout the year.

In what situations is it used?

Indications for the use of calendula include a variety of diseases. From allergic reactions to heart failure.

Throat diseases

Calendula is used to treat throat diseases such as pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, sore throat, sore throat during influenza or ARVI, as well as for injuries and burns of the pharynx. Rinse is used as treatment.

The plant acts quickly. A sick person feels relief after the first day of use.

Recipe:

• calendula inflorescence - 1 tbsp. l.;
• boiled water - 1 tbsp.

You should crush several dried flowers to make 1 tablespoon. Pour boiling water over it and leave for 2 hours. Before gargling, filter the infusion and gargle with it. You cannot prepare such an infusion for future use; it is effective only 3 hours after preparation.

If the medicine is to be used for a child, its concentration should be halved.

Treatment of hypertension

Pharmacy medications for the treatment of hypertension have a number of side effects. They negatively affect a person’s quality of life, dulling physical and intellectual potential. Therefore, the use of herbal preparations, in particular marigold, to treat this disease is very important.

Recipe:

• dried calendula flowers - 1 tsp;
• alcohol (70%) or vodka - 100 g.

The marigolds need to be poured with alcohol, covered and placed in a dark place to infuse. Leave for a week. The resulting tincture is filtered and drunk 30 drops three times a day, adding it to a small amount of water.

Heart failure

Heart failure is weakness of the heart muscle. You can strengthen it with the help of a folk recipe from calendula.

Recipe:

• dried calendula flowers - 2 parts;
• lingonberry leaf - 1 part;
• boiled water - 1 tbsp.

Combine calendula with lingonberry leaves and separate 1 tbsp. l. Pour boiling water over the resulting mixture and leave in the thermos overnight. In the morning, strain the liquid and drink 1/3 glass 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals.

Arrhythmia

This plant can also fight heart rhythm disturbances. There is a simple way to do this. It is necessary to prepare a special infusion of marigold flowers.

Recipe:

• dried calendula - 2 tbsp. l.;
• boiling water - 2 tbsp.

The inflorescences are poured with boiling water and left for 1 hour. Strain through cheesecloth and take half a glass at a time three times a day.

Digestive system diseases

Often people buy expensive drugs to get rid of digestive system problems, without thinking that the best medicine can grow literally under their feet. This infusion is suitable for gastritis, colitis, stomach and duodenal ulcers.

Recipe:

• dry calendula inflorescences - 2 tsp;
• dry chamomile - 1 tsp;
• dry yarrow - 1 tsp;
• boiling water - 2 tbsp.

Mix all medicinal herbs and pour boiling water. Leave for 15 minutes and then strain. Drink throughout the day.

Women's diseases

Medicinal herbs are used to treat and prevent many female diseases. Calendula is considered one of the most effective plants. It helps to slow down or even stop inflammatory processes associated with gynecology.

Recipe:

• dried calendula flowers - 1 tbsp. l.;
• boiling water - 2 tbsp.

Pour boiled water over the inflorescences and leave for an hour. Strain and use the infusion for douching. The course of treatment should last at least 21 days.

Allergy

Allergic reactions can also be treated with marigolds. To do this you need to make a simple tincture.

Recipe:

• dry calendula inflorescences - 10 g;
• boiling water - 0.5 tbsp.

Grind the flowers and pour boiling water over them. Cover and leave for 2 hours. Take 1 tbsp. l. three times a day.

Oncology

Of course, it will not be possible to cure such a complex disease with marigolds. The purpose of such treatment is to alleviate the patient's condition. They help reduce the level of intoxication in the body, normalize sleep, stimulate appetite, relieve nausea and the gag reflex.

Recipe:

• dried calendula flowers - 1 tbsp. l.;
• alcohol (70%) - 10 tbsp. l.

Mash the flowers and pour alcohol, stir and leave in a dark place to infuse for 2 weeks. Before use, strain the tincture.

Drink an hour before meals, dropping 30 drops into a small amount of water. You need to take it 2 times a day for a month. Then they take a break for a week and repeat the course again.

Pharmaceutical medicinal preparations from marigolds

Calendula is widely used in medicine. With its addition, a large number of different preparations are made, since it has many properties that have a positive effect on human health.

Tinctures and tablets from marigolds are most often prescribed for diseases of the intestines and stomach, as well as heart diseases. For example: “Rotokan”, “Caleflon”, “Calendula-P”.

Medicines containing marigolds are also produced for external use. For example, for the treatment of cuts, festering wounds, carbuncles, burns, boils, ulcers and abrasions. To treat such problems, a pharmacy calendula tincture, oil, ointment and cream with the same name “Calendula” are used.

The use of calendula in folk medicine

In folk medicine, alcohol or water tinctures of marigolds are often used. Various ointments, teas and decoctions are also prepared, which are used to treat a variety of diseases.

Infusion and decoction

Prepared infusions and decoctions of marigolds at home are used not only to treat various diseases, but also as cosmetics. For example, rubbing your face with them can cure acne. If a person has oily skin, use an infusion, if dry, use a decoction. They also help get rid of age spots and freckles.

Ointment

Homemade ointments made from calendula flowers are used for dermatitis and diaper rash in children.Also for the treatment of various skin injuries, including insect bites. Such ointments are often recommended for young mothers who experience cracked nipples after feeding their baby. We can conclude that the ointment is suitable for the whole family.

Oil

Marigold oil is used to care for the skin and protect it from the effects of sun, wind and frost. Often used for massages, it promotes rejuvenation and tightening of the skin. This oil is absolutely harmless, so it is even used to care for newborn children.

Juice, tea

The juice of this plant is used to get rid of teenage acne and acne. It is also used for better hair growth by rubbing it into the roots. But brewed calendula tea does an excellent job of removing toxins and waste from the body. Improves the functioning of the liver and gall bladder.

Oil extract

This oil has bactericidal, healing and soothing properties, so it is used to treat inflamed areas of the skin, to moisturize rough skin and prevent acne.

Alcohol tincture

Alcohol tinctures from marigolds are widely used both in the treatment of various diseases and in cosmetology. Depending on the purpose of use, the concentration of the tincture and the method of taking it may vary.

Application in cosmetology

Marigolds are used for various cosmetic procedures. For example, a light infusion of calendula is used for daily washing or wiping the face. This helps refresh the skin, making it smooth and youthful.

By rubbing your face with a tincture with a medium concentration, you will be able to reduce sebum secretion, the skin will become less oily, and the shine will disappear. And the most concentrated infusion is added to face masks, shampoos and creams.It will enhance the effect of these products, nourish the skin with beneficial substances and make it healthier.

Side effects

Calendula usually does not cause any side effects, but in rare cases, an immune system reaction in the form of an allergy may occur. It manifests itself in the form of a rash, redness, itching or anaphylactic shock.

After taking marigolds orally, you may experience bitterness in the mouth, burning sensation and abdominal pain..

Contraindications for use

Calendula will not harm your health if you adhere to dosages while taking it, as it is a safe plant. It should not be used only by those people who have individual intolerance or severe hypertension.