Calendula, also referred to as pot marigold, is commonly used for its medicinal properties. By learning more about this herb and its variety of uses in natural cures and home remedies, people can make an informed choice as to whether or not it is helpful for an individual ailment.
Scientific Name
Calendula officinalis
Other names for this plant include:
- Holligold
- Pot Marigold
- Goldbloom
- Mary-bud
Description
In its natural state, this plant grows as an aromatic annual with a bushy appearance sprouting stems that are branched and feature leaves resembling a lance shape. The calendula flower, which appears on the plant from the spring months until the fall, ranges in color from yellow to orange.
Typical Preparations
Calendula ointment is a popular way of accessing this herb’s benefits, as are oils, salves, lotions and calendula cream. Sometimes it is prepared as a tea, particularly when it will be used for mouth infections or as a mouthwash. It can also be prepared as a gargle for sore throats or used in a sitz bath as a folk remedy for hemorrhoids. Finally, this herb is also sometimes prepared in a tea when used to treat internal ailments, such as stomach ulcers or bladder infections.
This aromatic herb is commonly used in herbal soap making. Not only does it have strong astringent properties and contain salicylic acid, but also it is noted for the fact that it maintains its natural coloring during the soap making process.
Common Uses
The parts used in cooking, as well as in natural cures and home remedies, include the flower’s heads and petals. It is frequently used in the treatment of the following:
- Inflamed skin
- Diaper rash
- Chapped lips
- Bleeding
- Wound healing
- Mouth ulcers
- Throat ulcers
- Healing ulcers
- Digestive disorders
- Hepatitis
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Menstrual disorders
- Yeast infections
- Varicose veins
- Conjunctivitis
- Herpes
- Eczema
- Gingivitis
- Athlete’s foot
- Ringworm
- Skin rashes
- Hemorrhoids
- Dry skin
- Acne
Although it is deemed safe and effective as an herbal remedy, people who are unfamiliar with its use would do well to consult with someone more experienced in order to gain its maximum effectiveness.
Precautions
While there are no known side effects that would prompt concern for this herb’s use, people who are known to have previous allergic reactions to plants should be careful when coming in contact with it.
Also, though the petals of the colorful flower are edible, supplemental extracts should not be used at abnormally high dosages, nor should they be used for prolonged periods of time.
Those suffering from previous health conditions, particularly those who are currently being treated for a disease or disorder, are strongly urged to consult a medical professional before using herbs in order to assure that such use does not interfere with prescription medications. Women who are pregnant or nursing also should not use it internally.
In households where natural healing methods are a priority, this herbal remedy is commonly prepared ahead of time and stored for emergency use on minor cuts and abrasions. As a soothing remedy that can also treat internal disorders, this herb enjoys a long history of use, which isn’t likely to change any time soon.
