Calendula officinalis (marigolds) - Calendula officinalis L. Compositae family - Compositae. Chemical composition and properties of calendula

Marigold flowers, or, are familiar to everyone: both in summer and late autumn - until the very frost, small yellow-orange stars burn brightly in the flowerbeds of most Russian cities.

Calendula is a plant of the Astrov family., does not reach a great height in growth - only 0.5-0.6 m, but has considerable healing power. Calendula grows in the Mediterranean countries - these places are considered its homeland - in Asia, Europe and America, and everywhere people use its flower baskets for treatment, getting rid of various diseases.

It's interesting that calendula can be both annual and perennial; here, in Russia, it is grown in gardens and parks more often than in other countries - as an ornamental plant, but it also occurs in the wild. Calendula is unpretentious: she does not need a lot of heat and moisture, but she loves the sun; perhaps its flowers are not in vain similar to small suns.

Most of the substances that form the chemical composition of calendula have well-marked pharmacological properties. For example, its essential oils act as an antibiotic, destroying Trichomonas - the causative agent of inflammatory diseases of the genital tract, and other pathogenic microbes.

The main actions of calendula preparations: anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, wound healing, choleretic, antispasmodic; sedative, cardiotonic and hypotensive effects were also noted.

When used internally, calendula preparations quickly eliminate inflammation, accelerate the healing of mucous membranes, erosions and ulcers. In parallel, they reduce the aggressiveness of gastric juice, enhance the protective functions of the gastric mucosa, and promote its regeneration. If scars form during the healing of ulcers, the action of calendula makes them softer and thinner - for this reason, its preparations are prescribed orally for stomach ulcers.

Sedative and hypotensive actions make it possible to use calendula in hypertension, to relieve edema and normalize the activity of the heart.

For many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver, calendula is best used together with yarrow and chamomile: this combination increases the formation of bile and enhances the secretion of the stomach.

Among the people, calendula has long been used as a diuretic, antitoxic and antimitotic - suppressing the reproduction of tumor cells - means. And today, in the medicine of some countries - in particular, in Korea - with inoperable stomach cancer, a mixture of nicotinic acid and calendula petal powder is prescribed inside.

Pharmaceutical preparations of calendula officinalis

Issued in different forms, for indoor, outdoor and local application: in addition to dry raw materials - in boxes or in the form of herbal tea, as well as the well-known tincture, there are tablets, ointments, extracts, oil, suppositories.

Tincture of calendula

Calendula tincture can be successfully treated not only for diseases of the throat and mouth, but also taken orally, 2-3 times a day, 20-30 drops with water, for rickets, shortness of breath, insomnia, arrhythmia, hypertension, headache, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as a choleretic and tonic agent. In the same way, it is used for cancerous tumors.

flower formula

In medicine

Marigold flowers are used as an external rinse in dentistry for diseases of the oral cavity (stomatitis, gingivitis, periodontitis, thrush in children, pyorrhea, inflammatory-dystrophic form of periodontal disease). In gastroenterology, marigolds are used for gastritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, colitis, enterocolitis, and liver diseases. In gynecology - in the form of douching for the treatment of cervical erosion and trichomonas colpitis.

Also, an infusion of marigolds is used as a rinse in the treatment of tonsillitis, and in combination with sulfanilamide preparations and antibiotics - for the treatment of tonsillitis; in the form of enemas - in the treatment of proctitis and paraproctitis.

Tinctures, ointments, emulsions, fresh juice of the plant are used externally for minor wounds, cuts, bruises, burns, furunculosis, blepharitis.

Medicinal marigold flowers are part of many collections and dietary supplements.

Like a dye

Marigold flowers are brightly colored. This is due to the content in the plant of the dye calendulin, which is used to color butter, cheeses, soups, sauces, dough. And products and various dishes are valued not only for their taste and aroma, but also for their appearance, for the fact that they are pleasing to the eye. Calendulin dissolves well in fats, and therefore, if you want to give a beautiful shade to the dough, you must first boil the plant petals in milk.

In cosmetology

Marigolds are widely used in cosmetology. A tincture of marigold inflorescences can be used as compresses for skin care with oily seborrhea and acne. For the same purpose, you can use a cream with plant extract, which has a beneficial effect on the skin after sunburn and other burns, promotes the healing of cuts and cracks, softens the skin and causes a feeling of freshness.

In floriculture

Gardeners love marigolds for their bright appearance and long flowering (from June to late autumn). There are many varieties of plants, in many countries double and dark orange varieties are widely cultivated. Marigolds are photophilous, undemanding to soils, but grow better in moist areas. Experienced flower growers know that for long flowering It is very useful to pluck flower baskets. Nails propagate by seeds. For the following crops, seeds are best collected in August - September.

Classification

The marigold plant, or medicinal calendula (lat. Calendula officinalis L.), belongs to the Aster family (lat. Asteraceae). The genus Marigolds ((lat. Calendula) has up to 20 plant species.

Botanical description

Calendula officinalis (marigold officinalis) - annual herbaceous plant up to 50-60 cm high with a specific aroma. Root taproot, branched. The stem is erect, branched, covered with glandular hairs in the upper part. The leaves are alternate, light green, covered with hairs; the lower ones are petiolate, obovate, elongated, the upper ones are sessile, lanceolate. The flowers are golden yellow or orange, collected in large (4-7 cm in diameter) apical baskets. Marginal flowers reed, pistillate. Medium - tubular, five-toothed, with an underdeveloped pistil and five stamens. Blooms from June to autumn frosts. The formula of the medicinal marigold flower is ♂♀ * H (5) L (5) T (5) P1. The fruits are arched warty achenes, located in 2-3 rows, ripen from July.

