Calendula: medicinal properties and contraindications, use in traditional medicine

Calendula is a bright orange-yellow flower that can bloom from late spring to autumn, delighting others with its sunny appearance. In addition, calendula has medicinal properties, but it has practically no contraindications. It is widely used both in medicine and in cosmetology.

Chemical composition of calendula

Useful properties of this plant are based on the content of biologically active substances in it. And this:

• carotene (aka vitamin A);
• sterol;
• flavonoids;
• essential oils;
• coumarin;
• a number of macro- and microelements.

Calendula seeds contain fatty oils and alkaloids. And the roots contain inulin and a number of triterpene glycosides.

Useful properties

This plant has many useful properties. It has a wound healing, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, antispasmodic, choleretic, and diuretic effect. In addition, calendula is able to have a calming effect on the central nervous system. Helps accelerate the regeneration of damaged skin.

Collection and preparation of medicinal raw materials

The largest amount of active substances is found in calendula flowers, so they are harvested.

Although calendula blooms until mid-autumn, flowers should be harvested even before the first frost.With the onset of frost, the plant will lose its beneficial properties. You also need to know that the flowers acquire the maximum healing power during the full disclosure of the petals. This happens at noon, which means they should be collected at lunchtime.

Calendula flowers, or as it is also called marigolds, require a careful attitude. They can not be crushed or poured in a large pile. The best option would be to collect them in shallow pallets, laying out the flowers in one layer.

Immediately after collection, you need to send the pallet to the place where the plant will dry. It should be a dry, warm place with fresh air, such as a veranda or attic.

Important! Do not leave the collected inflorescences in the open sun. During the fermentation process, calendula will lose most of its healing properties. Then it can only be used as a flavoring, adding to tea .

The drying process takes about a week. At this time, the buds are often turned over, but do it carefully, trying not to crush the inflorescences. To check if the calendula has dried enough, you need to press on the bud, while the dry flower will crumble.

Storage of harvested raw materials

In order for the drug collection to last longer, it must be placed in a paper or linen bag. If polyethylene is used, mold may appear in the flowers.

A bag of marigold flowers should be stored in a dry, warm and well-ventilated place. If you follow these simple rules, then the plant will not lose its properties throughout the year.

In what situations is used

Indications for the use of calendula are a variety of diseases. From allergic reactions to heart failure.

Throat diseases

Calendula is used to treat throat diseases such as pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis, sore throat during flu or SARS, as well as injuries and burns of the pharynx. Rinsing is used as a treatment.

The plant works quickly. A sick person feels relief after the first day of use.

Recipe:

• calendula inflorescence - 1 tbsp. l.;
• boiled water - 1 tbsp

Crush a few dried flowers to make 1 tablespoon. Pour boiling water over it and insist for 2 hours. Before rinsing, the infusion is filtered and gargled with it. It is impossible to prepare such an infusion for the future, it is effective only 3 hours after preparation.

If the medicine is to be used for a child, then its concentration should be halved.

Hypertension treatment

Pharmacy drugs for the treatment of hypertension have a number of side effects. They negatively affect the quality of human life, dulling the physical and intellectual potential. Therefore, the use of herbal preparations, in particular marigolds, for the treatment of this disease is very important.

Recipe:

• dried marigold flowers - 1 tsp;
• alcohol (70%) or vodka - 100g

Marigolds should be poured with alcohol, covered and put in a dark place to infuse. Leave for a week. The resulting tincture is filtered and drunk 30 drops three times a day, adding it to a small amount of water.

Heart failure

Heart failure is the weakness of the heart muscle. You can strengthen it with the help of a folk recipe from calendula.

Recipe:

• dry calendula flowers - 2 parts;
• lingonberry leaf - 1 part;
• boiled water - 1 tbsp

Combine calendula with lingonberry leaf and separate 1 tbsp. l. Pour the resulting mixture with boiling water and leave in a thermos overnight. In the morning, strain the liquid and consume 1/3 cup 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals.

Arrhythmia

This plant is able to deal with heart rhythm disorders. There is a simple way to do this. It is necessary to prepare a special infusion of marigold flowers.

Recipe:

• dried calendula - 2 tbsp. l.;
• boiling water - 2 tbsp

Inflorescences are poured with boiling water and infused for 1 hour. Strain through cheesecloth and take half a glass at a time three times a day.

Diseases of the digestive system

Often people buy expensive drugs to get rid of digestive system problems, without thinking that the best medicine can literally grow under their feet. This infusion is suitable for gastritis, colitis, gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Recipe:

• dry marigold flowers - 2 tsp;
• dry chamomile - 1 tsp;
• dry yarrow - 1 tsp;
• boiling water - 2 tbsp

All medicinal herbs mix and pour boiling water. Leave for 15 minutes and then strain. Drink throughout the day.

