Medicinal properties and contraindications of calendula, use in traditional medicine
Calendula is a bright orange-yellow flower that can bloom from late spring to autumn, delighting others with its sunny appearance. In addition, calendula has medicinal properties, but it has practically no contraindications. It is widely used both in medicine and in cosmetology.
Content
- 1 The chemical composition of calendula
- 2 Beneficial features
- 3 Collection and procurement of medicinal raw materials
- 4 Storage of prepared raw materials
- 5 In what situations are used
- 6 Pharmacy medicines from marigold
- 7 The use of calendula in traditional medicine
- 8 Application in cosmetology
- 9 Side effects
- 10 Contraindications for use
The chemical composition of calendula
The beneficial properties of this plant are based on the content of biologically active substances in it. And this:
- carotene (aka vitamin A);
- sterol;
- flavonoids;
- essential oils;
- coumarin;
- a number of macro- and microelements.
Calendula seeds contain fatty oils and alkaloids. And in the roots are inulin and a number of triterpene glycosides.
Beneficial features
This plant has many beneficial properties. It has a wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, antispasmodic, choleretic, and diuretic effect. In addition, calendula can have a calming effect on the central nervous system. Helps accelerate the regeneration of damaged skin areas.
Collection and procurement of medicinal raw materials
The largest amount of active substances is found in calendula flowers, so they are harvested.
Although calendula blooms until mid-autumn, flowers should be harvested before the first frost appears. With the onset of frost, the plant will lose its beneficial properties. You also need to know that flowers acquire the maximum healing power during the full opening of the petals. This happens at noon, which means that they should be collected at lunchtime.
Calendula flowers, or as it is also called marigolds, require a careful attitude towards themselves. They should not be crumpled or piled in a large pile. The best option would be to collect them in shallow trays, laying out the flowers in one layer.
Immediately after collection, you need to send the pallet to the place where the plant will dry. This should be a dry, warm place with fresh air, such as a veranda or attic.
Important! Do not leave the collected inflorescences in the open sun. During fermentation, calendula will lose most of its healing properties. Then it can be used only as a flavoring agent, adding to tea.
The drying process takes about a week.At this time, the buds are often turned over, but they do it carefully, trying not to crush the inflorescences. To check if the calendula is dry enough, you need to press on the bud, while the dry flower will crumble.
Storage of prepared raw materials
In order for the drug collection to last longer, it must be placed in a paper or linen bag. If you use polyethylene, mold may develop in the flowers.
The bag of marigold inflorescences should be stored in a dry, warm and well-ventilated place. If you follow these simple rules, then the plant will not lose its properties throughout the year.
In what situations are used
The indications for the use of calendula are a variety of diseases. Starting from allergic reactions and ending with heart failure.
Sore throat
Calendula is used to treat throat diseases such as pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis, sore throat during the flu or SARS, as well as for injuries and burns of the throat. Rinse is used as a treatment.
The plant works quickly. The sick person feels relief after the first day of use.
Recipe:
- inflorescence of calendula - 1 tbsp. l .;
- boiled water - 1 tbsp.
It is necessary to crush a few dry flowers to make 1 tablespoon. Pour boiling water over it and leave for 2 hours. Before rinsing, filter the infusion and gargle with it. It is impossible to prepare such an infusion for the future, it is effective only 3 hours after preparation.
If the medicine is to be used for a child, then its concentration should be halved.
Hypertension treatment
Pharmaceutical drugs for the treatment of hypertension have a number of side effects. They negatively affect the quality of human life, dulling the physical and intellectual potential. Therefore, the use of herbal preparations, in particular marigolds, for the treatment of this disease is very important.
Recipe:
- dried flowers of calendula - 1 tsp;
- alcohol (70%) or vodka - 100 g.
The marigolds need to be filled with alcohol, covered and put in a dark place to infuse. Leave for a week. Filter the resulting tincture and drink 30 drops three times a day, adding it to a small amount of water.
Heart failure
Heart failure is a weakness in the heart muscle. You can strengthen it with the help of a folk recipe from calendula.
Recipe:
- dry calendula flowers - 2 parts;
- lingonberry leaf - 1 part;
- boiled water - 1 tbsp.
Combine calendula with lingonberry leaf and separate 1 tbsp. l. Pour boiling water over the resulting mixture and leave in a thermos overnight. In the morning, strain the liquid and consume 1/3 cup 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals.
Arrhythmia
This plant is able to fight heart rhythm disturbances. There is a simple way for this. It is necessary to prepare a special infusion of marigold flowers.
Recipe:
- dried calendula - 2 tbsp. l .;
- boiling water - 2 tbsp.
The inflorescences are poured with boiling water and insisted for 1 hour. Strain through cheesecloth and take half a glass at a time three times a day.