Spreading

In the wild, calendula officinalis (marigold) is found in the Mediterranean countries of Europe, Africa and Asia, spreading to the Middle East to Iran. Some botanists believe that calendula officinalis (marigold officinalis) is a long-standing natural hybrid of semi-shrub calendula (C. suffruticosa), which grows in southern Europe, and star calendula (C. stellata), common in Africa.

Marigolds are cultivated in many European countries (Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland), including Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, as well as in the USA and Central Asia.

Distribution regions on the map of Russia.

Procurement of raw materials

Marigold flowers (Calendulae flores) are used as medicinal raw materials. The collection of flower baskets begins during the period of mass flowering. Plants with horizontally located reed flowers and partially blossomed tubular flowers are plucked. During the summer period, you can make from 10 to 20 collections of inflorescences. With systematic frequent collection, new inflorescences are formed. After preliminary drying in the sun, the raw materials are dried in the shade for fresh air, in well-ventilated attics or in a dryer at a temperature of 40-45 ° C, spreading thin layer. The raw material is official in Russia and in many foreign countries. in Germany for production medicines use the whole plant along with the root (Herba Calendulae).

Chemical composition

Flower baskets of marigolds contain carotenoids (up to 3%) - carotene, rubixanthin, lycopene, citroxanthin, violoxanthin, flavochrome, flavoxanthin, etc. (15 compounds). Marigold varieties with dark orange reed flowers have almost 10 times more carotenoids than varieties with yellow reed flowers.

Also, paraffinic hydrocarbons (gentriacontan and sitosterol), resins, triterpene glycosides, mucous and bitter substances, organic acids (malic, salicylic), ascorbic acid were found in marigold flowers. Marigold extracts revealed triterpene saponins - oleanolic acid glycosides, called calendulosides A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H. The content of the sum of oleanolic acid glycosides in the roots and aerial part of medicinal marigolds ranges from 4 to 5%.

Eight flavonoids were found in marigold inflorescences (rhamnetin, isorhamnetin-3-glucoside, isoquercitrin, etc.). Their number varies depending on the variety and population within 0.26–0.91%, and varieties with double orange inflorescences are rich in flavonoids.

Triterpene compounds are present in marigold flowers and other plant organs: alcohols (up to 5%) and oleanolic acid. A polysaccharide was isolated from the inflorescences of the plant, which includes arabinose, galactose, glucose, rhamnose and xylose.

Marigold inflorescences contain 0.05–0.2% essential oil, and in the receptacle it is more (up to 0.4%) than in reed flowers (up to 0.12%). In addition, a small amount of coumarins (scopoletin, umbeliferon and esculetin), resinous (up to 3.44%) and tannins, mucus (up to 2.5%), traces of alkaloids and trace elements were found in the inflorescences of the plant.

All marigold organs contain sterols, especially in leaves (up to 18%). Tocopherols and calendin bitterness are isolated from the leaves of the plant.

Pharmacological properties

An infusion of marigold flowers has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and choleretic effects. The phytoncidal properties of the infusion are due to the essential oil of the plant.

Despite the fact that the bactericidal effect of the plant in relation to streptococci and staphylococci is slightly expressed, in general, inflammation processes complicated by bacterial flora proceed more favorably under the action of marigold preparations, apparently due to increased growth of granulations, improved epithelialization and increased local protective mechanisms.

Calendula (marigold) flowers have antispasmodic properties. By relaxing the smooth muscle structures of organs such as the stomach, intestines and liver, the plant also stimulates secretory activity, which enhances bile formation and bile secretion and increases the secretory activity of the stomach.

At the Department of Dentistry of the Kyiv Medical Institute, clinical studies of marigold flowers were carried out for the treatment of inflammatory-dystrophic forms of periodontal disease. Clinical observations have shown that abundant irrigation of the oral cavity aqueous solution tinctures of marigolds before and after removal of tartar, laying turundas, abundantly moistened with undiluted tincture of the plant in pathological gum pockets, relieved inflammation, reduced or stopped discharge from gum pockets, bleeding gums, contributed to the compaction of gum tissue, which is due to the presence of a large number of marigolds in flowers carotenoids, flavonoids with capillary-strengthening activity. The most stable therapeutic effect was observed with complex treatment (vitamin therapy, physiotherapy).

Also, a positive effect of calendula (marigold) preparations was noted in cardiovascular diseases, accompanied by palpitations, shortness of breath, and edema. The plant, increasing cardiac activity, leads to a decrease or disappearance of edema.

Marigold tincture has hypotensive and sedative properties. For this purpose, Scientific research at the Institute of Therapy Russian Academy medical sciences. Under observation were 38 patients with hypertension who took marigolds for more than three weeks. During treatment, all patients performed their usual work. Marigold tincture was taken 3 times a day. In 18 people suffering from stage II hypertension, the disappearance of headaches, improved sleep and increased efficiency, 5 out of 18 people had a decrease in blood pressure. Also, in patients with stage I hypertension, general well-being improved, headaches decreased or disappeared, and sleep improved. side effects not noted, however, marigold tincture must be used for a long time.

The use of calendula (marigold) for diseases gastrointestinal tract due to their high therapeutic efficacy in inflammatory-dystrophic processes of mucous membranes and parenchymal tissue internal organs. Good results observed with the simultaneous use of calendula (marigold) with chamomile and yarrow.

The high content of carotenoids, flavonoids, ascorbic acid and organic acids in marigold flowers causes an increase in the metabolic function of the liver, which improves the composition of bile, decreases the concentration of bilirubin and cholesterol in it, increases secretory and excretory functions. And in the combination of marigolds with chamomile preparations, the biliary function improves, which helps to eliminate the stagnation of bile in the gallbladder.

