Calendula officinalis (pot marigold) is a plant in the genus Calendula of the family Asteraceae. It is probably native to southern Europe, though its long history of cultivation makes its precise origin unknown, and it may possibly be of garden origin. It is also widely naturalized further north in Europe (north to southern England) and elsewhere in warm temperate regions of the world. It is a short-lived aromatic herbaceous perennial, growing to 80 cm (31 in) tall, with sparsely branched lax or erect stems. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, 5–17 cm (2–7 in) long, hairy on both sides, and with margins entire or occasionally waved or weakly toothed. The inflorescences are yellow, comprising a thick capitulum or flower head 4–7 cm diameter surrounded by two rows of hairy bracts; in the wild plan. The useful components of calendula include a volatile oil, carotenoids, flavonoids, mucilage, resin, polysaccharides, aromatic plant acids as well as saponins, glycosides and sterols. Extracts of calendula can include infused oil, alcohol tincture, water soluble tea, or distilled and used as essential oil or watery distillate (hydrolate).
Benefits
Healing properties
People with dry broken skin are more likely to get benefited from calendula since it is a great skin healer. The oil soluble components including the essential oil seem especially good at stimulating wound healing. Scientific studies find that extracts of calendula can speed the healing of skin wounds and burns.
Anti-inflammatory properties
It can very well cure skin irritations because of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It has an anti-inflammatory as well as spasmolytic effect and is used with great effect for inflammation and small ulcers in the mouth and throat. These properties are useful for treating various types of dermatitis such as eczema.
Skin infections
It is used to treat conjunctivitis, eczema, yeast infections, herpes, gingivitis, ringworm, athlete’s foot, varicose veins, and other minor injuries and skin problems. In cases of slow-healing wounds, as well as burns, eczema, hemorrhoids and dry skin, it is most effective.
Skin cleanser
Calendula can also be used in place of traditional skin cleansers which usually have side effects like burning sensation or irritation. You can use calendula oil to moisturize your skin after a cool shower. You can add other ingredients to it when it is being used as a skin cleanser. If you frequently get red eyes, infused calendula herbs can be of great help for washing of red eyes.
Benefits
Healing properties
Anti-inflammatory properties
It can very well cure skin irritations because of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It has an anti-inflammatory as well as spasmolytic effect and is used with great effect for inflammation and small ulcers in the mouth and throat. These properties are useful for treating various types of dermatitis such as eczema.
Skin infections
It is used to treat conjunctivitis, eczema, yeast infections, herpes, gingivitis, ringworm, athlete’s foot, varicose veins, and other minor injuries and skin problems. In cases of slow-healing wounds, as well as burns, eczema, hemorrhoids and dry skin, it is most effective.
Skin cleanser
Calendula can also be used in place of traditional skin cleansers which usually have side effects like burning sensation or irritation. You can use calendula oil to moisturize your skin after a cool shower. You can add other ingredients to it when it is being used as a skin cleanser. If you frequently get red eyes, infused calendula herbs can be of great help for washing of red eyes.
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