Calendula has yellow and orange flowers and it comes from the Mediterranean area. Calendula has received the name as it starts blooming each new moon.
Calendula contains medicinal ingredients like beta-carotene, calendulin, carotenoids, amyrin, rutin, narcissin, isoquercitrin, lupeol, volatile oils and different sterols. These flowers contain some complex polysaccharides stimulating the immune system.
You can take calendula internally and externally. Internally calendula is generally taken to treat gastrointestinal diseases. It protects stomach lining and the intestines inhibiting the triggers of inflammation and swelling, and limiting bacteria effects related to gastritis, stomach cancer and peptic ulcers. Calendula soothes inflammation and stomach ulcers. The herb is also effective to treat boils, fever, recurrent vomiting and abscesses.
External use is generally attributed to anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of calendula petals. The flower is a widespread cure for a host of different bodily infections. Wash eyes with calendula tea to treat chronic conjunctivitis. It soothes the inflammation and decreases it attacking the bacterium provoking swelling. Calendula is used to treat other inflammations, including acne, insect bites, vaginal itching due to menopausal tissue changes, hemorrhoids, diaper rash, burns, sunburns, eczema and scalds.
Applying the herb on infections, you will make healing faster, pain-free and better. Cosmetic creams have calendula as a component to lower wrinkles appearance and for hydrating the skin.
Calendula can be used to treat chronic ulcers, varicose veins, congestion and capillary engorgement. Calendula flowers can be added to cooked food and salads. Calendula adds tastes and colour to rice, soups and cereals.
Calendula is available in different forms: teas, creams, infusions, tinctures, washes, compresses. To prepare calendula tea, pour a cup of water over one or two teaspoons of calendula flower and wait for fifteen minutes. To prepare calendula tincture, you should soak a cup of calendula flowers in 5 quarts of some alcohol that is rectified for five to six weeks. The advised dose is five to fifteen drops. To make a calendula salve to be used externally, boil one oz of dried calendula leaves or flowers with one oz lard.
Calendula is a safe herb. The only reaction that might occur is ragweed allergy. Avoid applying tincture on wounds because the alcohol can burn raw tissues.