Application in traditional medicine

In folk medicine, marigold infusion is used for diseases of the liver and gallbladder, spleen, stomach, and bladder stones. In Polissya, the plant was considered a good remedy from insomnia. For this purpose, flowers were added to children's fonts, placed under their heads, and given to drink with milk. From marigolds on sour cream, an ointment was prepared for bleaching freckles. In the Hutsul region, a pair of flowers was given instead of tea to scrofulous children, they bathed newborns, washed their hair in case of pain. In Transcarpathia, the tincture of flowers was successfully used to treat wounds and ulcers.

In France, marigold inflorescences are widely used for washing wounds with bee and wasp stings, with beriberi and hysteria.

In folk medicine in many countries, nails treat inflammatory and purulent processes in the oral cavity and pharynx, including periodontal disease, skin diseases (eczema, furunculosis), mastitis, discolor dark spots. Calendula (marigold) is also recommended for neurasthenia and pathological menopause. In folk medicine of Belarus, a decoction of marigold inflorescences is used for liver diseases, diathesis in children, for uterine bleeding, and for the prevention of miscarriage after injury. In Lithuanian folk medicine, the plant is known as an anti-cancer agent.

History reference

how medicine marigolds were used by the ancient Greeks to treat poorly healing wounds, boils, malignant tumors, etc. During the Roman Empire, poor people and scammers gave out the petals of the plant for expensive saffron. Dioscorides wrote that "if a pregnant woman introduces calendula in the form of candles, she will immediately throw away the fetus."

Avicenna (979-1037) also wrote about the benefits of marigolds. He noted that the flowers of the plant help with inflammation of the sciatic nerve, from all poisons, especially from the bites of poisonous animals. He offered fresh juice of the plant to women with delayed menstruation and poisoning with medicine.

The medicinal benefits of marigolds were known and appreciated in the XII-XIV centuries. Medieval Armenian doctor of the 15th century. Amirdovlat Amansiatsi in the book “Useless for the Ignorant” (1478–1482) recommended using marigold ointment for “hot edema”, juice - drinking on an empty stomach in case of poisoning, poultices from the crushed root of the plant on the back - to increase sexual excitability, juice from the root - for soothing toothache and runny nose.

The crushed leaves and flowers of the plant were used externally to remove warts and calluses, and internally to treat cancer, especially of the breast and female genital organs. The German healer Saint Hildegarde (1098–1170) recommended the use of marigolds for poisoning, migraines, scab and other skin diseases. Medieval alchemists and healers believed that calendula (marigolds) contained the power of the sun, they were collected at noon on a sunny day, put in jars, exposed to the sun and after a few days made juice to heal wounds.

G. Nandelstedt in 1819 defended his thesis on the study of the medicinal properties of marigolds. In his work, he used ancient herbalists and medical books and recommended the use of crushed leaves and flowers of calendula topically for warts and calluses, and internally for cancer of the breast and female genital organs.

The French Pharmacopoeia of 1840 describes 5 preparations of the herb, leaves and seeds of marigold recommended for the treatment of certain types of cancer.

Russian pharmacologist Academician A.P. Nelyubin in 1852 wrote in his writings that calendula (marigolds) is “a healing agent endowed with special healing power.” He noted that in folk medicine, the plant was used “for chronic vomiting, pain in the atrium, for sclerosis seals, skin cancer; venereal, lichen and scabies ulcers.

Currently, marigold preparations are included in the state pharmacopoeias of many countries of the world.

Literature

1. State Pharmacopoeia of the USSR. Eleventh edition. Issue 1 (1987), issue 2 (1990).

2. State Register of Medicines. Moscow 2004.

3. Medicinal plants of the State Pharmacopoeia. Pharmacognosy. (Edited by I.A. Samylina, V.A. Severtsev). - M., "AMNI", 1999.

4. Mashkovsky M.D. "Medications". In 2 volumes - M., LLC "Publishing house New wave", 2000.

5. "Phytotherapy with the basics of clinical pharmacology", ed. V.G. Kukes. - M.: Medicine, 1999.

6. P.S. Chikov. "Medicinal plants" M.: Medicine, 2002.

7. Sokolov S.Ya., Zamotaev I.P. Handbook of medicinal plants (phytotherapy). - M.: VITA, 1993.

8. Mannfried Palov. "Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants". Ed. cand. biol. Sciences I.A. Gubanov. Moscow, Mir, 1998.

9. Turova A.D. "Medicinal plants of the USSR and their application". Moscow. "The medicine". 1974.

10. Lesiovskaya E.E., Pastushenkov L.V. "Pharmacotherapy with the basics of herbal medicine." Tutorial. - M.: GEOTAR-MED, 2003.

11. Medicinal plants: A reference guide. / N.I. Grinkevich, I.A. Balandina, V.A. Ermakova and others; Ed. N.I. Grinkevich - M.: Higher School, 1991. - 398 p.

12. Plants for us. Reference manual / Ed. G.P. Yakovleva, K.F. Pancake. - Publishing house "Educational book", 1996. - 654 p.

13. Medicinal plant materials. Pharmacognosy: Proc. allowance / Ed. G.P. Yakovlev and K.F. Pancake. - St. Petersburg: SpetsLit, 2004. - 765 p.

14. Nosov A. M. Medicinal plants. - M.: EKSMO-Press, 2000. - 350 p.

15. Healthy skin and herbal remedies/ Author-comp.: I. Pustyrsky, V. Prokhorov. - M. Machaon; Minsk: Book House, 200. - 192 p.

