Calendula Information And Benefits

Calendula Information And Benefits

Calendula or more commonly known as Marigold is a very common flowering plant found extensively all over the European and American subcontinent. Calendula petal extracts have been used since ancient times as an antiseptic especially for eye ailments. Calendula extracts have also been used to treat inflammation and as an antiseptic dressing. Calendula has been used as a remedy for a range of skin ailments which include skin ulcerations, eczema and insect stings.

Modern times have seen new areas where Calendula is being used as a medicine. The anti-inflammatory effects of Calendula are thought to be due to high levels of flavonoids found in its essential oils. Calendula extracts also contain Triterpene and Caretonoids which have a major role to play in many metabolic reactions in the human body.  Research for anti carcinogenic benefits of cancer is in its preliminary stages and positive results are being predicted.

The oil of Calendula has a number of medicinal properties. It can be used as a remedy for earache primarily due to its anesthetic action. The oil can be used also used internally for relief from fever and menstrual cramps. It is one of the most effective remedy for skin ailments like shingles and other viral infections. It also helps to cleanse the body of free radicals and toxins. Calendula also helps to normalize hepatic and renal functions.

Thus Calendula has one of the most ancient history of use as a medicinal herb. The primary use of the herb continues to be as a very potent topical anti septic. Calendula tincture also quickens healing and helps to reduce the risks of secondary infections. The anti-septic action is attributed to the contents in the essential oils of Calendula. The oil contains a wide range of bitter chemicals, a range of carotenoids, mucilage, resins, polysaccharides, acids and a number of alcoholic compounds, saponins and other glycosides, as well as different kinds of sterols.

Calendula is a very potent herbal salve or an herbal tincture when applied to the external skin. The salve can be used as a wound dressing and for all kinds of sores. It can also relieve pain and inflammation caused by varicose veins and boils or abrasions. Soaking the feet in a warm solution of Calendula extract will help to relieve the symptoms of athlete feet or Tinea pedis.