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In today's article we will look at such a wonderful medicinal plant as calendula, as well as its beneficial properties, contraindications, composition and treatment with calendula. So…

Calendula (lat. Calendula)- a genus of herbaceous flowering annual plants of the Asteraceae family. Calendula has long been used as a...

Another name for calendula is “marigold”, which is associated with the characteristic appearance of its seeds.

Calendula blooms with orange-yellow flowers, which is why it is used not only for medicinal purposes, but also in decorative floriculture. The flowering of the plant begins in June and ends in September. During the same period, bees use it as a source of material for production. Reproduction occurs by seeds. Calendula does not require any special conditions for growing.

In folk medicine, for treatment, mainly calendula inflorescences (baskets) are used. For harvesting, inflorescences are collected during the flowering period, when the basket has already fully blossomed. The baskets are cut off at the base of the peduncle and dried for about 4 hours in an air dryer at a temperature of about 45 degrees Celsius. Flowers can be stored for use for no more than 2 years.

Chemical composition of calendula

The healing properties of calendula are due to various biologically active substances that make up this plant.

Calendula contains:

• carotenoids are pigments that are necessary for the synthesis;
• sterols - alcohols, similar in structure to cholesterol, passing through the digestive system are absorbed instead of “real” cholesterol, thus lowering its level;
• triterpenoids - give the anti-inflammatory effect of flowers;
• flavonoids - relieve spasm of smooth muscles, stimulate the production of bile, formation and
• excretion of sufficient amounts of urine, neutralize and remove harmful substances from the body (detoxification properties), eliminate and prevent inflammation and tumors, promote the healing of stomach or duodenal ulcers;
• essential oils—suppress the development of microorganisms or promote their death;
• Coumarins - help eliminate inflammatory processes.

Calendula flowers also contain: iron, copper, zinc, molybdenum and selenium.

The healing properties of calendula

In medicine, calendula is used for many diseases, for example:

• for the treatment of ulcers, burns, wounds, bruises, acne;
• cardiovascular diseases, which are accompanied by increased heart rate (), shortness of breath and swelling;
• arterial hypertension (hypertension);
• gastritis, colitis, ;
• peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
• inflammatory diseases of the liver and biliary tract;
• sore throat, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
• stomatitis, periodontal disease;
• cervical erosion;
• trichomonas colpitis;
• thrush (candidiasis);
• during .

In addition, calendula has the following properties:

• anti-inflammatory;
• wound healing;
• bactericidal;
• antispasmodic;
• blood purifying;
• bile and diuretic;
• soothing;
• reduces reflex excitability;
• accelerates tissue regeneration processes;
• increases the secretory function of the liver and stomach;
• helps improve the composition of bile.

Calendula - contraindications for use

It is contraindicated to use calendula if:

• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• low blood pressure;
• exacerbation;
• children under 12 years old.

Calendula should also not be used with herbs that have a sedative effect.

Calendula very rarely causes allergies, but in people who suffer from plants of the Asteraceae family (chamomile, chrysanthemums, daisies, etc.), it can cause skin reactions in the form of itching and others. Therefore, before using calendula, check the reaction on the skin.

Mix the alcohol tincture of calendula in a glass of water at the rate of 1 tbsp. spoon of tincture per glass of water. Gargle 2-3 times a day.

. Make a collection of 4 tbsp. spoons of calendula flowers, 1 tbsp. spoons of black currant leaves and 2 tbsp. spoons of strawberry leaves, mix everything thoroughly. Next, 1 tbsp. Pour a glass of boiling water over a spoonful of the mixture, cover the container with a lid and let the product brew for about 30 minutes, then strain. You need to take the infusion 100 g, 5 times a day, 20 minutes before meals.

. Pour 10 g of calendula into 200 ml of boiling water, let the product brew, then drink 1-3 tbsp. spoons 3 times a day.

. Dilute 1 teaspoon of pharmaceutical calendula tincture with a glass of boiled water and rinse your mouth throughout the day.

Periodontal disease. Pour 10 g of calendula into a glass of boiling water, leave for 2 hours, strain and rinse your mouth with the infusion throughout the day.

. 1 tbsp. Pour a glass of boiling water over a spoonful of calendula, place the product on the stove and boil it for about 10 minutes over low heat. Rinse your mouth with the resulting decoction, warm.

. 1 tbsp. Pour a glass of boiling water over a spoonful of calendula and leave for 1 hour. Strain and rinse your mouth 2-3 times a day.

Dilute the purchased calendula tincture (1 teaspoon per 1 glass of boiled water) and rinse your mouth the same number of times.

. Pour 15 g of calendula with a glass of cold boiled water, let stand in a warm place for 30–40 minutes, strain. Use warm as lotions and compresses.

Blennorea. 1 tbsp. Pour a glass of boiling water over a spoonful of calendula, wrap it in a towel and let it stand for 30-40 minutes, then strain thoroughly. This product can be used to wash the eyes, as well as lotions and compresses on the eyes, but only warm, so as not to chill the optic nerve.