16. Spices and spices. / Text by J. Kibala - Artia Publishing House, Prague, 1986. - 224 p.

Calendula is medicinal plant, also known as "medicinal marigold". The plant blooms with orange-yellow flowers, which play a decorative role in floriculture, but its main value lies in its useful qualities.

In folk medicine beneficial features Calendulas are widely used to treat various diseases. With its help, together with other medicines, they restore health after serious illnesses. Also, this flower is used in cooking and cosmetology.

Did you know? Calendula can help in the fight against popular garden pests - Colorado potato beetles. If the site is sown with marigolds around the perimeter, then the smell of this plant will repel insects.

The chemical composition of calendula

The medicinal properties of calendula are due to its chemical composition. The plant contains the following biologically active substances:

• essential oils- destroy and suppress the development of pathogens;
• flavonoids- stimulate the production of bile, promote the healing of stomach ulcers, relieve spasms of smooth muscles, neutralize and remove from the body harmful substances, prevent tumors, relieve inflammation;
• coumarins- help to get rid of various inflammations;
• carotenoids (calendens)- Pigments that promote the synthesis of vitamin A;
• triterpenoids- a group of elements that provide anti-inflammatory properties of the flower, lower cholesterol, improve the transmission of nerve impulses;
• tannins;
• sterols- alcohols similar in structure to cholesterol, which, passing through the digestive system, are absorbed instead of it, thereby reducing the level of cholesterol in the body.

Medicinal marigolds contain many trace elements. Zinc- helps to strengthen the immune system, selenium- prevents the formation of atypical cells, improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system, strengthens the immune system.

Molybdenum- prevents the appearance of caries, delays fluoride. Copper- helps to overcome inflammatory processes. Medicinal calendula also contains elements such as potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium.

Medicinal properties of calendula


Calendula has well-known health benefits. It has an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.. It can be used to influence different systems organism. For treatment, flower baskets of the plant are mainly taken. Less often, juice is extracted and leaves and roots are used.

Treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract and oral cavity

Calendula treats diseases of the upper respiratory tract and oral cavity. This is possible due to the bactericidal action of the plant. Rinsing with calendula destroys streptococci and staphylococci.

For rinsing the mouth and washing the throat, calendula tincture, its diluted version or a decoction of calendula flowers are used. These remedies are effective for sore throat, SARS, flu, colds. Promote faster recovery from bacterial and viral infections.

Also, calendula tincture is suitable for ingestion in diseases of the respiratory tract and oral cavity.

With bronchitis, the use of tea with calendula flowers is indicated. You can take it several times a day. The effect will complement the compress from the marigold tincture.

Important! On its own, calendula will not cure serious diseases like a sore throat. It is used as an adjuvant in combination with antibiotics and sulfa drugs.

Skin diseases


Calendula helps to relieve various inflammatory processes on the skin, heal wounds, suppuration.

To do this, you can prepare the following mixture: take half a glass of calendula flowers, half a glass of boiling water and a tablespoon of petroleum jelly. Then, pour boiling water over the flowers, leave for 2 hours, then strain the broth and add petroleum jelly to it. This mixture can be applied to problem areas of the skin.

To cure boils, apply alcohol tincture calendula. For its preparation you will need a glass of fresh flowers and 50 grams of alcohol. After mixing these components, the mixture is insisted for 2 weeks. When using, you need to take a small piece of cloth, moisten it in tincture and apply to the boil for 15 minutes. The procedure is repeated for 3-4 days.

Calendula is also used to get rid of warts. For this, it is used in conjunction with celandine, namely celandine juice and calendula infusion are taken (in equal proportions) and every day is applied to the warts for 5-7 minutes, until the complete disappearance of the formations.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system

At in large numbers Cardiovascular Health Calendula can help improve overall health without any side effects.

Calendula is used to treat the following cardiovascular problems:




Treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

A decoction of calendula and tincture of calendula are used in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system. Their antispasmodic and wound-healing properties help the stomach and intestines cope with gastritis and ulcers. In the fight against diseases of the gallbladder, calendula is also very useful.

To get rid of constipation, you can cook a mixture of the juice of one orange, 100 ml of water and three tablespoons of dried marigold flowers. Calendula is poured with boiling water, after which it is squeezed into a separate container and orange juice.

It remains only to strain the calendula infusion and mix it with the resulting juice. You need to drink this remedy before going to bed. For reliability of the result, apply 2-3 days in a row. This mixture is great for helping the intestines.

Diseases of the genitourinary system

Calendula will help get rid of cystitis and urological diseases.


With cystitis healing nails will reduce unpleasant and pain. It is necessary to ensure a plentiful drink of calendula decoction and follow a diet. To prepare a decoction, you will need 4 tablespoons of flowers and 400 ml of boiling water. The flowers should be poured with boiling water and insisted for 1.5 hours in a dark place, then strain and take the decoction regularly.

Such a decoction is also suitable for urological diseases, but it is even better to prepare an infusion of calendula with rose hips.

Treatment of female diseases

Calendula helps to cope with uterine bleeding and various inflammatory processes in the genitals. It is used in the treatment of cervical erosion, with thrush and menopause (to combat mood swings, "tides").

The plant is prescribed for douching, as it effectively removes discomfort, helping to get rid of itching and irritation during inflammatory processes. However, it should be understood that calendula itself will not cure the disease, but only alleviate its symptoms.


Instead of douching, you can use candles with calendula. They have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects, as well as destroy microbes.

Calendula oil in the treatment of women's diseases is prescribed for the diagnosis of colpitis, vulvitis, cervical erosion, with painful menstruation, menopause.

How to collect and store calendula flowers

In order for calendula flowers to bring maximum benefit, there are certain rules for their collection. For example, they start immediately, as soon as the flowering of the plant began. Exactly this important rule otherwise the flowers may lose their color. Inopportunely collected flowers are greatly crushed during drying, which makes the raw materials of low quality and of little use.

