Calendula officinalis indications and contraindications

There are many plants that have healing and healing effects. Calendula tea was no exception. Thanks to its unobtrusive taste and alluring aroma, the drink has found application in the treatment of viral diseases. It should be noted that in addition to its benefits, calendula tea can be harmful for some categories of people. Before using the drink, carefully study all contraindications.

What is the “power” of calendula officinalis?

Calendula officinalis belongs to the herbaceous, perennial plants of the genus Calendula, Asteraceae family. Interestingly, the homeland of the plant still remains unknown. It is widespread throughout Europe, Asia and Australia.

Officinalis marigolds have found wide application in pharmacology, medicine, alternative medicine, cosmetology and landscape design. Due to the unique composition of marigolds, tea is widely taken during the treatment of acute respiratory infections and in the treatment of a number of respiratory diseases.

The composition of the flowers is unique. The medicinal and beneficial properties of the plant are determined by its chemical composition. Flower heads contain large amounts of carotenoids and flavonoids. In the inflorescences you can find a considerable amount of polysaccharides, polyphenol and resin.

Surely those who have tried drinking calendula tea have noted the excellent taste and aroma of the drink. The reason for this is the presence of essential oils. The above-ground organs contain oleanolic and glucuronic acids, due to which the taste of the drink is saturated with distant notes of acid.

Indications for use:

• The decoction is drunk to treat a sore throat (sore throat, sore throat);
• decoctions of flowers can be used for local rinsing of the mouth during stomatitis;
• treatment of the gastrointestinal tract;
• cystitis;
• prevention of cardiovascular diseases;
• acne;
• hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

The flowers can be used as tea. You can also prepare a decoction and alcohol-based tincture from dried leaves.

The benefits and use of calendula in folk medicine, indications

Decoctions, infusions and tinctures of calendula flowers have a wide range of therapeutic effects in medicine. They are prescribed for diseases:

• Digestive organs.

This dosage form has a positive effect in the treatment of gastritis, is used for inflammation of the spleen and intestines, and liver pathologies. After taking it, bilirubin and cholesterol in the patient’s bloodstream decrease.

• For colds, a decoction of calendula can treat a cough.
• In cardiological practice, decoctions and infusions of marigolds can stimulate the work of the heart muscle, eliminate the symptoms of arrhythmia and hypertension, they also have a calming effect and normalize sleep phases. To treat, take a couple of teaspoons of flowers, pour in the same number of glasses of boiling water, leave for an hour, strain. Drink half a glass three times a day.
• Gynecology.

It is very good to use in case of menstrual irregularities or inflammatory vaginal discharge.

• Local use.

Due to its antiseptic and wound-healing effect, calendula officinalis is used in the treatment of open, non-healing wounds, burns, frostbite, cellulitis, pyoderma, boils, rectal fissures as a result of hemorrhoids.

• Calendula can be usefully used as a mouth rinse for stomatitis, periodontal disease, gingivitis, oral thrush, inflammatory processes of the oropharynx, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis.
• Calendula preparations promote good potency.
• The remedy also alleviates the condition of oncology, they recommend a water infusion, for this, pour a couple of glasses of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of calendula flowers, leave for a quarter of an hour, divide into 4 parts and drink in equal portions throughout the day.

Features of collection and preparation

You can prepare a mixture of calendula yourself or purchase a ready-made version, for example, EvalarBio calendula tea. In the latter case, you will make your work easier. EvalarBio calendula tea is sold in bags, and all you need to prepare your favorite drink is simply pour boiling water over the required number of bags and infuse the tea.

Self-harvesting begins with cutting off fresh flowers. In the opening phase they have at least half of the ligulate flowers. Cut flowers with scissors. The length of the cut buds should be at least 3 centimeters.

Carefully wash the plant from dust and dirt. The next stage of harvesting is drying the calendula flowers. The best procedure is to carry out outdoors. But remember that the sun's rays should not come into contact with the plant.

Drying is considered complete if, when pressing on the plant, it disintegrates. The collection should be stored in airtight packaging. Well, your preparation is ready, and you can safely brew tea from calendula officinalis.

DESCRIPTION. Cultivated annual herbaceous plant 30-50 (75) cm high. Branched tap root. The stem is erect, often branching from the very base, pubescent with short, stiff hairs. The leaves are alternate, the lower ones are oblong, obovate, petiolate, the upper ones are elongated-lanceolate, sessile. Baskets are single, apical, large, multi-flowered. A wrapper of one or two rows of green leaves. The marginal flowers are ligulate, pistillate, fruit-bearing, with an orange or yellow three-toothed limb; the middle ones are tubular, with an orange or brownish-red corolla, bisexual, but sterile and producing only pollen.

