Calendula, or marigold, has been known for its medicinal properties for many centuries. This plant is valued for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and healing qualities, making it popular in medicine and cosmetology. However, despite the benefits, calendula has contraindications that are important to keep in mind before use. In this article, we will explore the main properties and uses of calendula, as well as possible restrictions on its use.
Calendula: biological description
Calendula, also known as marigold, is the same plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The main difference lies only in the name: “calendula” is a Latin name (Calendula officinalis), and “marigold” is a more common folk name in the post-Soviet space. It is an annual plant with bright orange or yellow flowers that is often found in gardens. It is valued not only for its beauty, but also for its medicinal properties of flowers due to its content of flavonoids, carotenoids and essential oils.
Useful properties of calendula
Calendula is known for its wide range of health benefits. The flowers of the plant have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, healing, antispasmodic and immunomodulatory effects. It effectively helps with various diseases due to the rich composition of biologically active substances. Infusions, decoctions and ointments based on calendula officinalis are used both internally and externally.
Application of calendula
Calendula for stomach and intestines
Calendula has a mild but effective effect on the gastrointestinal tract, helping to cope with problems such as gastritis, stomach ulcers, and intestinal inflammation. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, calendula reduces irritation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, accelerating their recovery. This is especially important in gastritis and peptic ulcers, when inflamed tissues require protection and healing.
In gastritis, calendula helps reduce the production of gastric juice, reducing acidity and relieving symptoms. It also relieves spasms and relieves pain, making the digestion process more comfortable. In the case of intestinal diseases such as colitis or enteritis, calendula soothes irritated mucous membranes, helping to reduce inflammation and improve overall gut health. It normalizes its work, helping to restore the balance of microflora and preventing the development of pathogenic bacteria.
Calendula for the liver
Calendula also has a positive effect on the liver, one of the key organs responsible for filtering and cleansing the body. The anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties of this plant help the liver cope with the load, especially in diseases such as hepatitis or toxic damage. It supports the regeneration of liver cells, contributing to their rapid recovery from damage caused by inflammation or toxins.
Calendula helps improve the production and flow of bile, which is important for normal digestion and liver function. It is especially useful for gallbladder diseases and related liver disorders. By cleansing the body of decay products and toxins, calendula protects liver cells from the harmful effects of oxidative stress and stimulates metabolic processes, which makes it an important element in maintaining liver health.
Calendula during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the use of medicinal herbs requires special attention, and calendula is no exception. Internal use of calendula during pregnancy is not recommended, as its components can stimulate uterine contractions, potentially leading to complications, especially in the early stages. However, the external application of calendula is safe and can be very beneficial.
Calendula effectively copes with skin problems that often arise during pregnancy. Women can use calendula infusions and ointments to treat irritations, inflammations, and dry skin. It also helps fight stretch marks by softening the skin and promoting skin regeneration. Due to its antiseptic properties, calendula can be used to treat minor cuts and scrapes, preventing them from becoming infected.
Treatment of dermatological diseases and cuts
Calendula has long been known as an effective remedy for the treatment of various skin conditions and injuries. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and healing properties, making it an ideal choice for treating dermatological issues such as eczema, dermatitis, acne, and allergic reactions. Calendula not only relieves inflammation, but also soothes the skin, speeding up the recovery process.
Its use is especially useful in the treatment of minor wounds, cuts, burns and insect bites. Calendula-based ointments and creams create a protective layer on the surface of the skin, preventing infection and stimulating tissue regeneration. Due to its antiseptic properties, calendula helps to avoid complications in wound healing, which makes it an indispensable tool for the home first aid kit.
Dental diseases
Calendula is widely used in dentistry due to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and healing properties. It is especially effective in the treatment of inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, such as gingivitis, stomatitis, periodontal disease and other gum diseases. Rinses with calendula infusion help reduce inflammation, relieve pain and swelling, and prevent the development of pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity.
The antimicrobial properties of calendula contribute to the rapid healing of small wounds and ulcers that occur with stomatitis or other diseases of the oral mucosa. Regular use of calendula-based rinsing infusions can significantly reduce the risk of infections and promote gum health by preventing them from bleeding and becoming inflamed. This makes calendula an important means of complex therapy of dental diseases.
Inflammatory and acute respiratory diseases
Calendula is actively used to treat inflammatory and acute respiratory diseases due to its pronounced antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. If you drink infusions and decoctions of calendula, it can help relieve symptoms of sore throat, bronchitis, pharyngitis, and other upper respiratory diseases. Gargling with calendula infusion reduces inflammation, relieves pain and irritation, which is especially important for sore throats.
In addition, calendula helps to thin and eliminate phlegm, making it easier to breathe and speeding up recovery from bronchitis and colds. It helps relieve swelling and irritation of the mucous membrane, which makes it an effective inhalation and rinsing agent for acute respiratory infections.
Cosmetology
Calendula is widely used in cosmetology due to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and regenerating properties. It effectively helps to cope with various skin problems such as acne, inflammation and irritation. Calendula extracts are often included in creams, lotions, and masks for the care of problematic and sensitive skin, as they promote rapid healing of lesions, reduce redness, and eliminate dryness.
In addition, calendula is great for the care of mature skin. Its antioxidant properties help fight premature aging by stimulating collagen production and improving skin elasticity. It improves the overall tone of the skin, making it smoother and more hydrated, restoring a healthy glow to it.
Hair Beauty
Calendula has a positive effect not only on the skin, but also on the condition of the hair and scalp. It helps to strengthen hair, prevents hair loss and stimulates growth. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, calendula soothes the scalp, eliminates irritation and itching, and helps treat dandruff.
Regular use of calendula infusions to rinse hair makes it shinier and stronger. It moisturizes dry hair, prevents brittle split ends, restoring the natural beauty and health of the hair. This makes medicinal calendula an excellent natural remedy for comprehensive hair care.
Calendula: benefits and harms
Despite the numerous beneficial properties of calendula, it is important to take into account possible contraindications. Calendula has pronounced medicinal properties, but its use internally should be careful, especially during pregnancy and in case of individual intolerance. Some components of calendula can cause allergic reactions, so a sensitivity test is recommended before use.
Particular caution should be exercised in people with low blood pressure, as calendula may increase the hypotensive effect. It is important to remember that the use of calendula should be dosed and appropriate, especially in combination with other medicines. Overall, when used correctly, calendula is an effective and safe natural remedy that can help treat various ailments and maintain overall health.
Literature:
- A Review on Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Calendula officinalis Linn (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1934578X241259021#:~:text=The%20plant’s%20flowers%20and%20leaves,analgesic%20and%20anti%2Dinflammatory%20properties.&text=An%20animal%20study%20verified%20calendula%20flower%20extract’s%20ability%20to%20effectively%20reduce%20inflammation.)
- A review on phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological aspects of genus Calendula (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3841996/)
- Calendula (https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/calendula)
- An overview on calendula officinalis LINN (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367749408_AN_OVERVIEW_ON_CALENDULA_OFFICINALIS_LINN_POT_MARIGOLD)
Author: Natalia Kandybey, Candidate of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Quality Director of PJSC Pharmaceutical Factory “VIOLA”