, and , liver diseases. 1 tbsp. Pour a spoonful of calendula into a glass of cold water, heat for 15 minutes in a boiling water bath, cool and strain. Add boiled water to a volume of 1 cup. Take 3 times a day, 1 tbsp. spoon.chamomiles. Next, pour 20 g of the collection with 2 glasses of boiled water, let the product brew for 10 hours. Afterwards, bring the product to a boil and boil over low heat for about 5 minutes, cool and strain. Drink throughout the day.

Enlarged spleen. Mix calendula and calendula in equal proportions. Pour 20 g of the collection into 500 ml of boiling water, leave in a warm place for 40 minutes. Strain and take 1/3 cup 2 times a day.

. Make a collection of 2 parts calendula flowers, 3 parts herb, 5 parts sunflower flowers and 10 parts centaury herb. 1 tbsp. Brew a spoonful of the mixture in a glass of boiling water, let it brew for 40 minutes. Strain, take 0.5 cups 4 times a day, before meals.

Bruises, abrasions, bruises, etc. Lubricate the damaged areas with ointment or alcohol tincture of calendula inflorescences (see recipe above).

Tonic for washing. Pour 1 teaspoon of calendula into a glass of boiling water and let the product brew for about 30 minutes, then strain, cool and use for washing.

Acne. Pour 50 g of calendula into 0.5 liters of vodka and leave for 10 days. Dilute 1 teaspoon of tincture in a glass of boiled water and use warm for lotions.

1-2 tbsp. Grind tablespoons of dry crushed calendula flowers with a nourishing face cream (for example, baby cream). Lubricate morning and evening.

From freckles and age spots. Extract the juice from fresh flowers and apply to problem areas of the skin. To enhance the effect, you can add red currant juice to the juice.

Calendula washcloth. Take a glass of rolled oats, add 2 teaspoons of calendula oil, mix thoroughly. Transfer the mixture into a linen bag and tie tightly with thread. Use in the shower.

Video about calendula

This is probably all, but we are wondering, dear readers, maybe you have your own experience of using calendula for medicinal purposes? Share your knowledge in the comments, and perhaps your recipe will be the best and more effective medicine for someone!

Calendula, or marigold, is a widely used medicinal raw material. The huge range of natural organic compounds in its flowers allows the use of preparations based on marigolds in a variety of cases: from the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases to the treatment of burns. In the article I will discuss in detail the beneficial properties and contraindications of calendula.

Medicinal properties of calendula flowers

What are the most important and beneficial substances for humans contained in marigold flowers?

• Carotenoids. Responsible for the orange color of the petals.
• Lutein, which a person obtains only from plant foods or lutein-containing supplements, is especially important for the normal functioning of vision. It has been scientifically proven that a lack of lutein leads to early depletion of the retina and clouding of the lens.
• Lycopene– another antioxidant contained in marigolds, the benefits of which are enormous. Low levels of lycopene in the blood increase the likelihood of heart disease, cataracts and even a number of cancers.
• Saponins. They have an ambiguous effect on the body: on the one hand, they can provoke allergies, on the other, they dilute sputum during coughs and bronchitis. In the pharmaceutical industry they are used in syrups and expectoration preparations.
• Essential oil . The most pleasant way to use it is aromatherapy. It is also used in anti-inflammatory and antitussive drugs.
• Salicylic acid . A well-known component of ointments intended for the treatment of skin diseases.

Dried calendula flowers are sold packaged in briquettes, which is very convenient - one briquette needs to be brewed in a glass of boiling water and left for half an hour. You can rinse your mouth with this infusion several times a day to treat periodontal disease, stomatitis, or during exacerbation of tonsillitis. The aroma of the infusion is pleasant in itself, unlike many medicinal preparations, and rinsing will not be a burden.

Based on the extract of calendula petals, the drug Caleflon was created, used for exacerbations of various gastrointestinal diseases: gastritis or ulcers. Caleflon helps relieve the painful condition by relieving inflammation.

The healing properties of calendula tincture

Alcohol tincture of calendula is available in 50 ml bottles and contains 70% ethanol (regular alcohol). It is used for infectious diseases, especially sore throat or bronchitis, to relieve inflammation and disinfect. The tincture has a choleretic effect in the treatment of chronic cholecystitis. It is recommended to rinse your mouth with an alcohol tincture of marigolds to get rid of stomatitis.

It’s good to use the tincture as a lotion on wounds and burns - salicylic acid promotes skin healing and prevents inflammation. As before gargling, you must first dilute it with water (a teaspoon per glass).

The healing properties of the ointment

Calendula ointment has a pleasant smell and a brownish tint. It is indispensable for the restoration of skin tissue, since it has not only an anti-inflammatory, but also a regenerating effect. In the case of purulent wounds, you must first clean and dry the injured area, then apply ointment (a small portion, about the size of a pea for small injuries) and apply a bandage.