The fruits are bent yellowish or brownish achenes, arranged in two or three rows; the outer ones are sickle-shaped, large, the middle ones are scaphoid, smaller.

It blooms, depending on the timing of sowing, from June to late autumn; bears fruit in July-August.

RAW MATERIALS. Dried flower baskets of marigolds are used in medicine. They are collected during the period of full development - with horizontal arrangement of reed flowers. The baskets are cut off at the very base of the peduncle. The collected raw materials are dried as quickly as possible in the open air (in the shade), in well-ventilated areas. It is allowed to contain in the raw materials no more than 10% of flower baskets with peduncles up to 3-7 cm long, browned baskets of no more than 3%, the moisture content of the raw materials should not exceed 14%.

DISTRIBUTION AND CULTIVATION. The homeland of marigolds is Southern Europe and Asia Minor. Widely introduced into culture for decorative and medicinal purposes, especially in the southern regions of the European part and in the Caucasus. For medicinal purposes they are cultivated in specialized farms. Undemanding to climatic and soil conditions. Basic pre-sowing tillage is carried out in the same way as for other row crops.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. Flower baskets contain up to 3% carotenoids: alpha-carotene, lycopene, violoxanthin, flavoxanthin, etc. Brightly colored marigold varieties are especially rich in carotenoids. The paraffin hydrocarbon gentriacontane and 2 sitosterols were also isolated from the flowers. In addition, the following were found in marigold inflorescences: ascorbic acid, about 3.5% flavonoids, resins, up to 4% mucous substances, up to 3% organic acids (malic, pentadecylic, salicylic), a small amount of essential oil. The leaves and stems contain saponins (producing oleanolic and glucuronic acids upon hydrolysis), unsaturated triterpeneols (arnidiol and faradiol), the bitter substance calendene and tannins.

Two triterpene glycosides (saponins), derivatives of olernolic acid—calenduloside A and calenduloside B—were isolated from marigold roots.

The fruit contains fatty oil, consisting mainly of glycerides of lauric and palmitic acids.

APPLICATION. It has been experimentally established that marigold preparations have anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, hypotensive and calming effects on the central nervous system; in addition, they reduce reflex excitability and enhance cardiac activity.

As an anti-inflammatory agent, marigolds in the form of calendula ointment are used to treat wounds, cuts, bruises, burns, frostbite, furunculosis, long-term non-healing ulcers and fistulas; are widely used in gynecological practice for the treatment of erosions, trichomonas colpitis, as well as proctitis and paraproctitis.

A tincture of inflorescences in the form of gargles is used for diseases of the throat and oral cavity: sore throat, stomatitis, gingivitis, pyorrhea, etc.

Internal preparations of marigolds are used for gastritis, colitis, peptic ulcers, as well as for inflammatory diseases of the liver, biliary tract and spleen, hypertension and heart diseases, especially in menopause. The main dosage forms are infusion and tincture of marigold inflorescences. In addition, flower baskets are included in nicotinic acid tablets with calendula (KN tablets, which are used as a symptomatic remedy for malignant tumors).

In folk medicine, calendula preparations are recommended for the treatment of wounds, bruises, purulent inflammations, boils, disfiguring scars during wound healing, skin rashes, lichen, swelling caused by frostbite, inflamed veins in the legs, tonsillitis, stomatitis, peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, gastritis . Calendula is used for diseases of the liver and gall bladder, heart failure accompanied by rhythm disturbances, hypertension, during menopause, as a symptomatic remedy for unspecified forms of cancer (under the influence of calendula, cancer patients experience a decrease in intoxication, the disappearance of dyspeptic symptoms, improved appetite and sleep ), as having a bactericidal effect, especially against staphylococci and streptococci.

RECIPES

Used externally and internally as a tincture

from calendula flowers (1:5). For internal use, 30-40 drops per day are recommended, for external use - compresses, rinsing - as needed (dilute 1 teaspoon of tincture in 0.5 liters of water).

Infusion

for internal use, prepare from 2 teaspoons of marigold flowers and 2 cups of boiling water (infuse the mixture for 15 minutes; this is the daily dose). The infusion should be taken for tumors 4 times a day. For external use (lotions), a teaspoon of infusion must be diluted in 0.5 glasses of water; for enemas and douching, a teaspoon per glass of water is enough.

To prepare the ointment

need to:

a) mix 5 g of tincture with 10 g of Vaseline;

b) mix 5 g of tincture with 25 g of Vaseline.

Let's talk about the benefits and harms of the drink?