Women's diseases

Medicinal herbs are used for the treatment and prevention of many women's diseases. One of the most effective plants is calendula. It helps to slow down or even stop the inflammatory processes associated with gynecology.

Recipe:

• dry marigold flowers - 1 tbsp. l.;
• boiling water - 2 tbsp

Inflorescences pour boiled water and insist for an hour. Strain and use the infusion for douching. The course of treatment should last at least 21 days.

Allergy

Marigolds can also be used to treat allergic reactions. To do this, you need to make a simple tincture.

Recipe:

• dry calendula inflorescences - 10 g;
• boiling water - 0.5 tbsp

Chop the flowers and pour boiling water over them. Cover and infuse for 2 hours. Take 1 tbsp. l. three times a day.

Oncology

To cure such a complex disease with marigolds, of course, will not succeed. The purpose of such treatment is to alleviate the patient's condition. They help reduce the level of intoxication in the body, normalize sleep, cause appetite, relieve nausea and gag reflex.

Recipe:

• dry calendula flowers - 1 tbsp. l.;
• alcohol (70%) - 10 tbsp. l.

Knead the flowers and pour with alcohol, stir and leave in a dark place to infuse for 2 weeks. Strain the tincture before use.

Drink one hour before meals, dripping 30 drops into a small amount of water. You need to take 2 times a day for a month. Then they take a break for a week and repeat the course again.

Pharmacy medicines from marigolds

Calendula is widely used in medicine. A large number of different preparations are made with its addition, since it has many properties that have a positive effect on human he alth.

Tinctures and tablets from marigolds are most often prescribed for diseases of the intestines and stomach, as well as heart diseases. For example: Rotokan, Caleflon, Calendula-P.

Medicines with marigolds are also produced for external use. For example, for the treatment of cuts, pustular wounds, carbuncles, burns, boils, ulcers and abrasions. To treat such problems, use the pharmacy tincture of calendula, oil, ointment and cream of the same name "Calendula".

Use of calendula in folk medicine

In folk medicine, alcohol or water tinctures from marigolds are often used. Various ointments, teas and decoctions are also prepared, which are used to treat a variety of diseases.

Infusion and decoction

Cooked infusions and decoctions of marigolds at home are used not only for the treatment of various diseases, but also as cosmetics. For example, rubbing them on the face can cure acne. If a person has oily skin, use an infusion, if dry - a decoction. Also with their help get rid of age spots and freckles.

Ointment

Homemade marigold flower ointments are used for dermatitis and diaper rash in children. Also for the treatment of various skin lesions, including insect bites. Such ointments are often recommended to young mothers who develop cracks in the nipples after feeding the baby. We can conclude that the ointment is suitable for the whole family.

Butter

Marigold oil is used to care for the skin, protecting it from the effects of the sun, wind and frost. Often used for massages, it helps to rejuvenate and tighten the skin. This oil is absolutely harmless, so it is used even for the care of newborns.

Juice, tea

The juice of this plant is used to get rid of teenage acne and acne. It is also used for better hair growth by rubbing it into the roots. But brewed calendula tea does an excellent job of removing toxins and toxins from the body.Improves the functioning of the liver and gallbladder.

Oil extract

This oil has bactericidal, healing and soothing properties, so it is used to treat inflamed skin, to moisturize rough skin and prevent acne.

Alcohol tincture

Alcohol tinctures from marigolds are widely used both in the treatment of various diseases and in cosmetology. Depending on the purpose of use, the concentration of the tincture and the method of taking it may change.

Use in cosmetology

Marigolds are used for various cosmetic procedures. For example, a light infusion of calendula is used for daily washing or wiping the face. It helps to refresh the skin, making it smooth and youthful.

By wiping your face with a tincture with a medium concentration, you can reduce sebum secretion, the skin will not be so oily, the shine will disappear.And the most concentrated infusion is added to face masks, shampoos and creams. It will enhance the effect of these products, nourish the skin with useful substances and heal it.

Side effects

Normally, calendula does not cause any side effects, but in rare cases, an immune system reaction in the form of an allergy may occur. It manifests as a rash, redness, itching, or anaphylactic shock.

After ingestion of marigolds, bitterness in the mouth, burning and pain in the abdomen may appear.

Contraindications for use

Calendula will not harm your he alth if you stick to the dosages while taking it, as it is a safe plant. It should not be used only for those people who have individual intolerance or severe hypertension.

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