However, research indicates that calendula is inferior to bentonite solution. Researchers found that when treating infants with Bentonite, 88 percent of lesions in the Bentonite group started improving in the first six hours while this rate was 54 percent in the calendula group. Researchers compared the use of calendula ointment to metronidazole a common drug used to treat bacterial vaginosis in 80 women who had been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis.
They found that after one week of intervention, both groups of women were cured of their bacterial vaginosis and none suffered any side effects. They concluded that for those women who would like to avoid taking drugs to treat bacterial vaginosis, calendula ointment may be a viable option. As for its effectiveness in treating yeast infections, one study published in Women and Health found that calendula cream was effective in treating vaginal yeast infections, but had a delayed effect as compared to standard medication Clotrimazole.
Though there have been claims that calendula can be used for the treatment of menstruation, further evidence of this is lacking to support this use. The efficacy of calendula as a sunscreen was tested in vitro meaning in a petri dish or test tube. The idea behind this study is that the properties of calendula as a cell rejuvenator may also hold true as a sunscreen. More research needs to be done in this area.
Therefore, it's prudent to use an approved sunscreen for UV protection. There is mixed research as to whether or not applying calendula on the skin can reduce radiation dermatitis skin irritation post radiation therapy.
It may not be better than petroleum jelly vaseline , but more research needs to be conducted. Doing so could cause an allergic reaction. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also avoid calendula because ingesting calendula may affect your hormone levels and induce menstruation.
Anyone taking medication or scheduled for surgery should discuss calendula use with their physician first. It is hard to come up with a generic dosage of calendula considering it is not approved by the FDA.
Depending on the form, and what you are using it for, the dose of calendula will be different. Before starting any new supplement be sure to ask your physician or healthcare provider. If you decide to grow your own calendula plant, you can get the benefits of the plant by drying the petals.
Dried petals which you can make if you pick a flower and put it on a paper towel away from the sun can be used to steep tea and make oils. If you are making calendula tea you can also use fresh flowers as garnish.
To prepare the tea, you'll need to:. Store calendula products in a dry, dark place free of moisture. Check for a "best by" date for expiration on the package on which you buy it if you get a calendula product from the store. If you are storing the dried petals, be sure to use an airtight container.
If you've made an oil, tincture, or cream with calendula, be sure to store in an airtight container as well and keep in a cool, dry place. Companies that claim calendula to be an effective treatment for certain health issues will need to follow up with a disclaimer that states, "these statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Selecting products from a reputable source is important because it prevents adulteration or the addition of any harsh substances or chemicals. Look for organic products when possible or products that have a third party certification. Instead of buying products with calendula in it, you can also opt to grow your own calendula at home. If you choose to do this you can purchase your own seeds and use the calendula flowers to make tea and oil infusions. Can I eat the petals? Yes, the petals of the calendula flower are edible.
Some people like to use them as garnish. The flavor profile is thought to be mildly sweet and peppery. Is calendula used in beauty products? Yes, the petals have been used as coloring agents and the oil has been used in perfumes. Can I use it as a dye for coloring fabric? Yes, it has been used as a natural yellow dye for coloring wool and other clothes. Calendula officinalis is a plant that has been used for a variety of ailments.
To date, most research suggests the benefits of calendula for skin health. Its anti-inflammatory properties may make it effective in wound healing. Calendula can be incorporated into lotions, balms, or ingested into teas, oils, and garnish. If you'd prefer to make your own infusions you can do so by drying the petals of a homegrown calendula plant.
Keep in mind that calendula is not approved by the FDA and before using it you should consult with a medical professional.
Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Buzzi, M. Therapeutic effectiveness of Calendula officinalis. J Wound Care. Jahdi, F. Botanical extracts and ingredients run the gamut, from oils extracted from seeds, vitamins from fruits and vegetables, antioxidants from algae, and so much more. One area that the beauty industry has long used as a source of skin care inspiration is flowers, those delicate things you keep around your home and garden.
This is because flowers—rose and lavender , for example—contain important nutrients, anti-inflammatory benefits, and skin-healing properties. Here's another one to add to your arsenal, if you haven't already—as its skin care benefits certainly deserve your attention. Calendula, sometimes called marigolds, is a type of perennial flower that is characterized by a big, beautiful sunshine-orange blossom that is native to the Mediterranean area.