Calendula has medicinal properties and contraindications, which have been proven in practice, and has a powerful chemical composition. It is thanks to the latter that the effect is achieved during the treatment of many diseases. For example, doctors recommend using marigolds to gargle. To do this, pour boiling water over a teaspoon of the mixture. Brewing flowers is very simple, after 20 minutes you can start rinsing.

Calendula tea benefits:

• has a positive effect on the central nervous system. In particular, it relieves tension;
• replenishes the body's reserves with a number of useful microelements, among which magnesium, potassium and tannins occupy a special place;
• due to the presence of antioxidants, we can talk about removing free radicals from the body;
• the acids contained in the composition relieve inflammation, so marigold tea is recommended when body temperature rises;
• A drink made from calendula officinalis flowers has a positive effect on the restoration of the immune system. One mug a day is enough to replenish vital energy.

The beneficial properties of calendula officinalis tea can be listed endlessly. However, experts do not recommend abusing the drink. It contains essential oils that can cause an allergic reaction.

Chemical composition of calendula

The calendula herb (Calendula officinalis) contains a lot of bioactive components. It is used not only as a medicinal plant, but also as a cosmetic product, as well as a food additive and culinary coloring. Calendula flowers are used in medical practice.

Chemical composition:

• Carotenoids.

These are pigments that promote the production of vitamin A.

• Alcohols and sterols.

Substances that can replace cholesterol, which prevents the development of atherosclerotic plaques in the lumen of blood vessels.

• Flavonoids.

They have a good antispasmodic effect, remove toxins and harmful substances from the human body, prevent the development of inflammation, and cause regeneration of the mucous membranes of the stomach.

• Triterpenoids.

Thanks to these substances, medicinal marigolds have a strong anti-inflammatory effect, they also speed up the functioning of the nervous system.

• Essential oils.

Suppress pathogenic microflora.

• This plant is very rich in microelements (iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, calcium).

These microelements help in the treatment of caries, heart and vascular diseases. Increases immunity.

Contraindications for use

Perhaps one of the main advantages of a drink made from calendula marigolds is that the tea has virtually no contraindications. But, there is a category of people who are better off giving up the drink.

Calendula tea should not be taken:

• pregnant women;
• women during lactation;
• children under 12 years of age;
• people with intolerance to one of the components of marigolds.

People with low blood pressure should consult their doctor before using the decoction. Cases have been recorded where drinking the drink caused a decrease in the frequency of heart contractions.

Calendula decoction: medicinal properties, instructions for use and preparation | ethnoscience

The use of calendula decoctions in alternative medicine has enjoyed considerable success - the plant has numerous useful characteristics that can be easily used to eliminate various diseases.
In medieval times, the herbal remedy was successfully used to treat measles, and was used to normalize heart function and general health.

Studies have proven that the aromatic liquid can also cope with colds, gynecological pathologies, and eye diseases.

An herbal decoction for skin lesions will be no less useful - the active particles contained in the flowers of the plant successfully influence inflammatory processes, heal lesions, and eliminate rashes.

Useful qualities of the decoction

Calendula is a plant that can be considered a cornucopia in terms of the number of useful elements. Herb flowers contain:

1. Ether Suppresses the development of harmful microorganisms and causes the death of bacteria.
2. Coumarins have an anti-inflammatory effect and stop the spread of inflammation.
3. Flavonoids Relieve muscle spasms, inflammation, stimulate urine production, remove harmful substances (toxins, waste) from the body, reduce cholesterol levels, and prevent the formation of malignant tissues.
4. Selenium Improves heart function, increases the body's defenses.
   Carotenoids. Promotes the synthesis of vitamin A by the body.
5. Triterpinoids Accelerate the healing process of affected tissues, stop inflammation, and normalize the functioning of the nervous system.
6. Zinc Strengthens the immune system, protects the body from bacterial damage.

In addition to the main elements, the plant contains a number of additional components that have a beneficial effect on the entire body and improve the functioning of systems and organs.

Flower decoction, preparation features

To prepare a decoction of marigolds, use only ceramic (heat-resistant) or enamel dishes. You can brew fresh or dry plant materials - this will not affect the effectiveness of traditional treatment.

Place plant material (50 grams of fresh flowers) in a container. If using dried calendula, half the amount recommended in the recipe is sufficient. Pour in a liter of cold water.

Place the pan over high heat and bring to a vigorous boil. Immediately reduce the heat and simmer for a quarter of an hour.

Pour the liquid into a thermos, close tightly, and leave for an hour. Finish cooking by straining through gauze (2-4 layers).

The liquid can be stored for no more than a day. Be sure to put it in the refrigerator after cooling. Warm before each use.

