Calendula
What is Calendula and what does it do?
Calendula Officianalis, otherwise known as Garden Marigold, Poet’s Marigold or Pot Marigold is a small plant with yellow or orange petals native to Mediterranean areas. Calendula contains many antioxidants and flavonoids such as carotenoids, lutein, lycopene, gamma-carotene, rubixanthin and zeaxanthin, and also contains triterpene saponins. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help control bleeding. Calendula has been used for centuries for a wide range of ailments and purposes. It was used to induce menstruation, to cure jaundice, to sweat out fevers, soothe stomach ulcers and to treat liver complaints. It also helped to cure conjunctivitis.
‘Wow!’ I hear you say, ‘That is one swell herb.’
Well, you are right, but I have saved its most common use, and the one for which it is most effective for last. Calendula is extremely effective in treating wounds and other skin problems, any type of dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, chapping, chafing, nappy rash, blisters and burns. What is more, if you apply a calendula preparation to a wound or burn it is less likely to form a permanent scar, Calendula helps to prevent the formation of scar tissue, it even helps minimise the appearance of old scars. It is great for acne prone skin or boils. Calendula helps heal your wounds quickly, even healing minor infections in cuts and sores.
How good is it?
It is bloody good, so good in fact that there is yet more that we are discovering about Calendula’s healing powers. Recent research has been conducted to test the anti-inflammatory, anti-viral anti-tumour and anti-genotoxic properties of Calendula in the lab and the preliminary results are showing that, in the test tube environment, Calendula appears to inhibit the activity of the HIV virus by protecting uninfected cells for about a 24 hour time period. Researchers are currently very interested in learning all they can about this fantastic flower and its life-saving potential.
Where do I get Calendula?
If you grow Calendula in your garden you will experience the double benefit of seeing the lovely bright flowers, and being able to rip off their petals and crush them into a nice warm bath that improves your skin and helps heal any sores you might have. If you are not a keen green thumb then I suggest heading down to your local health store where there is usually a wide range of Calendula preparations. You can buy Calendula oil or Calendula ointment, but be sure to check for other nasty ingredients. I would recommend an ointment that has a natural base, like olive oil. Calendula is often an ingredient in eczema and psoriasis preparations and also burn creams. If you are in Western Australia, there is a great little store in Balingup called the Tinderbox, their legendary Calendula cream is totally natural and is sold in health stores throughout WA.
Enjoyed this article? You may also enjoy these:
Help Support Us
