Herbal plants have played a significant role in human civilization for centuries, serving as sources of medicine, nutrition, and cultural practices. These remarkable plants, often found in nature’s abundant gardens, possess a wide array of therapeutic properties that have been harnessed by different cultures around the world. Herbal plants, also known as medicinal plants or herbs, derive their power from bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and essential oils. From soothing common ailments to supporting overall well-being, herbal plants offer a holistic approach to health and healing. In this post of Plants Folder, we are exploring the wonders of calendula a must-have plant for every garden.
The marigold, known as Calendula, plays a significant role not only in beautifying urban spaces but also in various medicinal uses and treatments for various diseases. Calendula, one of the most abundant plants and belongs to the daisy family, has a cool and dry nature, similar to the plant itself. In addition to its use in the pharmaceutical industry, it is also used in the perfume and food industries due to its pleasant fragrance. This medicinal plant is used in the preparation of herbal dressings, herbal teas, dyes, and local treatments for skin diseases, inflammatory conditions, and muscle spasms. In the following, we will delve into its applications in more detail.
Name and Physical Characteristics
Calendula is a specific type of marigold, scientifically known as Calendula officinalis or Calendula Persica. It is an annual herbaceous plant native to Egypt, the Mediterranean region, and southern Europe. However, since marigolds have been cultivated for a long time over the years, with a history dating back to the 12th century in Europe, the exact origin of this plant is not well-established. Today, it grows extensively in most temperate regions and produces flowers throughout the year in some cool tropical areas, except for late autumn and winter.
The stem of the marigold reaches 20 to 25 centimeters, and its leaves are simple, oval-shaped, long, serrated, and have wavy margins. The leaves have a green color with a light brownish tint. Its root is conical, and on the stem, it produces large and beautiful capitula in yellow, orange, or lemon colors. Depending on the temperature and moisture levels they grow, these capitula open in the morning and close at the end of the day. Its fruit or seeds are nut-like, coffee-colored, and crescent-shaped with a smooth surface.
Many cultivated varieties of marigold that are grown in gardens or for beautifying urban spaces have large flowers and bushy plants. In contrast, wild varieties that grow spontaneously have much smaller flowers and plants. Orange or yellow petals of marigolds are always considered medicinal. They are picked, dried, and used in various medicinal applications. The marigold has different types of flowers, but the Calendula variety has many more properties compared to others.
According to a report from Pharmacognosy Review, this plant is found in more than 200 medicinal formulations and various commercial products containing the extract of marigold petals. Research has shown that Calendula flowers contain multiple active elements, including various antioxidants and volatile oils. Its strong fragrance and bright color are due to these elements, which help repel certain fungi, insects, and pests, not only for itself but also for other plants.
Some of these active elements are phytosterols known as calendulin, and other compounds include resins, organic acids, albumin, salicylic acid, 2/0% loric acid, palmitic acid, cholesterol, oleic acid glucosides, mucilage, tocopherol, carotenoids, triterpenoids, flavonoid glycosides, carotenes, xanthophylls, tannins, polysaccharides, and triterpene alcohols, including alpha and beta-amyrin, taraxasterol, and calenduladiol.
Properties
Skin Problems
Marigold flowers or their poultice help alleviate dryness, cracks, calluses, itching, redness, insect bite healing, and partial sunburn. Its oil is effective for chapped lips, and a mask made from it is beneficial for facial brightness and acne treatment. Marigold is used to enhance skin firmness and moisturization.
Menstruation
Marigold herbal tea with its estrogenic effects helps rebalance hormones and regulates the menstrual cycle. It aids in reducing symptoms such as breast tenderness, mood swings, and menstrual cramps.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
With its antioxidant properties and powerful flavonoids, marigold prevents damage from free radicals and pro-inflammatory compounds such as reactive protein C and cytokines. It also contains linoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Ultimately, marigold become a natural anti-inflammatory drug effective in treating various inflammations, including diaper rashes, dermatitis, ear infections, wounds, and sore throats. Marigold is used in ear drop formulations used to treat ear infections in children. Its herbal tea is also effective in treating throat, mouth, and intestinal inflammations.