Marigold ointment is used to heal anal fissures - for this it is convenient to lubricate a tampon with the medicine and insert it into the rectum twice a day.

Another disease that calendula successfully fights is varicose veins and other phlebitis. In this case, the ointment is applied in a very thick layer, not rubbed in, and left overnight. It is recommended to place soft paper under the bandage - for example, the kind that is used for baking in the oven. It is advisable to do such procedures during the day, changing the dressings every 8 hours. This method also helps in the treatment of ulcers - trophic or varicose.

Contraindications and harm of calendula

A frequent contraindication that will prevent the use of calendula preparations is individual intolerance or allergy to the plant. If your skin or mouth is irritated, you may need to look to other herbal remedies. However, when applying the ointment to a wound, you should not be alarmed by a slight sensation of scratching or irritation - this is a normal skin reaction to the active substances of calendula.

Calendula ointment is not intended for treating mucous membranes - if it gets into your eyes or mouth, rinse them immediately with water. Calendula can also cause gastrointestinal dysbiosis.

• For small children. The ointment should only be used by children over six years of age, as there is no reliable evidence of side effects in younger children, and it can easily be swallowed or rubbed by a child. For obvious reasons, alcohol tincture should also not be given to children.
• Pregnant and lactating. Even with ointments, care must be taken, not to mention the use of infusions.
• Hypotonic patients and patients with bradycardia(pulse below 55), since calendula tincture lowers blood pressure. Note for hypertensive patients: 30 drops per quarter glass of warm water, taken orally.

Little is known about the combination of marigold preparations and other drugs, but it is not advisable to use them with sedatives and sedatives. If you have chronic diseases or take other medications, you should definitely check with your doctor whether and how you can use calendula tincture or ointment.

Recipes for preparing calendula infusion and decoction

The use of marigolds does not end with industrial preparations and medicinal raw materials. Cosmetologists have accumulated a wealth of experience in using calendula flowers and essential oils. And it’s not difficult to prepare an infusion or decoction of calendula at home.

The main difference between an infusion and a tincture is that the former has a water base, while the tincture is always alcohol-based.

Tincture at home - recipe and application

If you have calendula purchased at a pharmacy or dried flowers collected at the dacha, you can use a folk recipe for preparing marigold infusion:

• Dilute: 1 tablespoon + 1 cup boiling water.
• Infuse: in a water bath for 10 minutes, without a bath for half an hour, in a thermos for 15-20 minutes.
• Cool, strain, store at a temperature not exceeding +4 ◦ C.
• Shelf life: 48 hours.

You can rinse your mouth with the infusion and wash wounds. If we talk about skin care, it is useful to make foot baths with the addition of calendula, wipe your face with cotton pads soaked in a cold infusion. To save time in the morning, pour the prepared infusion into ice cube trays in advance and freeze it. Such icy aromatic cubes will not only refresh your complexion and tone you up, but will also finally wake you up after a night's sleep.

Calendula for different skin types - folk remedies

At home, you can simply make a product based on marigolds according to your skin type:

• Infusion + potato starch for sensitive skin. The mask should have the consistency of jelly. Application: apply to face and rinse after 20 minutes.

• Calendula petal juice + lemon juice in equal proportions to whiten skin and remove freckles.

• 30 g of calendula (2 tablespoons) + 2 tablespoons of hazelnut powder per half liter of water for oily skin. This lotion infuses for several hours and perfectly heals acne and pustules. Alcohol tincture will also dry out problem skin.

Not only calendula infusion is effective in the fight against acne. You can make your own ointment to treat acne: just mix any face cream, preferably nourishing, with dried marigold flowers in a container and grind them until smooth. Suitable for use morning and evening.

Calendula decoction

The decoction is prepared according to the following step-by-step recipe

• Pour 30 or 60 g (two filters) of dried flowers into three glasses of cold water (750 ml).
• Boil for an hour on low heat.
• Take a glass several times a day.

In addition to its general strengthening effect on the body, a decoction of marigolds is also good for rinsing hair. There is no need to get carried away with this procedure; it is enough to repeat it once every week and a half. Calendula is especially recommended for oily hair and for drying the scalp, healing wounds and scratching.

For dry hair, a mask with a tincture of simple ingredients is suitable:

• A teaspoon of calendula tincture;
• Three tablespoons of burdock oil;
• Two egg yolks.

Use the mask 30 minutes before washing your hair: apply, leave for half an hour and then rinse your hair.

Unusual uses of calendula: folk wisdom

What else, besides medicinal infusions and decoctions, can be made from marigolds? For example, it’s easy to make calendula syrup at home.

Syrup

For this you will need:

• half a liter of calendula decoction;
• half a kilo of honey (sugar in case of allergies).

