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Calendula: medicinal and beneficial properties. Video
Calendula is a plant known since ancient times for its healing properties, with bright orange flowers, also called marigolds. It occurs naturally in Central Europe and the Mediterranean. In Russia, calendula is planted in flower beds, flower beds and summer cottages.
The benefits of calendula
Useful substances contained in calendula:
- vitamin c
- microelements
- essential oil
- tannins
- carotene
- glycosides
- alkaloids
- resins
- slimy and bitter substances
- organic acid
- dyes
- phytoncides
- phytohormones
- enzymes
Calendula is known for healing wounds and treating skin diseases; its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties are also used in cosmetology and medicine. The properties of calendula were studied by healers in China, India, Greece in ancient times, they were used by scientists from Germany and France.
In Russia, calendula is planted in summer cottages as an ornamental plant, grown for medicinal purposes specifically for the preparation of tinctures, oils, ointments based on this plant, which are commonly sold in pharmacies.
Calendula blooms from June to October. Golden yellow or orange marigold flowers adorn the garden plot and are a good honey plant.
Honey from them also has medicinal properties.
The marginal petals of the flower basket are ligulate, and the inner petals are tubular. Fresh or dried reed petals are used in cooking as a natural coloring agent. They are first boiled in milk, and then the colored liquid is added to soups, sauces, dough products. Young leaves of marigold in the rosette stage are used as a salad or in addition to meat or fish dishes.
Fully blooming calendula flowers are harvested in dry weather all summer until frost, then dried and left for the winter.
You need to dry the flowers in the shade, spreading them on the fabric in one layer, stirring from time to time. Then the dried marigolds must be folded into a linen bag or glass jar with a lid.
The healing properties of calendula and their uses
The use of marigolds for the treatment of many diseases is based on their medicinal properties. The main use of calendula is for wound healing. On festering wounds, you can simply sprinkle powder from dried flowers.
Often they use a tincture of calendula, which can be prepared from fresh flowers by the following recipe: put 2 tablespoons of fresh calendula flowers in a jar and pour 0,5 cups of vodka. Then close the jar tightly and put in a dark place for 7-10 days. Strain and refrigerate.
You can also make a tincture from dried leaves.
To do this, you need to take any dish, fill it with flower baskets and fill it with vodka to the top. Insist 2 weeks in a dark place.
Due to its anti-inflammatory, healing and antiseptic properties, calendula preparations help in the treatment of dermatitis, acne, fungal infections, minor burns, gastritis with ulcers, conjunctivitis, periodontal disease, sore throat. For sore throat, diseases of the larynx and oral cavity, rinse is prescribed at the rate of 1 teaspoon of tincture per 1 glass of water.
For the treatment of liver, spleen, gastritis, peptic ulcer, rickets and skin diseases of various origins, an infusion of calendula flowers is prepared according to the following recipe: 2 teaspoons of dried flowers are poured with two glasses of boiling water. Insist 15 minutes, then filter and divide into 4 doses of 100 mg. They also use a decoction of 10 calendula flowers per 1 glass of boiling water. It is taken 3 times a day, 1-3 tablespoons at a time. You can gargle with broth and do inhalations with it, and in case of liver and stomach diseases, it is recommended to take 1/3 cup 3 times a day half an hour before meals.
Before taking medications from marigolds, you should check if there is an allergy to calendula, which is expressed by the appearance of itching or dermatitis. Therefore, it is recommended to start with small dosages.
Calendula has a calming effect, it is useful to take a decoction of it 1 tablespoon per day and at night.
Calendula should not be used in conjunction with other sedatives, as their effect is enhanced.
The antiseptic properties of calendula are used in medical cosmetology, it is part of lotions, oils, ointments. Calendula oil is excellent for protecting the skin from the effects of ultraviolet rays, they are recommended to lubricate the nipples of women in labor after breastfeeding. Marigold oil heals the skin after bruises, abrasions and other skin damage, is suitable for all skin types, softens and moisturizes it, it can even be used for babies.
You can buy calendula oil at your local drugstore. You can make it yourself according to the following recipe: fill a glass container with fresh flowers three quarters, then pour olive oil. Close the lid and put in the cold for 10 days, shake occasionally. Strain the finished oil into another dish and store in the refrigerator.
You can use a filter bag or calendula decoction to wipe your face, it is also good to freeze the decoction and use this ice cube to wipe your face along the massage lines. You can also wipe your face with diluted alcohol tincture at the rate of 1: 3. For the treatment of purulent acne, calendula ointment helps. Juice from fresh marigold flowers removes age spots and freckles.
Contraindications to the use of calendula
It is necessary to take medications based on calendula strictly on the recommendation of a doctor, following his prescriptions, since it has contraindications. You need to be careful with the internal use of calendula, as it can cause hemolysis, that is, rupture of the erythrocyte membrane.
Do not use calendula oil for hypotensive patients and people with heart failure
It should not be taken by children under 12 years old, people who are allergic to Compositae plants, with an individual intolerance to this plant. Pregnant women can only use calendula oil and ointment.
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