One of the plants with the strongest therapeutic properties is Calendula officinalis, Filimica or calendula.
Calendulas have been used in natural medicine since ancient times, all the components of this plant being used, but those that contain the greatest therapeutic power are its flowers. In general, the flowers are small, pure, light yellow, but depending on the area where they grow, they can be crossed with other plants, resulting in their flowers varying in color up to a yellow-orange.
The therapeutic benefits of marigolds
Among the most important benefits of marigolds we list: - They increase the body's ability to fight against infections, having anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal actions. They are used as an adjuvant in all infections or treatments that decrease immunity, such as cytostatics or when administering antibiotics.
- They are recommended in menstrual disorders of any kind, being part of the plants intended for the health of the female genital apparatus;
- Fights anemia;
- Masks or compresses with calendula or creams are indicated for treating all skin problems;
- They are used in cosmetics to maintain the youth and beauty of the skin, reduce wrinkles and treat brown spots;
- They have anticancer properties, the consumption of three cups of marigold per week being useful in antitumor protection;
- Stimulates liver and kidney functions;
- Accelerates the burning of the body for those with slow burning, having balancing properties;
- Allergies, eczema, acne, hives;
- Asthma;
- Mild migraines;
- Rheumatic diseases;
- Hypertension;
- Burns or frostbite;
- Gastric or digestive tract disorders;
- Candidiasis and other genital diseases, especially used as washes or systemically by drinking teas;
- Accelerates wound healing;
- Eye cleaning.
Marigold powder.
To obtain this powder, you need to finely grind the marigolds with an electric coffee grinder. The obtained powder is placed in hermetically sealed jars and will be stored in dark and cold places for approximately 14 days. It is consumed four times a day, one grated teaspoon each, before meals.
The combined infusion of marigolds
Put 3-4 tablespoons of crushed marigolds in half a liter of water and leave to soak for about ten hours, then filter. The preparation is put aside, and the plant left after filtering is boiled one more time, for about five minutes, after which it is waited to cool down and filtered again. Mix the two preparations and drink 2-3 cups a day.
Calendula tincture
It is very effective for treating inflammation, injuries and skin infections. The marigold tincture is prepared by putting 20 spoons of marigold flowers in a jar with a thread, to which two cups of 70-degree food alcohol are added. After adding the alcohol, close the jar and leave it in a warm place to macerate for a period of two weeks, after which it will be filtered, and the tincture will be put into small bottles. Calendula tincture is administered four times a day, one teaspoon each diluted in a little water.
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Calendula poultice
Put a handful of crushed marigolds in hot water (40-50 degrees C) for two hours, after which you will get a paste of marigolds with water. This is applied directly to the affected area, covered with gauze and left for about an hour.
Calendula oil
Put ten tablespoons of crushed and dried marigolds in half a liter of olive oil, sesame oil or grape seed oil. Let it soak, in the sun, for about two weeks, after which it is filtered, and the obtained result will be put in a dark-colored bottle and kept in cold and dark places.
Calendula ointment
In commerce there are many ointments that contain marigold extract. Unfortunately, the marigold extract included in the composition of these ointments is almost non-existent, therefore it is recommended to look for ointments that have at least 10% marigold extract. You can also prepare marigold ointments at home, but they will not be sterile and cannot be used on open wounds. Despite these disadvantages, marigold ointments made at home will be very beneficial against minor ailments and for skin maintenance. To prepare calendula ointment at home, you need seven tablespoons of butter, three finely chopped fresh calendula flowers, one tablespoon of candied honey and one of beeswax.
Internal treatments
Abdominal cramps: Consume marigold powder before and after meals, one teaspoon each. Consumed in this way, the active substances that make up marigolds will inhibit the spasms of the digestive tube.
Gastro-intestinal atony, atonic constipation: Against these conditions, treatments are made for a duration of approximately two weeks, during which one liter of combined marigold infusion is consumed daily.
External treatments
Wounds of low and medium severity: Wash with calendula tincture, after which the same tincture will be used as a compress that will be kept for approximately three hours.
Contusions: In this case, the specialists recommend putting, within the first 36 hours after production, compresses with marigold tincture, directly on the affected area. After you put the compresses, in the following days, calendula ointment will be applied to the bruises.
Varicose ulcers, hard-to-heal wounds: In these cases, German specialists recommend sterile calendula tincture and ointments. They act like a medicine to treat these kinds of ailments.
Breast-feeding: After each breast-feeding, you must apply ointments to the breasts, especially in the area of the breast areola. Despite the fact that it is a simple treatment, it is also very effective, preventing inflammation of the breasts, infection of the nipples and relieves some pain during breastfeeding.
Inflammation of the gums: In this case, mouth rinses are made, 3-4 times a day, with combined calendula infusion.
Surgical interventions: Following a study carried out in 2001 by Italian specialists, it was demonstrated that extracts of marigolds together with those of bluebells, in equal proportions, will speed up the healing of operations. The affected area is washed daily, after which the calendula tincture combined with St. John's wort, diluted in distilled water, is applied in equal proportions.
Precautions and contraindications
Normally, there are no contraindications for marigolds, but they must be administered with caution to people who are allergic to the pollen of the plant, to people who are under sedative or hypotensive medication. Excessive consumption of marigolds will lead to episodes of hypotension, manifested especially in women and the elderly. Last but not least, pregnant women should not consume more than five grams of marigolds per day.