Heat the mixture in a saucepan and stir the components until completely dissolved. Store the cooled syrup in opaque containers and drink a teaspoon three times a day.

Despite the fact that the use of calendula is relevant in many areas of human life, the flower is especially in demand as a medicinal raw material. Everyone can take advantage of the unique healing qualities of the plant. The main thing is to take into account both the medicinal properties and contraindications of calendula.

Medicinal calendula is popularly called marigold. This is a beautiful plant, with succulent and strong stems, elongated leaves and attractive daisy-like flowers.

Unlike many other medicinal plants, calendula has a bright “appearance” - the juicy yellow and orange petals of its inflorescences not only attract attention, but also lift your spirits.

Ancient healers believed that one look at a blooming calendula was enough to forget about sorrows, and at the same time improve vision.

The flowers of the plant actually have this ability, thanks to the content of carotene, from which vitamin A is synthesized in the body. To achieve a therapeutic effect, it is not enough just to admire the beauty of the flower; you need to internally take products prepared from its inflorescences. And the orange color itself has the ability to stimulate the nervous system and is used in color therapy to eliminate depression and nervous fatigue.

But the amazing healing properties of calendula do not end there. Almost all above-ground parts of marigolds are rich in valuable elements, the effects of which help in the fight against various diseases.

Pharmacological value of marigolds

Calendula flowers have the most pronounced healing power.

Flower baskets contain a huge amount of the following substances:

• Carotenoids are organic natural pigments that neutralize the effects of free radicals. Provitamins A, the precursors of vitamin A, are considered especially valuable representatives of the class.
• Flavonoids are plant organic compounds that have antispasmodic, healing, choleretic and diuretic effects.
• Triterpenoids are acid-containing organic compounds that provide anti-inflammatory effects, improve the conductivity of nerve impulses and reduce cholesterol.
• Sterols are organic substances, derivatives of steroids that neutralize the effect of cholesterol and reduce its level in the blood.
• Essential oils that suppress the activity of pathogenic microorganisms.
• Salicylic acid is a compound with pronounced antiseptic, analgesic, antirheumatic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Coumarins are substances whose pharmacological activity is expressed in antispasmodic, antitumor and anticoagulant effects.

In addition, marigold inflorescences are rich in microelements such as:

• potassium and magnesium, which support the functioning of the heart muscle;
• iron and calcium, necessary for normal hematopoiesis;
• zinc, which strengthens the immune system;
• copper to relieve inflammatory processes;
• molybdenum, which prevents demineralization of tooth enamel;
• as well as selenium, which prevents the formation of atypical cells.

The stems and leaves of calendula contain phytoncides, thanks to which the plant can be used as an antibacterial agent, and tannins. And marigold seeds are used to obtain fatty oils.

Calendula: beneficial properties for women

The unique set of healing capabilities that calendula has has made this plant an indispensable component of procedures for healing the female body.

And it turns out to be especially relevant when eliminating gynecological problems.

Based on calendula, medicines are prepared for the treatment of tumors and ovarian cysts, fibroids and erosions of the cervix, as well as lumps and tumor processes in the breast. In addition, the use of medicines from marigolds helps reduce the tone of the uterus, normalize the course and frequency of menstruation and improve the well-being of women during menopause.

What diseases does it help with?

The bactericidal, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, soothing, and analgesic properties of calendula have been used in the treatment of a huge number of diseases.

Treatment with calendula is indicated for the development of most pathological processes that threaten human health:

• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and hepatobiliary system - gastritis, ulcers, colitis, duodenitis, hepatitis, jaundice, constipation, cholecystitis, enteritis, hemorrhoids;
• skin lesions - boils, ringworm, acne, warts, wounds, bruises, gangrene and necrosis;
• nervous and cardiovascular systems - nervous excitability, dizziness, hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmia, heart failure;
• diseases of the ENT organs caused by the activity of staphylococci and streptococci - sore throat, tonsillitis, pharyngitis;
• dental diseases - periodontitis, stomatitis, gingivitis, periodontal disease, bleeding gums;
• infections and inflammations of the kidneys and genitourinary organs - nephritis, cystitis, thrush, trichomoniasis;
• respiratory tract lesions - asthma, bronchitis.

In addition, calendula helps relieve symptoms and improve the patient’s well-being with influenza, allergies, rickets, arthritis, rheumatism, enlarged spleen, cancer, malaria, as well as toxicosis (especially early).

Traditional recipes for marigolds

In traditional medicine recipes, all above-ground parts of marigolds are used in the form of decoctions, tinctures, ointments, oils, juice, tea and infusions. Compresses, rinses and douches are made using calendula products, and medicinal drinks and bath solutions are prepared.

Collection rules

Under natural conditions, calendula blooms throughout the warm season, so the inflorescences are collected many times during the season. Moreover, after each collection of baskets, the flowering of the plant becomes more intense, and the number of flowers increases.

