We have always heard the word calendula and sometimes we have not known what it was or what it is for, so today at the end of this text we will know everything about this medicinal plant that is even used in cosmetics and has a long history behind it.
Calendula is a well-known silver, especially for its dermatological properties. It has been used for centuries and is now common in beauty and cosmetic products, especially those aimed at the skin and scalp. In modern medicine it is also common to see calendula, although not as much as in natural medicine.
The name of calendula comes from the Latin calendulae and that means “over the months”, and in turn refers to the fact that it is a plant with a long flowering period. This plant comes from Asia and southern Europe.
If we have irritated skin or sensitive skin, we will be very interested in knowing the benefits of calendula and how we can use it in our day to day life, since it is not about biting the flower as if we were a wild animal of the woods, but currently there are concentrated calendula preparations ready to bathe our skin.
What is calendula used for
It is quite common to see calendula as part of the formulation of a moisturizing cream for sensitive skin, especially if they are quite natural creams or cosmetic products, although there is everything.
This plant is mainly used as a remedy for sensitive skin , skin that is irritated, to heal wounds, to accelerate the healing of burns, as an antiseptic for wounds, helps regenerate the skin, activates the creation of collagen, has anti-inflammatory capacity, is suitable for gingivitis and pharyngitis, etc.
An ancient plant with very varied properties that help us in our day to day. It has many benefits, as well as a spoiler we will say that it serves to regulate the menstrual cycle and natural calendula oil is very effective against diseases caused by fungi.
How to take and dose
Calendula can currently be sold in different formats. For example, in capsules, in tea, oil, soaps, gels, creams, body milk, etc. But beware, not all its forms are suitable. At the end of this text, in the adverse effects, we will see that we must be very careful, especially if we are pregnant, breastfeeding, have allergies to plants or if we take other medications such as relaxants.
The maximum dose of this plant or its extract is not supported by scientific studies, only its benefits and properties are known. Thus, the amounts depend on the format. For example, if it is in tea, there is a maximum of 2 or 3 cups ; if it is in liquid, it is 3 drops 3 times a day; if in capsule, maximum 4 per day and if it is in cream or body oil, just enough to cover the area of skin to be treated maximum 3 times a day (if there is no blood).
At the moment when the wound suppurates, there is blood, it smells bad, it hurts a lot, etc. It is time to put aside natural remedies and go to a doctor to put an end to that infection as soon as possible. We know it sounds strange, but in the 21st century, there are still deaths from septicemia (uncontrolled infection).
Benefits of using calendula
We fully enter the thick of the subject, and the benefits of this plant are known around the globe. We are going to know the main benefits of calendula so that we can assess whether it can be useful for our skin problem or not. In any case, that should be evaluated by a specialist, such as a dermatologist, for example.
It is used to treat acne
The most famous thing about calendula is its regenerative and healing power , so if we suffer from acne, we can apply the oil or ointment and it helps reduce that infection on the face. Remember that pimples are clogged and infected skin pores.
Calendula has a good antiseptic power, so it will eliminate the infection, heal the wound, moisturize the skin and heal the scars created by acne that does not heal. It is not a miracle option, but another option that we can try, yes, it does not work equally well for everyone.
Promotes wound healing
If we have any type of wound, the regenerative and healing power of this plant helps us to quickly heal even burns, as well as ulcers, psoriasis , skin irritations, eczema, dry lips, etc. This is achieved because the properties of calendula cause blood to flow to the injured parts and promote collagen production. Precisely the function of collagen is to repair damaged tissues, hence healing is faster.
To moisturize the skin
Whether it is the skin of the face or the body, it is also often used on babies, but in this case it is advisable to be very careful. There are natural calendula oils to remedy the irritation caused by diapers in the bottoms of babies and children.
This adds to the benefit that we have previously mentioned, and that is that, thanks to its great regenerative power, all skin damage can be cured in a few days, from a scratch, chapped lips, dry heels, etc.
Rich in flavonoids
Flavonoids are antioxidants of great value to our body. Surely we know that they are free radicals, well, calendula helps prevent oxidation of the cells of our body . In other words, the damage is slowed down, whether due to age, sun exposure, illness, etc.
That is why flavonoids are so famous and are always talked about. Flavonoids can be obtained from food, for example, broccoli, apples, cabbage, grapes, leeks, onions, oranges, celery, etc.
Adverse effects
How could it be otherwise, calendula also has adverse effects, although not many because, as we say, it is an ancient plant, but few scientific studies defend its benefits, so there is still much to investigate with it.
Calendula is not reviewed so it is not recommended for pregnant women , nursing mothers and those with allergies to ragweed and the like. In the case of pregnancy, this plant is not recommended if taken orally, or cutaneously, or anything, in the same way, that it is not recommended orally for children under 16 years of age.
It is also not recommended if we are taking any type of relaxing medication , that is, those that cause drowsiness, since the consequences could be serious, such as respiratory problems, slow breathing, or excessive drowsiness, almost unconsciousness.
All these doses must always be supervised by an expert who knows our case and understands our state of health and the properties of calendula. We should not self-medicate believing that it is a miraculous remedy, since we can put our health at risk.
