Calendula: what is it for?
Check out seven benefits of calendula, which can be used in the form of oil and ointment
calendula officinalis is the scientific name of the plant belonging to the family Asteraceae, popularly known as marigold or marvel. The marigold is native to central Africa and was brought and disseminated in Brazil in the mid-18th century. It has many health benefits, which are mainly harnessed in the form of oil.
What is marigold oil for
Calendula oil is extracted directly from the flowers of the calendula officinalis and is often used as a complementary or alternative treatment. Calendula oil is made by infusing marigold flowers in a carrier oil. This oil can be used alone or to make ointment and cream. But calendula officinalis it also has benefits in the form of tincture, tea and capsules.
Calendula oil has antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can make it useful in healing wounds, relieving eczema and diaper rash. It can also be used as an antiseptic. Also, it can improve the skin's appearance.
Seven Benefits of Calendula Oil
Sunscreen
Calendula oil can be a sun protection option. A laboratory study came to the conclusion that calendula oil has Sun Protection Factor (SPF) properties like a cream mixture.
wounds
Calendula oil can accelerate wound healing. One research found that the use of aloe-vera ointment or calendula, along with standard care, accelerated episiotomy recovery time.
In the study, women who used the ointment every eight hours for five days showed improvement in symptoms of redness, swelling and bruising. Adding aloe-vera or calendula ointment to the standard treatment improves its effectiveness.
- Aloe vera: benefits of aloe vera, how to use it and what it is for
Acne
Some people use calendula oil to treat acne. A study done in petri dishes showed that marigold extract can be useful in treating and preventing superficial acne. You can also try washing your face using calendula oil.
Eczema
One study found that calendula oil can help relieve the pain of dermatitis in people receiving radiation for breast cancer.
Diaper rash
Calendula oil can also help relieve diaper rash. One study concluded that calendula ointment made from the oil of the plant was significantly beneficial in treating diaper rash.
To relieve diaper rash, another option is to try applying a small amount of calendula oil, neat or mixed with aloe-vera, to the affected area a few times a day.
Psoriasis
The wound healing properties of calendula oil may make it a good choice in psoriasis treatment, but there is still no research on this. You can try applying calendula oil or balm to the affected area a few times a day.
skin appearance
Calendula oil can improve the overall appearance of the skin. A study concluded that a cream containing calendula extract can promote skin hydration and firmness.
It is also speculated that marigolds may help treat contact dermatitis, which includes reactions to poison ivy.
Heads up
THE calendula officinalis it is considered a safe plant, however you should avoid marigolds if you are allergic to plants in the family. Asteraceae Composite. Do not use calendula if you are pregnant or nursing.
Avoid taking calendula by mouth at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery as it can cause drowsiness. Do not take orally in combination with any type of sedative drug.