Collect baskets of inflorescences along with the peduncle. The buds have the greatest pharmacological value in the first two days after blooming. The collected plant material is dried in ventilated areas, protected from direct sunlight.

Dried calendula flowers retain their medicinal properties for several years if stored in a glass container and in a dark place.

Infusion or decoction

To prepare the infusion, pour boiling water over calendula - take one or two glasses of water for one tablespoon of plant material. Then wrap it or place it in a thermos until it cools completely. As it steeps, the valuable substances of calendula will be transferred into the water, giving it healing powers.

After filtering, such infusions are used internally for:

• diseases of the liver and biliary tract;
• gastritis;
• menstrual pain;
• high blood pressure;
• as well as insomnia and anxiety.

For diseases of the cardiovascular system, you can add the same amount of brewed lemon balm, valerian, hawthorn or rose hips to the finished infusion. A few tablespoons of cranberry juice will enhance the healing effect.

For flu, add a few crushed cloves of garlic to the calendula decoction. And when coughing, it is recommended to drink half a glass of warm broth several times a day.

An infusion prepared from two glasses of water is considered less rich and is suitable for gargling and mouth, performing enemas and soaking tampons when eliminating gynecological problems.

Calendula ointment

An ointment based on calendula extract is a powerful bactericidal and anti-inflammatory agent that can quickly heal wounds, eliminate rashes, skin irritations and destroy pathogenic microorganisms that provoke skin damage.

Recipe No. 1. To prepare marigold ointment, 100 grams of dried inflorescences are crushed and mixed with 200 g of melted pork fat. The resulting mixture is heated in a water bath until smooth. Then cool and place in a glass container. Store refrigerated.

Recipe No. 2. Three tablespoons of dried calendula inflorescences are poured with boiling water and kept warm for about two hours. Then the infusion is filtered and mixed with one tablespoon of Vaseline.

Calendula ointment is used externally to treat problem areas of the skin.

To eliminate warts, the ointment must be prepared from freshly harvested raw materials with the addition of a small amount of celandine juice.

Calendula oil

Fill a half-liter jar with fresh calendula flowers, not reaching two centimeters to the top edge. Then the contents are supplemented with vegetable oil - olive or sunflower. The oil is considered ready after 10 days, provided it is stored in a cool place. During the infusion period, it is recommended to shake it periodically.

External use of marigold oil is appropriate for:

• burns and frostbite;
• ulcerative skin lesions with varicose veins;
• dry eczema;
• the appearance of diaper rash in babies;
• wounds, cuts, contusions and bruises;
• cracked nipples in nursing mothers;
• bedsores.

Internal intake of calendula oil is indicated for diseases of the digestive system, including erosive formations and ulcers, as well as menopause and increased nervous excitability.

Calendula oil is also used in food as an immune system booster. They season salads, add it to sauces, soups or ready-made dishes. During the cold season, oil is applied to the skin of the face to protect against the effects of low temperatures.

Juice, tea

Juice squeezed from fresh calendula flowers is a universal remedy for restoring health with a runny nose, bee or wasp stings, inflammation of the rectum, angina pectoris and hypertension, gastritis, and peptic ulcers of the stomach and intestines.

To prepare the juice, freshly picked marigold inflorescences are crushed using a meat grinder or blender and squeezed through a press or cheesecloth. For long-term storage, the juice is sterilized in a water bath for about an hour.

• For internal use, use one or two tablespoons of juice mixed with honey or milk, twice a day.
• For external use, marigold juice is diluted with boiled water: the ratio for rinsing is 1:2, the ratio for douching and enemas is 1:3.
• To make tea, marigolds are combined with equal amounts of linden blossom and mint or chamomile. For one tablespoon of the mixture - a glass of boiling water. Brewing time: 20 minutes in a warm place.

This tea is effective for any indication for the use of calendula, and also as a general tonic.

Alcohol tincture

To prepare a tincture of marigolds, you will need alcohol and plant materials (preferably freshly harvested). Thanks to the action of alcohol, only the tincture preserves almost all the valuable qualities of fresh calendula.

When preparing the tincture, follow the following algorithm:

• Calendula inflorescences are poured with alcohol.
• The correct ratio is one part of plant material and five parts of alcohol with a strength of 70%. An alternative option is a tablespoon of crushed marigold flowers per glass of vodka.
• The mixture is placed in a cold place and kept for two days.
• The tincture is filtered and stored in the cold and dark, since light and heat destroy the biologically active elements of calendula.

Based on the diluted drug, compresses and rinses are made for skin lesions and fungal infections, pathologies of the throat and oral cavity, hair loss and dandruff.

As an internal remedy, calendula tincture is taken 20 drops three times a day for hypertension, neuroses or insomnia, coughing attacks, as well as to enhance the excretion of bile and dilate the bile ducts in acalculous cholecystitis.

Application in cosmetology

Solving cosmetic problems is another aspect of using the miraculous power of calendula. The rich chemical composition of the plant allows you to rejuvenate your facial skin and improve the health of your hair.