Decoction of calendula and chamomile flowers

One of the most effective home remedies, which has a powerful effect on inflammatory processes, is a composition prepared based on chamomile flowers and marigolds. There won’t be any particular difficulties with preparation - brew 45 grams. vegetable raw materials (take components in equal quantities) 300 ml of boiling water.

Use the product for inflammatory processes and throat diseases, 50 ml every three hours. It is prohibited to add sweet ingredients - drink the composition in its pure form.

It is also recommended to use the composition for inflammation of the skin, rashes, and cracks. Wipe the dermis 4-6 times daily.

Decoction of calendula and St. John's wort

St. John's wort, which has no fewer useful characteristics, will help increase the effectiveness of marigold products. Preparation:

1. Grind dried plant flowers (15 grams each) with your hands; if fresh raw materials are used, chop with a sharp knife.
2. Boil water, pour in herbal paste.
3. Leave to brew (3 hours is enough)

Take against heart diseases, to increase the body's immune forces, and for colds accompanied by inflammation. Dosage for adults – 50 ml, consume three times a day.

Sage and calendula

For skin diseases, a folk remedy made from sage and calendula will come to the rescue. For 30 gr. mixture of herbs (take in equal proportions) you will need 250 ml of boiling water.

Leave for three to five hours. Using a thermos will shorten the process - straining can be done after two hours. Treat problem areas of the skin (rashes, pimples, red spots) several times a day.

Calendula, chamomile and oats

The product, prepared according to folk recipes, is used to treat problems of the dermis - acne, acne, ulcers. The liquid will serve as the basis for making homemade masks or lotion, which is recommended for treating the skin.

Mix 10 gr. herbal flowers, 20 gr. grains ground into flour. Pour water (200 ml), put on the stove, boil, immediately remove, wrap in a towel, and leave to infuse.

After straining, wipe the problematic dermis three times a day. The liquid can also be used in making masks - replacing ordinary water.

Calendula, chamomile and oregano

It is also easy to prepare herbal medicine at home from several ingredients. The combination of marigold, oregano, and chamomile is a powerful weapon against colds and coughs. Step by step recipe:

1. Mix 15 gr. herbal components.
2. Brew with boiling water (180 ml).
3. Leave for half an hour and filter.

If you are not allergic to honey, it is recommended to add a little bee product. Drink the herbal drink at one time. The number of doses per day is at least three times.

Recipes for treatment

Using the recommendations of alternative medicine, you can easily get rid of even serious diseases. Home remedies can be taken on their own or used as complementary remedies.

The combination of medications prescribed by a specialist and herbal decoctions based on marigolds will speed up recovery and prevent relapses.

Acne treatment

It is recommended to use a saturated herbal liquid against rashes and purulent pimples. Brew a handful of marigold flowers with 150 ml of boiling water and leave to steep for an hour.

After straining, use for lotions. Soak a cotton pad or thick cloth with warm liquid and place it on the problem area. The duration of the manipulation is a quarter of an hour. Do not rinse, otherwise the effectiveness of home treatment will be significantly reduced.

Hair rinse

Alternative medicine advises to extract considerable benefits from calendula if you are worried about hair problems. A concentrated decoction will easily stop hair loss and improve growth.

Regular use of this home remedy will allow you to enjoy healthy glossy strands in a short time.

Use a regular decoction of calendula for rinsing (brew 25 grams of flowers in 300 ml of boiling water), to which you should add a little apple cider vinegar (3-5 drops are enough). If the problem is serious, hair falls out profusely, additionally massage the dermis of the head, allowing the active components to penetrate to the very roots.

Treatment of thrush

A decoction of marigolds prepared according to a traditional recipe (50 grams of plant material per liter of water) is also used to treat gynecological diseases. Home medicine will be especially effective against thrush and inflammatory processes on the genitals.

To get rid of the disease, douche. The number of manipulations per day is only once. It is advisable to go to bed immediately after the procedure. Allowed to be combined with drug treatment.

It should be borne in mind that at least an hour should pass between the use of a pharmaceutical drug or a home remedy.

Treatment of chalazion, conjunctivitis

It is also recommended to use calendula at home for eye diseases. A rich home remedy will stop the inflammatory process, get rid of pus, and prevent the spread of lesions. Preparation:

1. Mix marigold flowers (15 g.), 3-5 rose hips.
2. Pour in cold liquid (you will need 100 ml of water).
3. Place over high heat, and after boiling, cook at low bubbling for a quarter of an hour.
4. It is not necessary to insist - after straining, cool and use for treatment.

Wash your eyes with the prepared broth and make lotions. Soak a cotton pad with a small amount of liquid, place it on your eyes, and leave for 5 minutes. Repeat three times a day.

