Herbal medicine: the health benefits of calendula

Where does calendula come from?

Calendula is a pretty flower with bright yellow-orange petals. It is part of the Asteraceae family, like the daisy and the dandelion. This 25 to 30 cm tall herbaceous plant thrives in good, sunny soil throughout southern Europe.

What are the benefits of calendula?

Calendula petals have been shown to be effective in treating skin irritations and mild wounds. Against eczema, sunburn, insect bites, calendula, applied topically, reduces pain and accelerates healing.

Internally, it is also used to regulate menstrual flow and calm intestinal and gastric ulcerations.

Moreover, one can also use calendula flowers in a mouthwash to relieve canker sores.

In what forms is calendula used?

Internally, calendula is used as a mother tincture or an infusion of dried flowers. Externally, we apply compresses soaked in mother tincture diluted in previously boiled and cooled water. On the market, there are also dermatological creams containing between 2 and 5% flowers.

What are the contraindications for calendula?

The use of calendula applied to the skin is not recommended for children under 6 years old. In addition, any hypersensitivity associated with a plant of the Asteraceae family makes its use contraindicated.

Grandma’s remedies for calendula

Herbal tea against gastric inflammation: 1 C. to c. of dried petals in a bowl of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 5 minutes. Take 2 or 3 times a day, drinking slowly.

Mouthwash against canker sores: 1 C. to s. of mother tincture in 250 ml of water. Gargle 3 times a day.

Balm to relieve wounds: heat 20 cl of calendula maceration oil with 30 g of beeswax. Apply locally to the wound.

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