Added: 10/14/2005 |
It?s difficult to believe that such a common all over the world plant as Calendula herb can be indispensable in many spheres of medicineThe other names for Calendula herb (Calendula officinalis) are garden marigold and pot marigold. The motherland of the plant is Mediterranean area but nowadays it is a common decorative plant all over the world. It's worthy of note that not all herbs called marigold belong to the calendula family. Calendula petals have been used for medical purposes since long ago. During centuries calendula extracts, infusions and ointments have been used by folk medicine to induce menstruation, to cure jaundice, to arouse sweating while fevers. In the 19th century people in the USA used calendula to treat wounds, liver conditions, conjunctivitis, stomach ulcers. Soon researches showed that calendula is able to control bleeding and reduce inflammation. Nowadays dried calendula petals are used to prepare extracts, ointments, tinctures and washes which heal burns, cuts and bruises.
The name "calendula herb" signifies the plant's tendency to blossom according to thy calendar, once a month or at the new moon. Some versions refer to calendula herb by its medieval nickname, "poor man's saffron" because it gives vivid color and flavor to rice, chowders and soups. Nowadays calendula herb petals are a good addition to salads.
The plant is a valuable remedy in different spheres of medicine. It has been employed as a remedy for centuries. People used to believe that calendula herb flowers were helpful in treating inflammation, in wound healing and also as an effective antiseptic. They were also used to cure different skin conditions, such as eczema, skin ulcerations and others.
Used internally, calendula herb cures stomach ulcers, inflammations and other diseases. Tea made of the flowers of this plant is helpful in curing conjunctivitis. Marigold has been proven to be aperient, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, cholagogue, vulnerary. Anti-cancer and anti-viral actions of Marigold are being investigated. But still there is no clear evidence of its effectiveness in cancer curing. However, there is evidence suggesting the effectiveness of the plant for curing some viral infections.
Calendula can also be used for digestion problems and the problems of delayed menstruation.
A flower infusion (or a fresh juice of the flowers or herbs) is effective while curing such diseases as stomach cramps, diarrhea, ulcers, colitis. Taken internally it is efficient for treating boils, fever, abscesses, and to prevent recurrent vomiting.
Calendula is effective in treating sunburns and first-degree burns. It can be used for healing second- and third-degree burns to ensure skin regrowth and to escape scars.
Calendula drops are very efficient for treating ear infections, especially with children.
For external use, calendula is a good salve for wounds. The salve can also be applicable to cure bruises, pulled muscles, insect bites, sprains. An infusion of calendula can also be used to soothe watery, irritated eyes, bronchial complaints, livery disorders.
Preliminary researches show that calendula extracts can even inhibit the activity of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The researches have been held only in test tubes, not in people with HIV. That's why the safety and effectiveness of the herb for people with this condition is still unknown.
Use of calendula may have a potential for side effects or interactions. For example, it can cause an allergy. That's why if a person is allergic to plants of the daisy family, he should consult a doctor before using the plant. A test showed that two percent of patients had skin allergy to calendula extract. The symptoms of the allergy are the following: skin rash, itching or hives, irregular breathing.
As for side effects they can be represented in the form of rash or irritation. In this cases it is necessary to stop using the medicine and to consult the doctor.
No harmful effects are discovered for embryos and infants who are breast-fed. A little is known about the use of calendula supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore it is advisable to tell about the dietary supplements you take while pregnant or breast-feeding to your practitioner.
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