Treatment of the throat - using a decoction for children

A concentrated decoction of marigolds with the addition of plantain will help relieve painful sensations in the throat, inflammation of the mucous membranes, and severe pain when swallowing. At 25 gr. vegetable mixture - 180 ml boiling water. It will take an hour to infuse.

Gargle children's throats five times a day. Make sure that the product is warm - hot or cold liquid will cause additional discomfort.

Getting rid of toxicosis during pregnancy

For women during pregnancy, a herbal remedy replete with medicinal properties will bring considerable benefits - a simple decoction will quickly relieve toxicosis and improve overall well-being.

The only caution is to go for a medical consultation first. Without the permission of a specialist, the use of the product is strictly prohibited.

To prepare the decoction, brew 15 g. vegetable raw materials with boiling water (150 ml). Cover the container with a lid, wait a quarter of an hour, and strain. Take several sips throughout the day, retain the liquid in the mouth, do not swallow immediately.

Cough treatment

For a severe cough, traditional medicine recommends using a home remedy that combines wormwood, marigold, and plantain. For 20 gr. calendula – 10 gr. additional components. Brew 250 ml of boiling water, leave to brew for 2 hours.

For children, add a bee product to the product before use; for adults, it is better to take the composition without sweet ingredients. Dosage for administration – 25 ml. Use home remedy five times a day.

Calendula in the treatment of cats

For the treatment of cats (inflammations, minor damage to the skin, eye diseases), it is also recommended to treat them with a calendula remedy. The decoction is used to wipe the affected areas, wash the eyes, and in case of serious problems, apply lotions. Step by step recipe:

1. Rub the flowers of the plant with your hands (20 g).
2. Fill with water and place on the stove.
3. Boil and remove immediately.
4. Close the container and wrap it in a towel.
5. After infusion (after half an hour), strain.
6. Carry out procedures every three hours.

Contraindications, restrictions on the use of calendula

Marigolds in home remedies are not always beneficial - there are several prohibitions that should be studied in advance. The presence of contraindications is a reason to refuse use, otherwise there is a risk of causing the development of side effects.

The use of marigold decoction for problems with blood pressure is strictly prohibited. It is especially harmful for hypotensive patients to take liquid - it is quite difficult to predict the consequences of such self-medication.

Home remedies can also cause harm if the body is hypersensitive or allergic to calendula.

If, after the first use of the product, alarming manifestations appear in the form of rashes, redness of the skin, mild malaise or even vomiting, immediately stop continuing use. You should not use this folk remedy for urticaria or asthma (especially bronchial).

Pregnant women should be careful - do not start using the liquid without a doctor’s permission. It is better to start treatment with slightly saturated products - reduce the amount of the active ingredient recommended by the recipe by half.

Calendula is a herb that successfully copes with many diseases, but only if used correctly and without contraindications. If you avoid mistakes, the plant will quickly complete its task while preventing relapses.

If there are any doubts about the advisability of using home remedies, it is recommended to consult a herbalist.

Source: https://happiness-and-beauty.ru/otvar-kalenduli-lechebnie-svoistva-instrukciya-po-primeneniyu-i-prigotovleniyu.html

How to brew a hot drink correctly?

Many recipes for tea based on marigolds have been developed. You can serve one-ingredient drinks, or mix calendula with other beneficial medicinal plants - here it’s a matter of taste.

Healthy drinks based on Calendula officinalis:

1. Classic calendula tea. Brew a tablespoon of dried calendula flowers with 400 ml of boiling water and leave for about 10 minutes. You can serve tea with sugar, honey and jam.
2. Mint and calendula tea to relieve nervous tension. Add a teaspoon of mint and calendula inflorescences, pour 200 ml of boiling water, and leave for 20 minutes. Pour the finished drink into a cup, garnishing with a fresh mint leaf.
3. Calendula and chicory tea for high blood pressure. Pour a cup of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of chopped chicory and a teaspoon of marigolds. Let it brew for 20 minutes. Add sugar to taste.

There are many options for preparing a drink based on Calendula officinalis. The only thing you should remember is the correct technology for brewing tea. Be sure to pour boiling water over the inflorescences and let the drink steep for at least 5 minutes. Enjoy your tea!

How safe is calendula?

The recommended dose for calendula has not yet been determined. However, 2-5% calendula ointment can be applied topically to heal wounds. Another option would be to use 1-2g of calendula powder per 250ml of water.

Depending on the condition, this herbal remedy can be taken in different ways. Check with your doctor for the appropriate dosage and method of use.

Avoid self-medication. Calendula may cause acute side effects in some people. Read more about this.