Calendula (marigold) is a plant that has been used for centuries for ornamental, culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal purposes.
1. Has anti-inflammatory properties
Calendula has been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory properties through powerful flavonoids. These plant antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and pro-inflammatory compounds such as C-reactive protein and cytokines.
Linoleic acid, an anti-inflammatory compound, is also found in high concentrations in marigold. Its strong anti-inflammatory properties make it a powerful remedy for all types of inflammatory issues, such as diaper rashes, dermatitis, ear infections, ulcers, sore throats, and more. Ear drops containing marigold are sometimes used to treat ear infections in children.
2. Relieves muscle spasms
Calendula can help prevent and relax muscle spasms. Data from a study conducted by the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences at the Aga Khan University Medical College in Pakistan showed that raw extract from marigold flowers relaxed spontaneous muscle contractions. This research provided a scientific basis for the traditional use of this plant in abdominal cramps and constipation.
3. Heals ulcers, wounds, and hemorrhoids
In studies conducted on slow-healing wounds and various ulcers, it was found that the use of marigold-based gels and topical ointments helped accelerate the rate of recovery and healing.
Calendula is also used to improve skin firmness and hydration. Even more impressively, it helps increase blood flow and oxygen to wounds and infected areas, aiding the body in growing new tissue and healing more quickly. For this reason, it can also be effective in combating hemorrhoids. Many creams and ointments are available today to provide effective natural relief for these external conditions. Consumed as tea, it is also helpful for internal symptoms of duodenal and gastric ulcers.
4. Aids menstruation
Drinking marigold tea can help induce the menstrual cycle, as well as alleviate painful side effects of menstruation. The high presence of flavonoids helps relax muscles and improve blood flow, both favoring the easing of menstruation. It can also alleviate hot flashes.
5. Contains antimicrobial and antiviral components
The fatty acids in the oils of this plant have strong antimicrobial and antiviral effects, especially when fortified with sunflower oil. The oils and acids from the plant have been shown to be effective in combating pathogens, as well as symptoms of candida and even antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains! This is an important reason why it is used today in antiseptic topical products.
6. Improves oral health
Calendula has become a popular additive in toothpaste and mouthwash in recent years due to its strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It helps reduce gum inflammation and fights gingivitis, cavities, plaque, and more. It is an astringent that helps combat oral bacteria and promotes a healthy oral environment.
7. Discourages cancer
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, calendula may help in the fight against cancer and irritation caused by cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Animal studies have shown that it combats carcinogenic activity within tumors and additionally activates lymphocytes, which fight off foreign invaders and infections.
According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, calendula appears to be more effective than commonly recommended topical agents in reducing and preventing the incidence of dermatitis caused by radiation used in the treatment of brain cancer.
Homemade infused marigold oil recipe
INGREDIENTS:
230 grams of dried marigold flowers
500 grams of organic olive oil
1 large glass jar
PREPARATION METHOD:
Place the dried marigold flowers in a clean, dry glass jar.
Pour enough olive oil into the jar to cover the flowers. Shake the jar and let it sit for about an hour.
When checking, the oil should cover the marigold flowers by at least 1 cm, or if the flowers float, there should be 1 cm at the bottom of the jar without flowers. Add more oil if necessary.
Shake well, seal the jar tightly, and place it on your warmest, sunniest windowsill.
Shake the jar once a day.
After 3 to 6 weeks, strain the marigold flowers from the oil using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.
Pour the infused marigold oil into smaller bottles (glass, or leave it in the current container) and store it in a cool, dark place.
Now you have an amazing homemade oil to use whenever you wish! Ideally, use the homemade calendula oil within a year or less.
Precautions
You should not use marigold if you are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Other plants in this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, and echinacea.
Due to its menstrual-stimulating properties, pregnant women are advised to avoid marigold teas, as well as women who are breastfeeding and even those who wish to become pregnant, as it may cause miscarriage due to its strong pro-menstrual effects.
Calendula may interact negatively with sedatives due to its muscle-relaxing abilities, as well as with medications for diabetes and blood pressure.