In addition to the fact that calendula products effectively eliminate facial skin defects such as rashes and irritation, the use of plant extract has a tonic, regenerating and whitening effect.

Therefore, calendula is indicated for all types of facial skin as a basis for the following products:

• tonic and tone enhancing;
• anti-aging;
• eliminating freckles, age spots, scars and scars;
• improving the color of the epidermis;
• relieving inflammation;
• triggering cell regeneration;
• reducing the depth and number of wrinkles;
• reducing fat levels;
• healing minor scratches and wounds.

And to restore hair health, eliminate fragility, prevent hair loss or accelerate growth, it is enough to periodically rinse it with a decoction of marigolds.

Pharmaceutical preparations of calendula

Calendula officinalis is a plant officially recognized by medicine as the basis for the production of pharmacological agents. The healing potential of marigolds has been embodied in many preparations.

• Calendula tincture is a medicine for external and internal use. It is a yellow transparent liquid used to prepare a solution for rinsing, lotions, therapeutic enemas, instillation into the nose or ear, as well as internal administration for gastrointestinal diseases.
• KN tablets are a means of influencing tumor processes in the gastrointestinal tract.
• "Caleflon" - tablets for the treatment of ulcers in the stomach and intestines, chronic forms of gastritis and liver diseases.
• "Rotokan" is a liquid combination product for the restoration of affected mucous membranes. Indicated for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity.
• Dr. Theiss Calendula ointment based on inflorescence extract, animal fat and corn cob oil. It is used externally to eliminate infectious and mechanical skin lesions.

Typically, pharmaceutical preparations of calendula are available without a prescription. But this does not mean that treatment with marigolds has no contraindications.

Contraindications for use

To ensure that the use of calendula-based products does not cause the development of undesirable reactions, it is necessary to take into account the specific effects of individual components of the plant.

Despite the low level of toxicity of marigolds, restrictions on the use of products based on them concern, first of all, internal use.

• the presence of individual intolerance and a tendency to allergies to plants of the Asteraceae family (chamomile, chrysanthemums);
• therapy of heart diseases using glycosides that enhance the activity of the heart muscle;
• low blood pressure or tendency to hypotension;
• cholelithiasis - the action of the plant extract can cause the movement of stones and blockage of the ducts;
• pregnancy - taking a plant extract can lead to termination of pregnancy (with the exception of eliminating toxicosis in the early stages).

In addition, internal use of calendula is contraindicated for children under 12 years of age.

Considering the small number of contraindications, calendula officinalis can be considered one of the most effective and accessible plants. Moreover, growing marigolds does not require effort, and purchasing preparations based on them does not require a lot of money.

And most importantly, understanding the medicinal properties of calendula is the key to health and a fulfilling life.

Calendula is one of the medicinal plants. It has bright and expressive flowers with dark yellow or orange petals, thanks to which it is easily recognizable among other representatives of the flora. For medicinal purposes, only the inflorescences, which are popularly called “marigolds,” are used. How exactly calendula can be used, and in what situations its use would be most appropriate - we will find out in more detail.

Chemical composition and medicinal properties of calendula

The beneficial effect of medicinal calendula is based on its rich chemical composition. Thus, the raw materials contain a lot of biologically active substances, in particular:

• provitamin A – necessary for the synthesis of the vitamin itself;
• triterpinoids – provide a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and improve the transmission of nerve impulses;
• essential oils cause the death of microorganisms or inhibit their active growth;
• flavonoids – have an antispasmodic effect on smooth muscles, normalize the processes of bile production, and also neutralize and stimulate the removal of harmful substances from the body;
• coumarins – create favorable conditions for relieving inflammatory processes;
• Also, healing “marigolds” contain a number of micro- and macroelements, in particular magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, copper, selenium, which are not only responsible for the occurrence of individual processes, but also generally have a positive effect on the functioning of the body.

Thus, for medicinal purposes, calendula can be used as a disinfectant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, choleretic, sedative and wound-healing agent.

What does calendula help with: indications for use

Considering how diverse the properties of the plant in question are, it is not surprising that it is used to eliminate a wide variety of health problems. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the situations in which the flower is used most often.

What are the benefits of calendula flowers and what do they treat?

Calendula can be used in various dosage forms; flowers are used as raw materials for the preparation of infusions, decoctions, ointments and other compositions. Based on their properties, they can be used to treat the following diseases:

• infectious and inflammatory skin lesions;
• traumatic injuries;
• gastritis with high acidity;
• ulcerative lesions of the digestive tract;
• inflammation of the intestines;
• liver diseases;
• acne;
• burns and frostbite;
• fungal diseases;
• gynecological diseases.

What is homeopathic ointment used for?

