How to Use Calendula: A Natural Remedy Guide
How to Use Calendula?
To use calendula, you can incorporate it into your gardening, cooking, and medical routine.
Calendula is a versatile plant that can be used in various forms, such as whole petals, powder, oils, creams, and ointments.
Its medicinal properties make it beneficial for wound healing, treating insect bites, digestive issues, and strengthening the immune system.
Topical application of calendula can reduce swelling, prevent secondary infection, and promote quicker healing.
It can also be used for sunburn and skincare, hydrating and nourishing dry skin, reducing wrinkles and scarring.
Calendula can be used for babies to treat rashes and irritations.
It is easy to grow and can be harvested regularly for full and abundant flowers.
However, individuals with pollen allergies should be cautious, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using calendula.
When using calendula in skincare, it is advisable to mix it with carrier oils or butters to prevent irritation.
Some recommended products with calendula include Kiehl’s Calendula Petal-Infused Calming Mask with Aloe Vera, Naturopathica Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream, and Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream.
Key Points:
- Calendula can be used in gardening, cooking, and medical routines.
- It can be used in various forms including whole petals, powder, oils, creams, and ointments.
- Calendula has medicinal properties that promote wound healing, treat insect bites, aid digestion, and boost the immune system.
- Topical application of calendula reduces swelling, prevents infection, and speeds up healing.
- Calendula is also beneficial for sunburn, skincare, and treating rashes and irritations in babies.
- It is easy to grow and harvest regularly for abundant flowers, but caution should be taken by individuals with pollen allergies or pregnant/breastfeeding women.
Did You Know?
1. Calendula, also known as marigold, has been used for centuries as a natural dye. In ancient times, the vibrant yellow and orange petals were used to color fabrics, create cosmetics, and even enhance the color of food.
2. In traditional medicine, calendula is believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used in various forms, such as ointments and creams, to help soothe and heal wounds, burns, and skin irritations.
3. Calendula tea is a popular herbal remedy. When brewed, it can be used as a mouthwash to alleviate minor gum inflammations, oral ulcers, and throat irritations. Additionally, rinsing the eyes with cooled calendula tea may help relieve eye fatigue and reduce redness.
4. Did you know that calendula is edible? The petals can be used to add a touch of color and a mild, slightly peppery flavor to salads, soups, stews, and even baked goods. So, don’t hesitate to add a sprinkle of these beautiful flowers to your culinary creations.
5. During the Victorian era, brides often carried bouquets made of calendula flowers. It was believed that these flowers symbolized joy, love, and protection, making them a popular choice for weddings.
Introduction To Calendula: A Versatile Plant With Gardening, Culinary, And Medicinal Benefits
Calendula officinalis, a plant within the family Asteraceae, is a remarkable herb known for its diverse gardening, culinary, and medicinal uses. This vibrant plant is indigenous to the beautiful Mediterranean region of Europe, where its bright, yellow or orange petals add a splash of color to the landscape. Growing to a height of 1-2 feet, Calendula is not only a sight to behold but also a valuable asset due to its numerous health-promoting properties.
Medicinal Properties Of Calendula: Antibacterial, Antifungal, And Anti-Inflammatory
Calendula is highly regarded for its medicinal properties, including its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. These therapeutic qualities have made it a popular choice in traditional medicine and natural remedies. The plant can be used in multiple forms, such as whole petals, powder, oils, creams, and ointments. Many individuals have found relief from bacterial and fungal infections, as well as inflammation, thanks to calendula’s healing prowess. It is truly a versatile herbal remedy.
Various Forms Of Calendula: Petals, Powder, Oils, Creams, And Ointments
Calendula offers diverse forms for its utilization, giving gardeners, culinary enthusiasts, and those seeking alternative medicine options a wide range of choices. The petals of the Calendula flower can be harvested and used in teas, tinctures, or infused oils. For a more concentrated effect, powdered Calendula can be incorporated into various recipes or used to create homemade skincare products. Additionally, Calendula oils, creams, and ointments are highly sought after for their soothing and nourishing effects on the skin, making this plant an excellent addition to any natural remedy arsenal.
Approved Uses Of Calendula: Spice, Cosmetics, Soaps, Shampoos, Body Creams, And Wound Treatment
In recognition of its immense benefits, the FDA has approved Calendula for several uses, further solidifying its value. Apart from being approved as a spice, this versatile plant finds its place in cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, body creams, and wound treatments. Calendula’s versatility shines through as it permeates our daily lives, offering us the opportunity to experience its healing potential and beauty in various aspects.