Treatment of Infections
The most important product of Calendula is its ointment, which has significant antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, making it effective in treating various infections, including uterine infections and fungal infections of the reproductive system. Its oil can eliminate various fungi, including those causing oral, vaginal, and skin infections.
Pressure Ulcer (Bedsores) Treatment
For the treatment of pressure ulcers or bedsores, which typically occur in patients who have been bedridden for a long time, Calendula herbal ointment is very effective. Improvement has been observed in several experimental cases after 3 to 4 weeks, and it is much more cost-effective compared to other expensive methods of treating such wounds.
Cancer Prevention
Calendula’s anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial in preventing cancer and mitigating the effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Studies conducted on animals have shown that the compounds present in Calendula flowers can reduce the activities of tumor-causing agents and activate lymphocytes to prevent the entry of foreign invaders and infections.
Treatment of Eye Inflammations
Calendula has been found to have a significant impact on the treatment of inflammatory eye diseases. Its extract possesses antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and stimulating properties, which help alleviate eye infections and protect against UV radiation and oxidative damage.
Wound and Burn Treatment
One of the well-known uses of Calendula is for healing irritated and damaged skin. It is used to treat dryness, swelling, itching, redness, and inflammation. Research has shown that Calendula flowers can significantly influence the growth of new and healthy tissues. By increasing blood circulation in the affected area, it can promote the production of new collagen, leading to skin strength, moisturization of dry skin, and faster healing of damaged skin.
Usage Restrictions
Although Calendula is generally considered one of the safest medicinal plants, excessive and careless consumption of this seemingly harmless plant can still pose risks. Cases of sensitivity to Calendula are very rare but can manifest as skin itching. If you are sensitive to other plants in the daisy family such as ragweed or chamomile, exercise caution when using Calendula. The use of Calendula ointment is not recommended for fresh or deep wounds.
Calendula may interact with pain relievers or blood pressure-lowering medications. Therefore, if you are taking medications such as clonazepam, lorazepam, phenobarbital, or zolpidem, consult your doctor before using Calendula. Consuming excessive amounts of Calendula flowers orally can be toxic, so it is best to use it only in low doses.
There is limited reliable information regarding the effects and side effects of Calendula on pregnant women and nursing mothers. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using Calendula and its derivatives during pregnancy or breastfeeding or consult your doctor before use. Oral consumption of Calendula is not recommended at all, as it can stimulate the uterus and increase the risk of miscarriage. Due to its calming properties, it is also advisable not to use Calendula during activities such as driving or tasks that require high levels of attention.
Methods of Use
Herbal Tea
Calendula herbal tea is very beneficial in treating colds, reflux problems, stomach bloating, throat inflammations, and infections. Since it has a cool and dry nature, you can also use it in the summer to relieve thirst and heat. To prepare it, simply boil two tablespoons of dried Calendula flowers with two cups of water. Then reduce the heat and let it steep. After 10 minutes, your herbal tea is ready to be enjoyed.
Calendula Flower Mask
To prepare a Calendula flower mask, you can use a combination of Calendula flowers with milk, yogurt, and grated carrots, or a combination of Calendula flowers with honey and vegetable oil.
For the first type, grind some Calendula flowers with a tablespoon of water until it becomes a paste. Then add a tablespoon of milk, yogurt, and grated carrots to it and mix well. Apply the final mixture to your skin and neck and let it sit for 30 minutes to one hour. It’s normal for your skin to have a slightly orange tint after removing the mask due to the yellow color of Calendula flowers.
For the second type, heat a quantity of honey and add a tablespoon of Calendula flowers to it. Then add almond or olive oil according to your preference and mix well. Apply the resulting mask to your face and neck. After 15 minutes, wash your face with warm water.
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