The form of the ointment implies the use of a product for local application, that is, as part of the treatment of the skin. Calendula-based ointment may be useful if you have the following problems:

• varicose veins (the composition is applied in the form of compresses);
• diaper rash and dermatitis (in particular on children's skin);
• wounds, areas of inflammation, scars;
• for treating oily skin – the ointment reduces sebum production, helps cleanse and tighten pores;
• rough areas of skin - the ointment will help soften them and restore elasticity to the tissues;
• sunburn;
• men may well use the ointment as a soothing agent after shaving.

Medicinal tincture of calendula

A medicinal tincture based on alcohol is very effective, since the alcohol component does not inhibit the beneficial effect of the plant, but only enhances it, in particular in the bactericidal aspect. Based on this, the composition is used in the following situations:

• inflammation of the oral mucosa (stomatitis, gingitis, etc.);
• therapy for high blood pressure;
• local treatment of skin problems, acne;
• diseases of the digestive tract;
• cervical erosion;
• damage to the skin (burns, wounds, abrasions, etc.) - as an element of local exposure.

The use of suppositories in gynecology and proctology

Homeopathic suppositories with calendula are intended for rectal administration and can be used in the treatment of such ailments:

• colpitis - an inflammatory process affecting the vaginal mucosa;
• endometritis – inflammation of the lining of the uterus;
• inflammation of the cervix;
• infection of the ovaries and fallopian tubes;
• for hemorrhoids.

Medicinal plant oil

The plant does not lose its many beneficial properties in the form of oil, which can be either purchased ready-made or prepared at home using olive oil. Areas of application of the oil substance: damage to the skin, including damage to the nipples of mothers during breastfeeding and snags in the corners of the lips, adult and child massage sessions, varicose veins on the extremities, rosacea (the appearance of spider veins on the skin). The oil can be used internally as part of the treatment of high blood pressure and ulcerative lesions of the digestive tract.

Calendula oil is added to cosmetic preparations that are designed to protect the skin from the aggressive effects of the sun. Bruises, abrasions, and allergic reactions (for example, insect bites) are treated with this product.

Methods of using marigolds in folk medicine

In order to get the maximum positive effect from using the product, it is important to correctly approach the method of its use, that is, follow the recipe and dosage in each individual situation.

How to use a gargle tincture

When preparing tinctures, alcohol or vodka is used as a base. To prepare the remedy, you need to take a tablespoon of dried marigolds and pour half a liter of alcohol base into them. The product is infused for one week, after which you can start using the product.

Considering that the product contains alcohol, and it has a pronounced irritating effect, the question arises - how to gargle with tincture so as not to harm the mucous membrane and not aggravate the situation? Before carrying out the procedure, the composition must be diluted in water at the rate of a tablespoon per glass of liquid. Rinsing is done in the standard way - with the head thrown back, it is advisable not to swallow the product. Frequency: 2-3 times a day until improvement occurs.

How to drink calamus root and calendula for vision

This folk remedy has been used for a very long time and has a lot of positive reviews. To prepare it, you need to take 2 tablespoons of crushed calamus root and marigolds, place them in a dark glass container and pour half a liter of alcohol or vodka. The drug should be infused for two weeks in a dark place, but subject to daily shaking of the bottle. When the specified period has expired, the composition is filtered, and the remaining cake is squeezed out well. To improve vision, you need to use a teaspoon of the composition three times during the day, half an hour before your next meal. The course lasts until the prepared volume is finished, after which you must take a month’s break and, if necessary, you can repeat the treatment.

Douching for thrush and erosion

A gynecologist may advise supplementing the therapy of gynecological diseases with douching with calendula. To carry out the procedure at home, the following compositions can be used:

• A 2% tincture in the amount of a teaspoon is diluted in a glass of warm water;
• a teaspoon of a mixture of calendula and propolis tincture per glass of water;
• You can also brew a teaspoon of flowers in 100 ml of water and cool to the required temperature.

For erosion, douching is done in the evening for a two-week course. For thrush, just a week of treatments may be enough.

How to take a decoction for gastritis

The drug has a pronounced positive effect in diseases of the digestive tract, in particular in inflammation of the gastric mucosa - gastritis. Flower-based products help relieve inflammation, speed up tissue repair processes, and thereby significantly speed up recovery. In such a situation, you can use the following recipes:

• water tincture - 3 tablespoons of raw materials are poured with a glass of boiling water and infused in a thermos for three hours. You can drink half a glass of the strained product 2-3 times a day, but after it it is important not to eat for at least a couple of hours;
• the use of a herbal mixture, which includes equal amounts of roots of elecampane, calamus, marshmallow, marigold, chamomile and tansy. 2 tablespoons of the composition are poured with half a liter of boiling water, left for an hour and taken outside the period of exacerbations, 100 ml an hour before meals 3 times a day.