It is necessary to dry medicinal marigolds no later than 3-4 hours after collection.. After drying, the flowers should be placed in cloth or paper bags. They must be stored in a place protected from moisture, at a cool temperature.

Also important point storage - a separate content of calendula from other plants. You can store the plant for no more than two years, since after this time the beneficial properties of calendula flowers will no longer work.

Pharmaceutical preparations based on calendula

Many are produced based on calendula. pharmaceutical preparations. It is found in tinctures, tablets, powders, creams and ointments. In addition, in the pharmacy you can buy plant flowers used to prepare infusions and decoctions.

Pharmaceutical preparations based on calendula:

• Tincture of calendula- used for rapid healing of wounds, cuts, with angina for rinsing (diluted), for a choleretic effect (in drops inside);
• Caleflon- pills with marigold flowers, prescribed for gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, inflammation of the biliary tract and gallbladder. Tablets stimulate recovery processes;
• Calendula ointment- has an anti-inflammatory effect, is used to get rid of diaper rash, cracked heels. This calendula ointment contains calendula tincture and petroleum jelly;
• Ointment Doctor Theiss Calendula- relieves inflammation, promotes the regeneration of wounds, burns, accelerates the healing process, destroys staphylococcus streptococci.

The use of calendula in cosmetology


Calendula is loved by many women who care about the condition of their skin. The fact is that given plant has an excellent effect in the fight against age-related changes, destroys age spots, freckles, has caring care for sensitive skin and cleanses it of such troubles as acne. That is why calendula is often used to care for the skin of the face and hands.

Age-related changes such as fine lines can be treated decoction of calendula. For him, you will need one teaspoon of dry marigolds and 200 ml of boiling water. Infuse the mixture for 15 minutes and wash it every morning. You can also freeze this decoction and wipe it with ice cubes.

Often used in the fight against aging calendula masks. It is prepared from one tablespoon of oatmeal and one tablespoon of dried flowers of the plant, which are carefully ground together. A little boiling water must be added to the resulting mixture so that the consistency is viscous. Apply to face and keep for 20-30 minutes.

In order to get rid from age spots and freckles, mix lemon juice and tincture of calendula. This mixture is regularly rubbed on the face.

Calendula oil is used to care for delicate skin. It protects the skin from burns under the summer sun, relieves inflammation, disinfects the skin.

The fight against acne is possible with the help of calendula infusion on alcohol, calendula talker, compresses. Alcohol tincture is considered the most effective in this matter.

Despite the fact that the use of calendula is relevant in many areas of human life, the flower received a special demand as a medicinal raw material. Everyone can take advantage of the unique healing qualities of the plant. Most importantly, take into account medicinal properties, and contraindications of calendula.

In the people, medicinal calendula is called marigold. This is beautiful plant, with juicy and strong stems, elongated leaves and attractive chamomile-like flowers.

Unlike many other medicinal plants, calendula has a bright "appearance" - the juicy yellow and orange petals of its inflorescences not only attract attention, but also cheer up.

Ancient healers believed that one glance at a blooming calendula was enough to forget about sorrows, and at the same time improve eyesight.

The flowers of the plant really have this ability, due to the content of carotene, from which vitamin A is synthesized in the body. Only to achieve a therapeutic effect is not enough just to admire the beauty of the flower, you need an internal intake of funds prepared on the basis of its inflorescences. And you Orange color has the ability to stimulate the nervous system and is used in color therapy to eliminate depression and nervous fatigue.

But these amazing healing properties calendula is not exhausted. Almost all ground parts of marigolds are rich in valuable elements, the impact of which helps in the fight against various diseases.

Pharmacological value of marigolds

The most pronounced healing power have calendula flowers.

Flower baskets contain a huge amount of such substances:

• Carotenoids - organic natural pigments that neutralize the action of free radicals. Especially valuable representatives of the class are provitamins A - the precursors of vitamin A.
• Flavonoids - plant organic compounds that have antispasmodic, healing, choleretic and diuretic effects.
• Triterpenoids - acid-containing organic compounds that provide anti-inflammatory effects, improve the conduction of nerve impulses and lower cholesterol.
• Sterols - organic substances, derivatives of steroids that neutralize the action of cholesterol and reduce its level in the blood.
• Essential oils that suppress the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms.
• Salicylic acid is a compound with pronounced antiseptic, analgesic, antirheumatic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Coumarins - substances whose pharmacological activity is expressed in antispasmodic, antitumor and anticoagulant action.

In addition, marigold inflorescences are rich in trace elements such as:

• potassium and magnesium, supporting the work of the heart muscle;
• iron and calcium, necessary for normal hematopoiesis;
• zinc, which strengthens the immune system;
• copper for the relief of inflammatory processes;
• molybdenum, which prevents the demineralization of tooth enamel;
• as well as selenium, which prevents the formation of atypical cells.

The stems and leaves of calendula contain phytoncides, thanks to which the plant can be used as an antibacterial agent, and tannins. And marigold seeds are used to obtain fatty oils.

Calendula: beneficial properties for women

The unique set of therapeutic possibilities that calendula possesses has made this plant an indispensable component of procedures for improving the female body.

And it is especially relevant in the elimination of gynecological problems.

On the basis of calendula, medicines are prepared for the treatment of tumors and ovarian cysts, fibromas and erosions of the cervix, as well as seals and tumor processes in the chest. In addition, the use of marigold medicines helps to reduce the tone of the uterus, normalize the course and frequency of menstruation, and improve a woman's well-being during menopause.

What diseases does it help?

