Table of Contents
What is it and what is it for
Marigold is a small plant that grows spontaneously in the Mediterranean area, where it is also cultivated for ornamental and therapeutic purposes. It is a herb of the Asteraceae family, characterized by fleshy and velvety stems that reach a maximum of thirty centimeters in height. The marigold has leaves long and spatulate and produces beautiful solitary flower heads composed of flowers central tubular and orange ligulate flowers, arranged in a radial pattern. The fruits are thorny cypseles.
The flower heads of calendula, in addition to the aesthetic value, possess therapeutic properties and are used in herbal medicine and phytotherapy for their benefits. In fact, marigold flowers have emollient and soothing, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, healing as well as choleretic (i.e. able to stimulate the production of bile), emmenagogue (capable of promoting the onset of menstruation) and antispasmodic activities.
Preparations based on calendula are especially useful in case of:
- irregular menstruation
- menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)
- colds
- dermatitis and skin problems (external use)
The properties of calendula are given by the set of compounds present in the phytocomplex which includes flavonoids, essential oil, mucilage, gums, terpene and nitrogen compounds.
How it is grown
The marigold plant can be annual or perennial and can be grown in pots on the balcony or terrace or in the open ground in the garden. Marigold is a rustic and resistant species, able to adapt to different environments and soils, therefore its cultivation is not particularly difficult. However, he prefers temperatures between 20 and 30 ° C, a ‘exposure sunny and soft, ventilated soils, rich in organic matter. Calendula is quite demanding regarding phosphorus and potassium, mineral salts that can be administered to the plant thanks to fertilizers liquids, especially important if the marigold grows in pots. In fact, in the absence of these nutrients, flower production decreases.
The irrigations they must be regular when the plant is grown in pots paying attention to water stagnation that can compromise the health of the roots and expose the calendula to diseases. On the other hand, when the marigold is grown in the ground, irrigation is necessary before flowering and on very hot and sultry days.
If you want to use flowers, growing in the ground allows you to get a greater number of flower heads: each plant produces about twenty to fifty. Immediately after harvesting, the flower heads must be dried at a temperature of about 40 ° C and, subsequently, stored away from light, heat and humidity.
How to use
Internal use
Calendula can be used internally in the form of an infusion, extract or mother tincture. L’infusion of calendula is prepared with one to five grams of dried flowers and a cup of boiling water; after leaving it to infuse for about ten minutes, it is filtered and consumed. You can drink up to three cups a day. The dosage of the mother tincture of calendula instead it is 40 drops diluted in water, one to three times a day.
Thanks to the antimicrobial, antiviral, immunostimulating properties of calendula, the administration of infusions and tinctures is useful for reducing the symptoms of colds and sore throats. The tincture is also particularly helpful in regulating the menstrual cycle and reducing pain during menstruation: for this purpose, the tincture should be taken the week before the onset of menstrual flow. Calendula is also a valid remedy to promote digestive processes, reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood and protect the gastric mucosa. This beautiful plant can be used for example in case of ulcer and gastritis.
The orange ligulate flowers (those that in common parlance are called “petals”) can also be used to decorate salads and desserts.
External use
Calendula is a powerful anti-inflammatory and healing remedy, very useful for the health of skin and mucous membranes. The infusion of calendula, for example, used for rinsing and gargling is excellent for treating inflammation of the mouth and throat such as tonsillitis, canker sores, stomatitis and gingivitis. The lukewarm infusion of calendula is also used to disinfect and relieve small ones wounds and burns of the skin.
Calendula has an emollient, soothing, healing and antimicrobial action: calendula oil, ointments, creams and ointments based on calendula are extraordinary for treating dry and sensitive skin, which is easily irritated and to resolve dermatitis, eczema, acne, fissures, mycosis of the skin. The application is also indicated in the treatment of varicose veins and hemorrhoids and can be continued for long periods without any contraindication.
L’calendula oil, very useful for skin diseases, it can also be prepared at home, placing 150 grams of calendula flowers in a jar and then pouring a liter of olive or sweet almond oil. During maceration, the jar should be shaken at least three times a day to allow the extraction of the active components. After thirty days it is possible to filter and transfer the oil into well clean and dry containers and store it away from light and heat. Calendula oil can be used on pure skin or used to prepare ointments and creams.
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