Calendula: botanical description
Calendula officinalis is an annual plant of the Compositae family, which originates from the Mediterranean, but is now distributed almost all over the world.
Note! This beautiful plant is characterized by many medicinal properties. Flower baskets are pharmaceutical and cosmetic raw materials. They are harvested when they bloom and then dried naturally or in special dryers.
The stem is erect, branched, reaches a height of 15-70 cm. The flowers are yellow or orange, collected in a basket up to 5 cm wide. It blooms from mid-June to late autumn.
Calendula officinalis: cultivation
They need a sunny location, but they are not picky about the soil, although they prefer calcareous substrates. Propagated by sowing directly into the ground from April to the end of June. They spread easily if left on the plants until they are mature and will appear in different areas of the garden the following season.
To enjoy flowering until the first frost, you should feed them with compost and remove faded flower baskets. The disadvantage of this plant is susceptibility to powdery mildew.
Medicinal properties of calendula
This plant is often used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals and is available in pharmacies, herbal stores and health food stores.
It is one of the most versatile medicinal and cosmetic plants, which is determined by the extremely rich composition of active ingredients. Calendula benefits:
- helps to cope with acne;
- supports the healing of damaged epidermis;
- fights skin flaking;
- has a rejuvenating effect;
- supports the body in the fight against free radicals attacking it;
- supports the regeneration of damaged epidermis after sunburn;
- moisturizes the hair, giving it the lost shine and radiance;
- useful in the fight against dandruff.
Calendula officinalis contains active substances with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Fights pathogenic fungi and bacteria. Scientific studies have confirmed its effectiveness in the fight against, among other things, streptococci and staphylococci.
Calendula flower is a source of many valuable biologically active substances, such as: saponins, sterols, carotenoids, flavonoids and coumarins. Also contains vitamin C and minerals. Such a diverse set of active substances and their high concentration make calendula universal.
Marigold flowers contain an essential oil that gives the plant its characteristic scent. Oils include mucous compounds, organic acids, bitters, resins and polysaccharides.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, calendula extract is recommended for inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties are also used for infections of the eyes and vagina. Relieves symptoms of conjunctivitis.
Studies show that calendula has antispasmodic properties, affecting smooth muscles, improving the functioning of the digestive system.
The essential oils contained in the plant have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. They have a relaxing and calming effect, help to slow down the heart rate and lower blood pressure.
Calendula extract supports the healing process of epidermal damage. It is used for bedsores, frostbite and varicose veins.
Soothes irritations, including sunburn. Supports the regeneration of sun-damaged dry skin. It is found in cosmetics for children, for people with atopic dermatitis and in intimate hygiene products.
calendula extract in cosmetics
The valuable properties of the plant were also appreciated by modern cosmetics. It can be found mainly in cosmetics designed for mature, dry and sensitive skin. Compresses, ointments and macerates with calendula are a traditional way to treat skin inflammations, wounds and irritations.
Antioxidant properties support the natural regeneration processes of the skin, as well as soften and smooth it. Recommended for people with dry, flaky, sensitive, irritated and allergic skin.
This ingredient has not only anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, but also astringent action, helps to regulate the secretion of sebum. That is why it is also used in cosmetics for acne-prone skin, which counteracts acne.
Calendula flowers reduce stretch marks and smooth scars. Eliminates roughness and excessive peeling of the epidermis.
It also has a beneficial effect on damaged, dry hair. Returns softness and healthy shine to rough, dull strands. Helps to cope with dandruff and accompanying irritation of the scalp.
Marigold extract is also used by manufacturers of hair cosmetics. It works great in the care of dry and oily hair, as well as with a tendency to dandruff.
Who should use cosmetics with calendula extract?
Calendula officinalis is most commonly used externally. On its basis, creams, ointments, oils and tinctures are prepared, as well as calendula syrup. Due to its beneficial properties for the skin, calendula is used in cosmetics in the form of calendula oil and hydralate.
First of all, it will be cosmetics designed for dry, extremely sensitive, mature and dehydrated skin, as well as for those who are struggling with atopic dermatitis.
It is also used in the manufacture of anti-acne preparations, regulating sebum secretion and soothing after-sun emulsions. It is used in the production of preparations for scars and stretch marks.
Pay attention ! People with acne-prone skin should pay attention to cosmetics with calendula extract, as this ingredient perfectly regulates sebum secretion, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it soothes irritations and speeds up wound healing.
People with mature skin requiring intensive regeneration and hydration should use cosmetics with calendula extract. Recommended for those who struggle with all the problems of dry, sensitive, allergic skin, such as irritation, flaking, inflammation.
May enhance the effects of medications for insomnia, anxiety, and stress. Calendula tea has a strong diuretic effect.
The use of calendula ointment reduces inflammation, accelerates wound healing, and helps with bruises and swelling of the joints.
Perfectly regenerates skin damage and has anti-inflammatory properties. By applying calendula skin cream every day, you can delay the aging process of the skin and restore its elasticity. Calendula ointment can be used to treat swelling, bruising and bruising, as well as bruising and swelling around the eyes.
Teas and infusions of calendula officinalis will support the digestive system. An infusion of calendula is prepared from dried flowers, which can be bought at a pharmacy or collected and dried on your own.
Recipe:
1 st. pour a spoonful of crushed raw materials with hot water, cover for 10-20 minutes, then strain. It will have an anti-inflammatory effect on the mucous membranes of the digestive tract and soothe gastrointestinal ailments. This tea can be drunk 3 times a day.
Tincture of calendula. Crushed calendula flowers pour alcohol in a ratio of 1:5. The use of infusion in case of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract should be avoided.
Marigold tea can be prepared to relieve enteritis and gastritis in the treatment of ulcers, varicose veins, and inflammation of the liver and bile ducts.
The herb calendula, in the form of an infusion, is used to treat painful periods or menstrual irregularities.
Contraindications to the use of calendula officinalis
Calendula, despite its valuable healing properties, especially when consumed excessively, can harm the body of people who are allergic to plants of the Compositae family. Calendula causes a strong allergic reaction.