The bactericidal, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, soothing, and analgesic properties of calendula have been used in the treatment of a huge number of diseases.

Treatment with calendula is indicated for the development of most pathological processes that threaten human health:

• diseases of the digestive tract and hepatobiliary system - gastritis, ulcers, colitis, duodenitis, hepatitis, jaundice, constipation, cholecystitis, enteritis, hemorrhoids;
• skin lesions - boils, ringworm, acne, warts, wounds, bruises, gangrene and necrosis;
• nervous and cardiovascular systems - nervous excitability, dizziness, hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmia, heart failure;
• diseases of the ENT organs caused by the activity of staphylococci and streptococci - tonsillitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis;
• dental diseases - periodontitis, stomatitis, gingivitis, periodontal disease, bleeding gums;
• infections and inflammations of the kidneys and organs of the genitourinary sphere - nephritis, cystitis, thrush, trichomoniasis;
• respiratory tract infections - asthma, bronchitis.

In addition, calendula helps relieve symptoms and improve the patient's well-being with influenza, allergies, rickets, arthritis, rheumatism, enlarged spleen, cancer, malaria, and toxicosis (especially early).

Folk recipes for marigolds

In traditional medicine recipes, all ground parts of marigolds are used in the form of decoctions, tinctures, ointments, oils, juice, tea and infusions. On the basis of calendula products, compresses, rinses and douches are made, healing drinks and bath solutions are prepared.

Collection rules

AT vivo calendula blooms throughout the warm season, so the collection of inflorescences is carried out many times per season. Moreover, after each collection of baskets, the flowering of the plant becomes more intense, and the number of flowers increases.

Collect baskets of inflorescences along with a peduncle. The greatest pharmacological value are buds in the first two days after blooming. The collected plant material is dried in ventilated areas, protected from direct sunlight.

Dried calendula flowers retain their medicinal properties for several years, if stored in glassware and in a dark place.

Infusion or decoction

To prepare the infusion, calendula is poured with boiling water - one or two glasses of water are taken for one tablespoon of vegetable raw materials. Then wrapped or placed in a thermos until completely cooled. As you insist, the valuable substances of calendula will pass into the water, endowing it with healing powers.

After filtering, such infusions are used orally for:

• diseases of the liver and biliary tract;
• gastritis;
• menstrual pain;
• increased pressure;
• as well as insomnia and anxiety.

For diseases of the cardiovascular system, the same amount of brewed lemon balm, valerian, hawthorn or wild rose can be added to the finished infusion. Well increase the therapeutic effect of a few tablespoons of cranberry juice.

With the flu, a few chopped cloves of garlic should be added to the calendula decoction. And when coughing, it is recommended to drink half a glass of warm broth several times a day.

An infusion prepared from two glasses of water is considered less saturated and is suitable for gargling and mouthwash, performing enemas, and soaking tampons when eliminating gynecological problems.

Ointment of calendula

Ointment based on calendula extract is a powerful bactericidal and anti-inflammatory agent that can quickly heal wounds, eliminate rashes, skin irritations and destroy pathogenic microorganisms that provoke its defeat.

Recipe number 1. To prepare an ointment from marigolds, 100 grams of dried inflorescences are crushed and mixed with 200 g of melted pork fat. The resulting mixture is heated in a water bath until homogeneous. Then cool and spread in glassware. Keep cold.

Recipe number 2. Three tablespoons of dried calendula inflorescences are poured with boiling water and kept warm for about two hours. Then the infusion is filtered and mixed with one tablespoon of vaseline.

Calendula ointment is used externally to treat problem areas of the skin.

To eliminate warts, the ointment must be prepared from freshly harvested raw materials with the addition of a small amount of celandine juice.

Calendula oil

Fresh calendula flowers fill a half-liter jar, not reaching top edge two centimeters. Then the content is added vegetable oil- olive or sunflower. The oil is considered ready after 10 days, if stored in a cold place. During the infusion period, it is recommended to shake it periodically.

External use of marigold oil is appropriate for:

• burns and frostbite;
• ulcerative skin lesions with varicose veins;
• dry eczema;
• the appearance of diaper rash in infants;
• wounds, cuts, bruises and bruises;
• cracked nipples in nursing mothers;
• bedsores.

Internal intake of calendula oil is indicated for diseases digestive system, including erosive formations and ulcers, as well as menopause and increased nervous excitability.

Calendula oil is also used in food as an immune system booster. It is seasoned with salads, added to sauces, soups or ready meals. In the cold season, the oil is applied to the skin of the face to protect against exposure to low temperatures.

Juice, tea

Juice squeezed from fresh calendula flowers is a universal remedy for restoring health with a cold, bee or wasp stings, inflammation of the rectum, angina pectoris and hypertension, gastritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and intestines.

To prepare juice, freshly picked marigold inflorescences are crushed with a meat grinder or blender and squeezed through a press or gauze. For long-term storage, the juice is sterilized for about an hour in a water bath.

• For internal use, use one to two tablespoons of juice mixed with honey or milk, twice a day.
• For external use, marigold juice is diluted with boiled water: the ratio for rinsing is 1:2, the ratio for douching and enemas is 1:3.
• To make tea, marigolds are combined with the same amount lime blossom and mint or chamomile. For one tablespoon of the mixture - a glass of boiling water. Brewing time - 20 minutes in a warm place.

Such tea is effective in the presence of any indications for the use of calendula, and also as a general tonic.

Alcohol tincture

To prepare a tincture of marigolds, you will need alcohol and vegetable raw materials (preferably freshly picked). Thanks to the action of alcohol, almost all valuable qualities fresh calendula.

