Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

Exploring Calendula officinalis:

A Detailed Look into Pot Marigold

Pot Marigold, Calendula officinalis, is an ancient medicinal powerhouse and culinary herb. It has been used for a myriad of conditions throughout the ages, such as healing wounds, relieving rashes, stomach cramps, gingivitis, constipation, and even used to curb fever and treat the common cold. Because of its bug repellent properties and strong aromatics, it has also been planted in gardens as a companion and cover crop for centuries. It's easy to grow, with many varieties of cultivars being available. Calendula officinalis has endured the test of time and is still widely used today, with more than 200 different commercial and medical formulations.

This beautiful annual is in the family Asteraceae, and it has the most delicate leaves. The entire plant can be used as a pot herb, a garden companion or apothecary.

The dried flowers can replace saffron, in your recipes, and they also make a delicious tea. It was traditionally used to color butter and cheese.

Some of the additional benefits we can reap from this little beauty, includes immune stimulation, skin maintenance, easing muscle tension and so much more.

Skin Benefits:
From Improving the look to healing the skin inside out

Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) is a medicinal herb known to have a variety of beneficial effects on the skin. It is said to possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and astringent properties that help to protect the skin against damage. It is often used as a natural ingredient in skin care products and is known to help reduce signs of ageing and improve skin tone. The potent antioxidant properties of pot marigold can help to reduce the damage caused by free radicals, which can cause premature ageing and wrinkles.

Additionally, it can induce skin tightness, which helps to slow the ageing process by delaying the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. Studies have also shown that pot marigold can help to increase the hydration of the skin, which in turn improves both the skin’s elastic and viscoelastic properties. This helps to keep the skin looking youthful and plump. Overall, pot marigold is a great natural remedy for skin care, as it can help to reduce damage, delay the ageing process, and improve the skin’s hydration and elasticity.

Pot Marigold is well known as a medicinal plant that has a long history of use, for its anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. Studies have found that the flowers of this plant have a wide range of anti-inflammatory effects, which can promote wound healing. These effects include the ability to reduce inflammation, affect the healing of burn wounds, promote anti-tumour activity and anti-oedematous activity. Studies have shown that a topical application on melanoma cells reduces not only the tumours but also the discolouration associated with melanomas.

Further, Pot Marigold has been found to be effective in the treatment of venous leg ulcers, which are caused by poor circulation in the legs. The anti-inflammatory properties of Pot Marigold can be beneficial for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as UV damage from the sun. Thus, Pot Marigold is an excellent natural remedy for a wide range of health conditions and can be used to promote overall health and well-being.

It is also used to eliminate acne pimples, skin diseases, wounds, and snow bites. In external uses as tincture, one spoon in one cup of water is rubbed on the wounds and it avoids the swelling or infection of these. In compressed form, it is used for varicose veins.

Medicinal uses:
Another herb that can be grown as your First Aid Kit

Calendula extract has been studied extensively for its medicinal effects and has been found to have antiviral, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, fungicidal, cytotoxic and Anti-tumour, anti-oedematous, anti-genotoxic, hepatoprotective, antihelmintic and anti-inflammatory properties. Although these effects have been experimentally confirmed, caution must be taken with regards to its usage, as studies have shown that it can act as a carcinogen at high doses, despite its anti-cancer effects.

Calendula extract has been used for centuries for its healing properties, and its potential as an effective therapeutic agent is still being explored. It is important to note that the dosage is a key factor in determining the effectiveness of the extract and its safety, as too much may cause adverse effects. It is also important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using the extract to ensure the safety and efficacy of its use.

Pot marigold is also used as a mild laxative for children and in the form of tea, it is used as a mouth wash to prevent bad breath and gingivitis. It can also be used as an appetite stimulant and to reduce the fever. Pot marigold is an amazing herb with many healing properties. It is used as sudorific, blood refiner, and blood sugar reducer.

The tincture and sap of its flowers are used locally to hasten the cure of injuries and to reduce swellings. Its sap is also used to reduce the body temperature, and cure painful menstruation. Topical creams have shown effective treatment of vaginal Candidiasis, better than the leading pharmaceutical alternatives.

In addition to these, the pot marigold flower has astringent, menstruation, anticonvulsant, energizing, antiseptic, nourishing, soporific, diuretic, and blood thinners effects.

Pot marigold is widely used in the treatment of anaemia, kidney problems, grip, mumps, chickenpox, measles, ulcer, jaundice, and neurotic problems.

When 30 grams of pot marigold flower is boiled in water, it can be used to lower the cholesterol level of the blood or blood pressure because of dilation of surface vessels, relieving stomach ulcer and curing digestive system problems. In the form of tea, it is used as a mouthwash to prevent bad breath and gingivitis. It can also be used as an appetite stimulant and to reduce the fever.

It is also known to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce inflammation. Flavonoids like quercetin, protocatechuic acid, and triterpenoids like faradiol, oleanolic acid, betya-amyrin, calenduladiol, etc., have been studied extensively for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

They have been found to prevent the formation of free radicals, which can cause cell damage and lead to disease. Carotenoids like lycopene, B-carotene, Flavoxanthin, luteoxanthin, etc., are also known for their antioxidant properties and are beneficial for protecting against various diseases. The alkaloid narcissin has been found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. All these compounds work together to help protect the body against toxins and to heal organs. They also help to reduce inflammation and to protect against cancer.

Pot marigold is a wonderful herb with many medicinal properties and is a great addition to any natural wellness regime.

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