This flower was a favorite of Queen Marguerite of Valois, whose statue stands in the Luxembourg Garden, and she is depicted holding calendula in her hands. Its properties have been known since ancient times. This plant, often used decoratively for its attractiveness, has bactericidal properties, especially against staphylococci and streptococci. It is used to treat diseases of the liver, spleen, gallbladder, gastritis, and heart conditions. Calendula is also used to treat burns, slow-healing wounds, and cracks.
In Old and New England, calendula flowers are added to salads and soups. In Europe, they are used to color cheeses and butter. In some cultures, calendula is included in herbal teas. The flower is sometimes called “marigold” and blooms throughout the warm season.
The impressive healing properties of calendula juice have found application in treating tumors. The juice is widely used in cases of:
- wet cough,
- urinary retention,
- small kidney stones,
- uric acid problems,
- potency issues,
- respiratory tract mucus,
- purulent formations,
- prostate adenoma.
Calendula decoction is used for women’s diseases, excessive uterine bleeding, and as a preventative for miscarriage during pregnancy. Calendula is used in both folk and scientific medicine, and fresh juice is used to treat bee and wasp stings. The flowers are collected during full bloom and dried in a ventilated, warm area. The plant is grown on entire plantations but is also cultivated in personal gardens. These bright flowers from the aster family are very useful and pleasant. Calendula’s most common use is external application.
Properties of Calendula Ointment The ointment can be made at home by grinding the flowers and mixing them with petroleum jelly or grease. If you don’t collect medicinal plants or find it difficult to grind the flowers, you can buy calendula ointment at a pharmacy. Several manufacturers make the ointment on different bases, such as pork fat and corn oil. It is essential to choose one that suits your skin sensitivity and keep it in your home medical kit. It’s a first aid for wounds, burns, varicose veins, and thrombophlebitis.
The ointment is applied in a thin layer externally. It has antibacterial, wound-healing, and anti-inflammatory effects. You can apply it overnight, covering the area with gauze and keeping it warm. The wound heals through regeneration and suppression of staphylococci and streptococci. These ointments do not contain preservatives or dyes and should be stored in a cool place. Among calendula’s properties, the ointment has excellent cosmetic benefits. It suits all skin types and is recommended for newborns. The ointment works wonders on the skin, tightening pores, reducing oil production, and is an excellent treatment for acne. The skin becomes softer, more elastic, and has a rejuvenating effect. A thin layer on the face is sufficient for this.
In winter, the ointment protects the skin from dryness and cracks, and in summer, from sunburn. During adolescence, calendula ointment is recommended for acne. Besides scrapes and wounds, it can be applied to bruises but gently, without causing pain. The ointment can be used daily, helping maintain youth and prevent or address skin problems. Calendula oil or ointment greatly eases life for babies with redness and irritation in sensitive areas. Before applying the ointment, the skin should be cleaned of dirt and dust. The carotenoids that give the flowers their bright orange color make the calendula ointment, and vitamin A, an immune-boosting agent. Phytosterols retain moisture, and resins dissolve oils, cleaning the pores. Caring for facial skin isn’t that difficult.
Calendula in Homeopathy There is also a homeopathic calendula ointment, primarily used as a cosmetic. People with sensitive or allergy-prone skin tolerate it well. The active ingredient is a tincture of calendula flowers. This ointment absorbs quickly, is pleasant to use, and has a soothing, anti-inflammatory effect, regenerates tissues, reduces redness, and heals cracks and erosion, thanks to its vitamins, carotene, resins, flavonoids, and organic acids. The accompanying instructions usually do not contain contraindications, but it should be stored at temperatures below 20°C and kept track of its expiration date. It can be used to treat diaper rash in children. Calendula is widely used in homeopathy due to its antiseptic properties.
It is also available in suppository form for treating women’s inflammatory diseases.
If the skin is prone to allergies, the ointment should be tested first. To do this, apply it to the inner elbow and wait for a reaction for 12 hours. If applied to the face, for instance, as an acne treatment, it’s best to do it at night. Otherwise, the skin may appear oily, and acne won’t disappear after one use. The “magic” happens overnight. The ointment should not be applied around the eyes either.
In homeopathy, you can also find calendula salt soap, which normalizes skin blood flow, acts as an exfoliant, and nourishes and strengthens skin cells. Peeling and irritation are reduced. Calendula products, such as:
- ointment,
- cream,
- soap,
- tincture,
- oil,
- suppositories,
- juice,
- herbal blends,
receive positive feedback.
As an alcohol tincture, calendula is used as a cholagogue, with 10 drops taken during meals. For sore throats, it is an excellent gargle when diluted with 1 tsp in a glass of water. Calendula pairs well with chamomile, St. John’s wort, knotweed, and immortelle for treating liver diseases, gastritis, and gastric ulcers.
Testimonials
- “I’ve tried many face creams and always thought the more expensive, the better the result. But after reading reviews about calendula ointment, it turned out to be perfect for my problem skin. All my inflammations are gone, I no longer have acne, and my skin has a matte finish. What a find, I couldn’t be happier!”
- “I’m not sure what calendula helps with for others, but my friend told me it works wonders for cracked heels. Just mix calendula with vitamin A oil to a smooth consistency. I store the ointment in the fridge and apply it to my heels for 10 days at night with warm socks. I now use it as a foot cream, and my heels are always soft and neat.”
- “I have three kids, and calendula ointment is always at hand. I use it for my eldest son’s and husband’s occasional pimples, my middle daughter applies it to scrapes, and I use it on my diaper-wearing baby’s red skin. I even recommended it to my mom for hemorrhoids. Initially, I gave her mine to try, but now we have a tube at each house.”
- “I’ve never used calendula ointment on my face. I can’t understand how something so greasy could be used without clogging pores. I bought it without reading the label. Not wanting it to go to waste, I applied it to my hands before bed. It was as if the Manicure Fairy visited me overnight. My nails were immaculate, no cuticles or cracks.”
- “Our family uses calendula ointment for mosquito bites. It’s a cheap and effective remedy for bruises, wounds, and minor burns. I’m no expert in medicine, but for us, calendula and hematogen are staples from the pharmacy.”