Recipe for calendula ointment for hemorrhoids

To treat inflammation of hemorrhoids, a special homemade cream made from healing calendula can be used. The composition can be purchased at the pharmacy in finished form, or you can make it yourself. To do this, you first need to make an infusion with alcohol according to the recipe described above. You can prepare an ointment from the finished infusion - you need to mix it with melted butter in a ratio of one to five, and then cool. It is recommended to apply the resulting mixture externally to the nodes themselves, lubricating them once a day.

Application for the treatment of acne on the face

A pimple is an inflammatory process in the sebaceous gland, which is caused by its blockage and the development of microorganisms in the accumulated secretion. To get rid of the problem, you need to eliminate its cause, but calendula tincture with alcohol can be used as a local treatment. Thus, the flower will provide an anti-inflammatory, disinfecting effect and accelerate tissue repair processes, and the alcohol component will dry out the pimple and also have an antiseptic effect. To eliminate rashes, they need to be spot-treated with a cotton swab dipped in tincture. You should not completely wipe your face with a clean tincture - this can greatly dry out the skin and also turn it yellowish.

Use for hair against dandruff

To eliminate dandruff, you need to moisturize the skin, restore its nutrition and normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands. For this purpose, the following recipe is actively used: fill a jar with plant petals and pour olive oil over it, leave for two weeks. The resulting oil is used as a mask for problematic scalp and hair - it is rubbed into the scalp, distributed along the length and left in this form for an hour, after which it is thoroughly washed with shampoo. You can also enrich purchased masks and balms by adding a couple of drops of oil to the amount used.

Harm and side effects

All the benefits of a plant can result in great harm to the body if it is used incorrectly. The main problems are associated with an overdose of the formulations taken. When using the plant externally, the situation may result in the formation of a skin reaction - redness, rash, burning sensation. Possible negative effects from internal use are more widespread. Thus, an allergic reaction may develop, the functioning of the urinary system may be disrupted, blood pressure may drop sharply, a headache may occur, and nausea may occur. A pronounced choleretic effect can stimulate the movement of stones and cause colic.

Contraindications for the use of calendula externally and internally

The use of calendula and any products based on it for internal use is limited by the following contraindications:

• pregnancy and lactation;
• state of low blood pressure;
• cholelithiasis;
• acute period of diseases of the digestive tract;
• age up to 12 years;
• individual intolerance;
• cardiac pathologies with bradycardia.

Local use of the product will have to be abandoned in case of individual intolerance, as otherwise an allergic reaction will develop. During pregnancy and childhood, local application is possible, but only after permission from a doctor.

Collection and procurement of raw materials

Calendula blooms for quite a long time - from early summer to autumn, which allows you to prepare a sufficient number of medicinal petals during the season. Harvesting is usually done once every 2-5 days, depending on the volume of the planted plant. Blooming flowers are cut off (it is important to wait until they are fully opened), which gives impetus to the appearance of new buds. Cut flowers are laid out in one layer on a pallet and sent to dry - it is advisable to choose a closed veranda or a well-ventilated attic for these purposes. Direct sunlight should not fall on the flowers, but there should be enough fresh air. During drying, the flowers are periodically turned over, and usually within a week the harvest is ready for further storage.

Calendula has a positive effect on the heart and blood vessels, heals wounds, eliminates inflammation, and has a calming effect. Knowing how to brew calendula, you can replace pharmaceutical products that have a lot of side effects with natural herbal ingredients.

How to brew calendula flowers

Blooming calendula flowers are used for medicinal purposes. They are plucked at the base and then dried. It is in this form that the raw material retains maximum nutrients. The ready-to-use plant can be stored for two years.

How to brew calendula? The method depends on the characteristics of the disease

The method of preparing calendula depends on the purpose of its use:

• To eliminate allergic reactions, take 1 tsp. dried flowers, pour 125 ml of boiling water. Cover the container with a lid and leave to steep for 1-2 hours. Then pass through cheesecloth and drink 1 tbsp. l. three times a day.

• To treat sore throat and sore throat, add 1 tbsp. l. dry raw materials with a glass of boiling water, wrap the container with a warm towel and leave to simmer for an hour. Strain the infusion and use it to gargle. It is recommended to carry out the procedure at least once every three hours.

A similar composition can be used to eliminate stomatitis - small ulcers in the mouth.

• For a runny nose, pour 1 tbsp. l. dried flowers 250 ml of boiling water, cover the container with a lid and leave to “simmer” for an hour. Then pass the composition through a gauze pad, combine with water in a 2:1 ratio and use to rinse the nose.

• how to brew calendula for drinking during arrhythmia: you need to pour 1 tbsp. l. inflorescences, dried or fresh, half a liter of boiling water. Wrap the container with a towel and leave for an hour. Then strain and drink half a glass three times a day.

• To treat abrasions, bruises, and fungal diseases of the skin, take 10-15 fresh calendula flowers, pour a glass of boiling water and leave to infuse for 2-3 hours. When the product has cooled, soak a thick bandage or gauze in it and apply to the damaged area. The compress should not be applied to open wounds.