Health Benefits Of Calendula: Wound Healing, Digestive Relief, And Immune Support
Calendula has exceptional health benefits, particularly in accelerating wound healing. It is effective in healing various wounds such as insect bites, bruises, blisters, cuts, and even cold sores. Applying Calendula can aid in the recovery process by reducing swelling, preventing secondary infections, and promoting rapid healing.
Moreover, Calendula can provide relief for individuals with digestive issues like ulcers, heartburn, and irritable bowel syndrome. Its immune-boosting properties strengthen the body’s natural defenses, enhancing its ability to combat infections and maintain overall wellness.
Additional Uses Of Calendula: Skin Care, Sunburn Relief, Respiratory Health, And Baby Care
Calendula’s versatility in skincare:
- Hydrates and nourishes dry skin
- Slows down the onset of wrinkles
- Reduces scarring
- Alleviates sunburn
- Can be incorporated into sunscreen formulas for added sun protection
Calendula’s benefits for respiratory health:
- Aids with coughs and congestion
Calendula in baby care:
- Treats rashes and irritations such as diaper rash and cradle cap
In essence, Calendula is a powerhouse plant that offers numerous benefits. It is not only useful for wound healing and digestive relief but also plays a vital role in skincare. Its hydrating and nourishing properties make it invaluable for dry skin, while its ability to slow down wrinkles and reduce scarring makes it an excellent anti-aging ingredient. Calendula can even soothe sunburn and is often added to sunscreen formulas for added protection. Additionally, it has respiratory health benefits, targeting coughs and congestion. Its gentle nature also allows it to be used in baby care, effectively treating rashes and irritations like diaper rash and cradle cap.
As we embrace the multitude of benefits Calendula offers, we unlock a world of natural healing and nourishment that supports our health and enhances our daily lives.
- Calendula is a versatile herb that has numerous benefits for skincare and respiratory health.
- It is a powerful hydrating and nourishing ingredient for dry skin.
- Calendula can help slow down the onset of wrinkles and reduce scarring.
- It can also alleviate sunburn and provide additional sun protection when added to sunscreen formulas.
- Calendula has properties that aid in respiratory health, specifically for coughs and congestion.
- It is gentle enough to be used in baby care, effectively treating rashes and irritations such as diaper rash and cradle cap.
Overall, Calendula plays a vital role in various aspects of our lives, from gardening to culinary exploration, medicinal remedies, and skincare solutions. Its versatility and numerous benefits make it an essential component of our well-being. By incorporating Calendula into our routines, we embrace natural healing and nourishment that supports our health and enhances our daily lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you prepare calendula for medicinal use?
To prepare calendula for medicinal use, you can also opt for an infused oil. This involves combining dried calendula flowers with a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil, in a jar and allowing the mixture to infuse for several weeks. The resulting oil can be applied topically to soothe skin irritations, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing. Another method is making a calendula salve by melting beeswax and mixing it with calendula-infused oil, which creates a convenient and portable remedy for skin conditions like cuts, burns, and dryness.
How do you use calendula flowers on your skin?
To safely use calendula flowers on your skin, it is essential to mix them with a carrier oil or butter to prevent any irritation. Calendula can be combined with ingredients like beeswax, petrolatum, shea butter, or jojoba oil. By incorporating calendula into a body butter, oil, or lip balm recipe, you can experience the potential benefits of this flower while ensuring a gentle and soothing application onto the skin.
What part of calendula is used for tea?
Calendula tea is made using the flowers of the plant, which are steeped in boiling water to extract their medicinal properties. The flowers are known for their vibrant color and distinct aroma, making them a popular choice for tea. Although the leaves are also used to create herbal formulations, they are not typically used in making calendula tea. Instead, it is the flowers that are carefully selected for this purpose, ensuring a soothing and flavorful tea experience.
How do you use calendula in food?
Calendula, known for its medicinal properties, can be used in various dishes to add both a flavorful punch and a vibrant touch. When incorporating calendula in food, one simply needs to pluck the petals from the green base of the flower. These petals can be enjoyed either raw or cooked, allowing for an array of culinary possibilities. They make delightful additions to salads, salsas, scrambled eggs, quiches, and frittatas, lending a cheerful burst of color and festive flair to these dishes.