In the preparation of tincture, the following algorithm is observed:

• Marigold inflorescences are poured with alcohol.
• The correct ratio is one part of vegetable raw materials and five parts of alcohol with a strength of 70%. An alternative option is a tablespoon of crushed marigold flowers for one glass of vodka.
• The mixture is put in a cold place and kept for two days.
• The tincture is filtered and stored in cold and dark, as light and heat destroy the biologically active elements of calendula.

On the basis of a diluted preparation, compresses and rinses are made for skin lesions and fungal infections, pathologies of the throat and oral cavity, hair loss and dandruff.

As an internal remedy, calendula tincture is taken 20 drops three times a day for hypertension, neuroses or insomnia, coughing fits, and also to enhance the excretion of bile and dilate the bile ducts with acalculous cholecystitis.

Application in cosmetology

Solving cosmetic problems is another aspect of using the miraculous power of calendula. The rich chemical composition of the plant allows you to rejuvenate the skin of the face and improve the health of the hair.

In addition to the fact that calendula products effectively eliminate such facial skin defects as rashes and irritation, the use of the plant extract has a tonic, regenerating and whitening effect.

Therefore, calendula is indicated for all types of facial skin as a basis for products:

• tonic and tonic;
• rejuvenating;
• eliminating freckles, age spots, scars and scars;
• improving the color of the epidermis;
• relieve inflammation;
• triggering cell regeneration;
• reducing the depth and number of wrinkles;
• reducing the level of fat content;
• healing small scratches and wounds.

And in order to restore hair health, eliminate brittleness, prevent hair loss or accelerate growth, it is enough to periodically rinse them with a decoction of marigolds.

Pharmaceutical preparations of calendula

Calendula officinalis is a plant officially recognized by medicine as the basis for the production of pharmacological agents. The healing potential of marigolds has been embodied in a variety of preparations.

• Calendula tincture is a medicinal product for external and internal use. It is a yellow transparent liquid used to prepare a solution for rinsing, lotions, therapeutic enemas, instillation into the nose or ear, as well as internal administration for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Tablets KN - a means for influencing tumor processes in the gastrointestinal tract.
• "Kaleflon" - tablets for the treatment of ulcerative formations in the stomach and intestines, chronic forms of gastritis and liver diseases.
• "Rotokan" - liquid combined remedy to restore damaged mucous membranes. Indicated for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity.
• Dr. Theiss Calendula ointment based on inflorescence extract, animal fat and corn cob oil. It is used externally to eliminate infectious and mechanical skin lesions.

As a rule, pharmaceutical preparations of calendula are available without a prescription. But this does not mean that marigold treatment has no contraindications.

Contraindications for use

In order for the use of calendula-based products not to cause the development of undesirable reactions, it is necessary to take into account the specifics of the impact individual components plants.

Despite the low level of marigold toxicity, restrictions on the use of funds based on them relate, first of all, to internal use.

• the presence of individual intolerance and a tendency to allergies to plants of the Compositae family (chamomile, chrysanthemum);
• therapy of heart diseases with the use of glycosides that enhance the activity of the heart muscle;
• low blood pressure or a tendency to hypotension;
• cholelithiasis - the action of a plant extract can cause the movement of stones and blockage of the ducts;
• pregnancy - taking a plant extract can lead to an abortion (an exception is the elimination of toxicosis in the early stages).

In addition, the internal intake of calendula is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age.

Given the small number of contraindications, calendula officinalis can be considered one of the most effective and affordable plants. Moreover, growing marigolds does not require effort, and large amounts of money are not needed to purchase preparations based on them.

And most importantly, understanding the healing properties of calendula is the key to health and a fulfilling life.

Calendula officinalis is a species of herbaceous annual plant from the Asteraceae family. A better known name is marigolds. Many people grow this crop in areas with a decorative purpose, not realizing the rich medicinal properties of the plant. The cultivation of marigolds is simple - the plant is unpretentious either to the soil or to the growing conditions.

Plant height is 70 cm. Flowering occurs in July-August, the flowers are yellow-orange. It is the flowers and flower baskets that are of medicinal value.

Calendula has pronounced medicinal properties, but like any medicinal plant, it has a number of contraindications for use.

The chemical composition and medicinal properties of calendula

Calendula preparations

have a calming effect on the central nervous system; reduce the severity of reflex excitability; reduce blood pressure; improve heart function by increasing the amplitude of heart contractions and slowing down their speed; have a bactericidal effect on a number of dangerous microorganisms, including streptococci and staphylococci; active against herpes virus and influenza type A; have wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties; relieve spasms of smooth muscles; increase the intensity of immunity; protect the body from oncological degeneration of cells by binding free radicals.

Medicines and recipes with calendula are used in the treatment of:

various dermatitis, acne, non-healing wounds and burns; gastritis, peptic ulcer; diseases of the biliary tract and liver; heart diseases occurring with rhythm disturbance; high blood pressure; climacteric problems; bowel disorders; proctitis, paraproctitis and hemorrhoids; inflammation of the bladder; gynecological inflammatory processes, cervical erosion; dental pathology, including bleeding gums and inflammation; angina and tonsillitis.

Calendula contraindications

Plant preparations should not be used by people suffering from cardiovascular insufficiency and hypotension, as well as by pregnant and lactating women. You can not use calendula with individual intolerance. Use with caution in patients with bronchial asthma, hay fever and a tendency to allergies.

You can not use calendula inside while taking synthetic and herbal sedatives and antidepressants. If you need to control a car and complex mechanisms, it is not recommended to take calendula preparations inside.

Side effects

External use of calendula rarely leads to undesirable effects, among which allergic reactions are possible in the form of a rash, itching. When taken internally, nausea, bitterness in the mouth, heaviness in the gastrointestinal tract, drowsiness and decreased performance are possible.

