Calendula was used by several native Americans used to prevent muscle spasms, start menstrual periods, and reduce fever. The flower can be used to make healing oils and salves. Calendula oil has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that might make it useful in healing wounds, soothing eczema, and relieving diaper rash. It’s also used as an antiseptic.
“Calendula has several healing properties”
Calendula oil is a natural oil extracted from marigold flowers (Calendula officinalis). It’s often used as a complementary or alternative treatment. Calendula oil has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that might make it useful in healing wounds, soothing eczema, and relieving diaper rash.
5 HEALTH BENEFITS OF CALENDULA
Calendula really is a Jill of all trades. With the capacity to address a host of health issues, this plant has the potential to make its way around your entire home: from the garden to the kitchen, to the medicine cabinet.
1. Heals Wounds
Calendula is primarily known as a healing plant because of its soothing abilities. Although a gentle herb, the healing effects derived from Calendula petals are very powerful, making it a must-have in the medicine cabinet. It is beneficial for any wound healing you may need including insect bites, bruises, blisters, cuts, and cold sores. The topical application of Calendula is used to keep wounds clean and help new tissue to grow. It is often used to help poorly healing wounds, those that are exhibiting signs of tenderness, redness, or inflammation, to correct course.
The healing herb is also effective in treating minor burns, including sunburn. It assists in sun protection and may consequently be included in sunscreen formulas for preventative care. Calendula cream, ointment, or healing balm may be applied to wounds to reduce swelling and their antimicrobial components, specifically their antifungal agents, can prevent secondary infection, leading to a quicker healing process.
2. Assists with Digestive and Immune System
Just like topical Calendula can remedy external wounds and burns, it also soothes internal wounds and burns like ulcers, heartburn, or irritable bowel syndrome. It has a protective effect on the stomach that improves digestion by repairing the gut wall while relieving discomfort in the meantime.
The vulnerary capacity of Calendula can be called on to kick the leftover infection caused by the passing flu or cold. Calendula has been shown to strengthen the immune system’s ability to fight off infection. This is likely due to the fact that Calendula is antimicrobial, which means it slows or kills infection to prevent it from spreading. Its antibacterial properties give it the power to fight that lingering cough or congestion you can’t seem to get rid of.
Some research has established a link between gut health and mental health, including the experience of depression. With Calendula’s ability to repair and improve gut function, this connection would compound the impact of Calendula to positively affect brain activity as well.
3. Hydrates and Nourishes Dry Skin
Calendula has can be used to relieve many types of skin conditions that may cause dry, itchy or irritated areas. It soothes skin experiences symptoms of eczema, dermatitis, and dandruff. By promoting the production of collagen, an essential protein for glowing skin, Calendula aids in sustaining soothed, hydrated skin. Although strong in effect, the gentleness of the herb often makes Calendula a skincare benefit that can be enjoyed even by many of those with skin sensitivities.
And who has more sensitive or delicate skin than babies? Parents tend to be careful when applying products to their babies’ rashes or irritations. But, Calendula is so safe and effective, it appears in many products for babies. As a natural remedy option, it is often preferred for the prevention and treatment of rashes and irritations that babies experience like diaper rash and cradle cap.
4. Slows Development of Wrinkles
Calendula has also been found to assist in slowing the development of wrinkles. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in Calendula have been found to significantly protect against oxidative stress in human skin cells. Oxidative stress is an imbalance of damaging atoms and antioxidants. Oxidative stress plays a large role in the aging process as well as the development of several illnesses. Calendula allows it to keep skin hydrated and healthy making it a great component for daily lotions or lip balm.
5. Reducing Scarring
One of the prominent Calendula benefits is its ability to reduce scarring when used to treat wounds. The Calendula properties that benefit wound healing apply to the scarring process as well. Calendula increases blood flow to the injury, promotes a speedy and healthy healing process, free of infection, and encourages the growth of healthy new tissue. In the cases of skin ulcers like chickenpox and acne, the herb softens and soothes the skin, preventing inflammation, boosting the immune response, which allows wounds to heal quickly and cleanly.
