Calendula also known as marigold is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the daisy family Asteraceae and is native to Asia, Europe and the Mediterranean.
The Calendula plant has been popularly used in culinary dishes and as a medicinal herb traditionally and is well known to treat abdominal cramps and constipation.
Calendula oil is an infusion produced from the Calendula officinalis flower and it is sticky, and viscous.
It is known for its funny smell rather like the flowers themselve.
Calendula oil has anti-septic properties, can be used to treat earaches, and even helps to alleviate hemmoroids.
Calendula Oil contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent, antifungal, antiviral, and immunostimulant properties which makes it beneficial for disinfecting and treating minor wounds, conjunctivitis, cuts, scrapes, chapped or chafed skin, bruises, burns, athlete’s foot, acne, yeast infections, bee stings, diaper rashes, and other minor irritations and infections of the skin but it is mainly used dermatologically.
Vitamin E is also often added to calendula oil to serve as a preservative and skin conditioner.
Most health food stores carry calendula soaps, oils, lotions, salves, and creams.
Calendula oil can be used alone, or incorporated into massage oils, lip balms and ointments.
Calendula oil is also very commonly used base oil in aromatherapy.
Health Benefits
- A drop of calendula oil in a bath is good for psoriasis
- Calendula oil has been historically used to slow the aging process and thus prevents premature aging.
- Calendula oil is helpful for treating varicose veins, leg ulcers.
- Calendula oil soothes sore nipples that are associated with breast-feeding.
- Calendula oil is used as a solution for diaper rash.
- It is also applied to the skin for nosebleeds and inflammation of the rectum.
- It helps to reduce inflammation associated with various skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
- Calendula oil works well on the swelling of sprained muscles or bruises. The oil contains anti-inflammatory properties and will lessen the swelling effects of injuries.
Calendula oil is the one to have as apart of your first aid kit as it heals a variety of illnesses.
Always consult a health care provider before use especially if pregnant or breast-feeding.