Collection and preparation of medicinal raw materials

The ideal condition for collecting inflorescences is the first or second day after they have blossomed. Flower baskets are cut off or cut off together with a part of the peduncle up to 3 cm. Fresh raw materials must be cleaned of stem and organic impurities.

During the summer period, you can collect calendula several times, since the flowers bloom unevenly (after about 3-4 days), and cutting the peduncle leads to the growth of new stems with flowers, flowering is extended until the frost. If you do not cut the inflorescences, the yield of calendula drops, the seeds wither and the intensity of flowering decreases.

Drying of the collected raw materials is carried out in dryers at T not more than 45 C for 4 hours. It can also be dried naturally in shady places. Raw materials are considered ready if, when pressed on the inflorescences, they do not separate. The shelf life of inflorescences is 2 years.

Pharmaceutical preparations of calendula

Calendula is produced in the form of dry raw materials, and is also used as a component of some herbal preparations. Cosmetic skin care creams often contain calendula extract. Most Popular dosage forms plants:

Folk recipes for marigolds

Infusion or decoction of calendula

It is used to treat the liver, spleen, gallbladder. Effective for spasmodic pain in the gastrointestinal tract and menstrual pain, bladder stones, proctitis, hemorrhoids. Helps to get rid of cough, rhinitis, tonsillitis and reduce blood pressure. Promotes healing of inflammations, fistulas. Relieves anxiety and insomnia. Strengthens hair roots.

Preparation: 2 tbsp. dry inflorescences are placed in a thick-walled saucepan and poured with 200 ml of hot boiled water, covered with a lid and kept in a water bath for about 15 minutes, after which they are left to cool for 45 minutes. The finished infusion is filtered, the raw material is squeezed out and the liquid volume is adjusted to 200 ml by adding chilled boiled water. Storage is allowed for 2 days in the refrigerator.

inside - 2 tbsp. 2-3 times a day in a warm form before meals. In the case of painful menstruation, the infusion is started 1-2 before menstruation; in the form of enemas - 1 tsp. a quarter cup of water; in gynecology - a sterile swab is impregnated with infusion and inserted into the vagina at night; externally - wipe problem areas, use for gargling and rinsing hair; in equal dilution with 3% solution boric acid injected into the fistula canal.

Butter

It has a disinfectant, bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect. Very effective for various skin diseases - ulcers, cuts, frostbite, burns. They are also used for everyday skin care of any type, protecting it from the sun in summer and frost in winter.

Preparation: fresh inflorescences are placed in a glass dish so that they fill ¾ of its volume, pour vegetable oil to the edge of the container and close the lid. The container is placed in a dark place for 10 days, periodically shaking the contents. After 10 days have passed, the oil is filtered and placed in the refrigerator. Outdoor use:
at sunburn: a few drops of oil are applied to damaged skin after the redness subsides a little;
for the treatment of skin folds of babies: gently rub into dry skin after bathing;
skin conditions, bruising, cracked nipples: oil lubrication problem areas 2-3 times a day. Internal application: for gastritis, ulcers, liver pathology, colitis, neurasthenia, menopause - 1 tbsp. twice a day before meals.

Oil extract

It has active anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is used for irrigation of the nasal cavity in chronic rhinitis, pharynx with tonsillitis.

Preparation: Dry flowers 50 g are poured into 150 ml of 70% alcohol, infused for 2 days, filtered several times through 5 layers of gauze, injected olive oil in the ratio of 7 parts to 1 part of the infusion and boil on the smallest fire for 7 hours. Cool and store in the refrigerator. Application:
for irrigation of the pharynx 3 ml per 1 procedure
for the treatment of the nasal cavity 1.5 ml per 1 procedure
The course is 2 weeks, 1 procedure per day.

Ointment

It has bactericidal, reparative and anti-inflammatory properties. Helps to heal difficult to heal wounds, cracks, fungal and bacterial infections of the skin, reduce the severity of varicose veins. Effective in the treatment of any dermatitis, including allergic ones. Men can use the ointment to relieve irritation after shaving, and women can use it to care for the skin of their hands and face, and protect it from the harmful effects of the sun, frost, detergents etc. You can use the ointment for the care of children's skin.

Preparation: 100 g of dry inflorescences are crushed to a state of powder and mixed with 200 g of melted lard, after which the mixture is placed on water bath stirring and holding until a homogeneous state is obtained. After cooling, the mixture is poured into a jar and put in the refrigerator. Application: apply a small amount of ointment to the problem area of ​​​​the skin and gently rub (2-3 times a day).

The juice

It has a whitening effect and discolors freckles, age spots. Helps to speed up the healing of herpetic eruptions or prevent them with early treatment.

Preparation: crush fresh inflorescences and squeeze the juice out of them. Application: lubricate problem areas with point movements 2-3 times a day.

Alcohol tincture

It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral effects. Preparation: About 250 g of dry inflorescences are poured into 100 ml of vodka and insisted in a dark place for 2 weeks. Application: for gargling, irrigation of purulent wounds, poorly healing skin lesions, including burns, eczema, dilute 1 part of the tincture with 9 parts of cooled boiling water and apply 2-3 times a day.

Marigold flower tea

Calendula is edible. It has a bitter-tart taste and is used in many countries as a spice and additive to the dough, as well as salted inflorescences for later addition to soups and salads; The smell of calendula is not tolerated by many garden and fruit pests, therefore, a flower bed with a plant near plantings will save the crop from insects; In India and China, the plant is especially revered and used in various rituals; European Catholics associate the plant with innocence, considering it the flower of the Virgin Mary; Prolonged viewing of the bright flowers of the plant improves mood, and all thanks to their bright color!