Digestive system diseases
Often people buy expensive drugs to get rid of digestive system problems, without thinking that the best medicine can literally grow under their feet. This infusion is suitable for gastritis, colitis, stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers.
Recipe:
- dry inflorescences of calendula - 2 tsp;
- dry chamomile - 1 tsp;
- dry yarrow - 1 tsp;
- boiling water - 2 tbsp.
Mix all medicinal herbs and pour boiling water over. Leave for 15 minutes and then drain. Drink throughout the day.
Women's diseases
For the treatment and prevention of many female diseases, medicinal herbs are used. Calendula is considered one of the most effective plants.It helps to slow down or even stop inflammation associated with gynecology.
Recipe:
- dry calendula flowers - 1 tbsp. l .;
- boiling water - 2 tbsp.
Pour the inflorescences with boiled water and leave for an hour. Strain and use the infusion for douching. The course of treatment should last at least 21 days.
Allergy
Allergic reactions can also be treated with marigolds. To do this, you need to make a simple tincture.
Recipe:
- dry inflorescences of calendula - 10 g;
- boiling water - 0.5 tbsp.
Grind the flowers and pour boiling water over them. Cover and leave for 2 hours. Take 1 tbsp. l. three times a day.
Oncology
Of course, it will not be possible to cure such a complex disease with marigolds. The purpose of such treatment is to alleviate the patient's condition. They help to reduce the level of intoxication of the body, normalize sleep, induce appetite, relieve nausea and gag reflex.
Recipe:
- dry calendula flowers - 1 tbsp. l .;
- alcohol (70%) - 10 tbsp. l.
Knead the flowers and add alcohol, stir and leave in a dark place to infuse for 2 weeks. Filter the tincture before use.
Drink one hour before meals, dripping 30 drops into a small amount of water. You need to take it 2 times a day for a month. Then they take a break for a week and repeat the course again.
Pharmacy medicines from marigold
Calendula is widely used in medicine. With its addition, a large number of different drugs are made, since it has many properties that have a positive effect on human health.
Tinctures and tablets from marigolds are most often prescribed for diseases of the intestines and stomach, as well as heart diseases. For example: "Rotokan", "Kaleflon", "Calendula-P".
Medicines with marigolds are also produced for external use. For example, for the treatment of cuts, pustular wounds, carbuncles, burns, boils, ulcers and abrasions. To treat such problems, use the pharmacy tincture of calendula, oil, ointment and cream of the same name "Calendula".
The use of calendula in traditional medicine
In folk medicine, alcohol or water tinctures from marigolds are often used. Also, various ointments, teas and decoctions are prepared, which are used to treat a variety of diseases.
Infusion and decoction
Prepared infusions and decoctions from marigolds at home are used not only for the treatment of various diseases, but also as cosmetics. For example, rubbing them over your face can cure acne. If a person has oily skin, use an infusion, if dry, use a decoction. They also get rid of age spots and freckles with their help.
Ointment
Homemade ointments from calendula flowers are used for dermatitis and diaper rash in children. Also for the treatment of various skin lesions, including insect bites. Such ointments are often recommended for young mothers who develop cracked nipples after feeding their baby. It can be concluded that the ointment is suitable for the whole family.
Oil
Marigold oil is used for skin care, its protection from the effects of the sun, wind and frost. Often used for massages, it helps to rejuvenate and tighten the skin. This oil is absolutely harmless, therefore it is used even for the care of newborn children.
Juice, tea
The juice of this plant is used to get rid of teenage acne and acne. It is also used for better hair growth by rubbing it into the roots. But brewed calendula tea does an excellent job of removing toxins and toxins from the body. Improves the functioning of the liver and gallbladder.
Oil extract
This oil has bactericidal, healing and soothing properties, so it is used to treat inflamed skin areas, to moisturize rough skin and prevent acne.
Alcohol tincture
Alcoholic tinctures from marigolds are widely used both in the treatment of various diseases and in cosmetology. Depending on the purpose of use, the concentration of the tincture and the method of taking it may vary.
Application in cosmetology
Marigolds are used for various cosmetic procedures. For example, a light infusion of calendula is used for daily washing or wiping the face. It helps to refresh the skin, making it smooth and youthful.
Rubbing the face with a tincture of medium concentration, it will be possible to reduce sebum secretion, the skin will become less oily, and the shine will disappear. And the most concentrated infusion is added to face masks, shampoos and creams. It will enhance the effect of these funds, nourish the skin with useful substances and heal it.
Side effects
Usually, calendula does not cause any side effects, but in rare cases, an immune system reaction in the form of allergies can occur. It manifests itself as a rash, redness, itching, or anaphylactic shock.
After taking marigolds inside, you may experience bitterness in the mouth, burning and abdominal pain.
Contraindications for use
Calendula will not harm your health if you follow the dosages while taking it, as it is a safe plant. It cannot be used only by those people who have individual intolerance or severe hypertension.
