The great healing powers of Calendula
Plant description
Calendula (genus Calendula) is a small genus of 15–20 species of herbaceous plants (family Asteraceae) found in temperate regions of Eurasia and North Africa. The pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) is grown especially for ornamental purposes and is commonly found in herbal products and cosmetics. [1]
Calendula has healing properties.
Calendula is widely used due to its strong healing qualities. By using the calendula flower on various cuts, bruises, burns, scrapes, and insect bites, you can help your body speed up its natural healing process.
The oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is also rich in antioxidants, which is why it is so good at healing. It can be used to prevent infections from occurring on wounds that have not healed completely.[8]
What is calendula used for
Calendula oil may be an alternative remedy to treat various skin conditions as well as improve the quality and appearance of the skin.
Calendula flower is used to prevent muscle spasms, start menstrual periods, and reduce fever. It is also used for treating sore throat and mouth, menstrual cramps, cancer, and stomach and duodenal ulcers.
Calendula is applied to the skin to reduce pain and swelling (inflammation) and to treat poorly healing wounds and leg ulcers. It is also applied to the skin (used topically) for nosebleeds, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, inflammation of the rectum (proctitis), and inflammation of the lining of the eyelid (conjunctivitis). [2,4]
Wound and Pressure Ulcers
Animal studies have shown a relationship between calendula use and the improvement of wounds. What about humans? A recent study published in The Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care examined the effectiveness of calendula ointment on cesarean scars in 72 women.
Researchers found that as compared to standard hospital treatment, those women treated with calendula ointment had a quicker healing time. They reported their incisions to be less red and swollen.
In a 2016 study published in The Journal of Wound Care, researchers used Calendula officinalis extract on people with venous leg ulcers. Their findings indicated that those treated with calendula had a 7.4 percent “healing velocity per week” as opposed to only 1.7 percent in the control group. In addition, researchers reported, “No adverse events were observed during the Calendula officinalis extract treatment.” [3]
Protects Against Inflammation and Cancer
Calendula contains flavonoids and linoleic acid which both help fight inflammation. A 2009 study shows that calendula inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Calendula has also been found to fight cancer. A study published in BMC Cancer found that the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties of calendula make it an interesting remedy to explore for cancer treatment. In the study, calendula inhibited cancer cell proliferation and increased lymphocyte production (white blood cells of the lymph system).
Acts as an Antiseptic and Antifungal
One of the most interesting benefits of calendula is that it is antiseptic and antifungal. Because of this, calendula oil, tea, and ointment can be used to treat minor skin and eye infections as well as general skin conditions. A 2013 review found that calendula has antiseptic, antiviral, and antifungal, and can be used successfully to treat skin conditions.
Topical calendula can be used to treat conjunctivitis, diaper rash, and skin wounds among other uses.
Calendula can also help reduce gingivitis and plaque because of its antiseptic property, according to a 2013 study. [7]
Side-effects of Calendula
Calendula oil can be a mild allergen and people who are prone to allergies have been known to have allergic reactions to using this oil. You can always perform a patch test in order to determine whether or not it is safe for you to use it.[8]
Take away
Calendula oil may be an alternative remedy to treat various skin conditions as well as improve the quality and appearance of the skin.
If you’re interested in trying it out, make sure you’re buying a product that contains natural ingredients and is free of chemicals and preservatives. [5]
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/plant/calendula
- https://www.rxlist.com/calendula/supplements.htm
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-benefits-of-calendula-4582641
- https://www.healthline.com/health/calendula-oil#benefits
- https://www.healthline.com/health/calendula-oil#the-takeaway
- https://allgoodproducts.com/calendula-benefits-how-to-use-this-all-purpose-plant/
- https://wellnessmama.com/remedies/calendula/
- https://www.lybrate.com/topic/calendula-benefits