It is a trusted herb that has been used for centuries by many cultures and traditions, including by cultures in its native Mediterranean region, as well as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. For skin care purposes, what you're applying to your skin is actually calendula oil.
The oil is extracted from the petals, stems, and seeds much like rose is typically rose oil. Along with skin care, it can be brewed into tea or used as an herb in foods. The primary way calendula is marketed in skin care is that it's "soothing" for the skin—and considering the below properties, it's no wonder:. Inflammation wreaks havoc on the skin: It breaks down collagen, causes irritation, and can trigger skin conditions.
Inflammation comes from a variety of factors, as well, from stress, diet, and external aggressors like pollution and UV exposure. Well, "Calendula can be used on a variety of skin types—and has been reported to help improve inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis ," says Zeichner. Antioxidants are a beloved skin care ingredient for good reason, as they neutralize free radicals and help our bodies avoid oxidative stress—both of which lead to premature aging, collagen and elastin breakdown, and a whole host of other issues.
Calendula contains carotenoids and flavonoids. And because of these antioxidants, the plant has been shown to help wounds heal faster, plump skin through hydration and circulation, and again prevent inflammation. As you may know, your body is covered with trillions of microbes—including bacteria and fungi—collectively called the microbiome. When balanced, these all play an important part in keeping skin healthy.
See, dandruff , rashes, and acne are all triggered by the overgrowth of certain fungi and bacteria, which calendula can help manage.
There's a reason the plant is often formulated into hydrating creams: It offers plenty of hydration in and of itself.
This is due to the fatty acids in the oil —like linoleic acid—that provides nutrients to help support your skin barrier function. When your skin barrier function is healthy, it's better able to keep in water and stays hydrated. Like most medicinal plants with centuries' worth of use, there are a lot of ways you can use this, from DIY tinctures to bath brews and more:. As with any herb or botanical, there is a risk of an allergic reaction—especially if you already know you are allergic to marigolds.
And as always, patch-test any new product: This is important for everyone but particularly true if you have sensitive and easily irritated skin. This botanical has years of use for its healing and soothing properties, which make it a favorite for skin care formulators and DIY enthusiasts alike. If you are looking for an ingredient that can help keep skin hydrated, temper inflammation, and do a host of other things, calendula might be for you.
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Our FREE doctor-approved beauty guide. Although strong in effect, the gentleness of the herb often makes Calendula a skin care benefit that can be enjoyed even by many of those with skin sensitivities. And who has more sensitive or delicate skin than babies?
But, Calendula is so safe and effective, it appears in many products for kids. As a natural remedy option, it is often preferred for prevention and treatment of rashes and irritations that babies experience like diaper rash and cradle cap. Calendula has also been found to assist in slowing the development of wrinkles. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in Calendula have been found to significantly protect against oxidative stress in human skin cells.
Oxidative stress is an imbalance of damaging atoms and antioxidants. Oxidative stress plays a large role in the aging process as well as the development of several illnesses. Calendula allows it to keep skin hydrated and healthy making it a great component for daily lotions or lip balm. One of the prominent Calendula benefits is its ability to reduce scarring when used to treat wounds. The Calendula properties that benefit wound healing apply to the scarring process as well.
Calendula increases blood flow to the injury, promotes a speedy and healthy healing process, free of infection, and encourages growth of healthy new tissue. In the cases of skin ulcers like chicken pox and acne, the herb softens and soothes the skin, preventing inflammation, boosting the immune response, which allows wounds to heal quickly and cleanly. If you are interested in bringing Calendula into your life, you can always buy dried flowers and receive all the benefits the plant has to offer minus the lively colors of live flowers.
But, if you are interested in gardening, Calendula is a great addition for even the most novice gardener. Calendula is an easy-care, low maintenance plant. It is drought resistant and frost tolerant. Calendula plants do not require any special care. It can grow in the sun or in the shade, in an outside planter, or in a pot indoors. So many options! Once Calendula begins to bloom, harvest the flowers every days to keep the flowers full and abundant.
As you pick the flowers, more will blossom. In mild climates, Calendula may be a perennial a plant that lives more than two years. Although Calendulas can weather light frost, where there are more severe winters, Calendula is typically considered an annual a plant that has a one-year life span.
Where it is an annual, however, it is capable of self-seeding for the following year. Tea One prevalent way of getting many of the benefits Calendula has to offer to prepare it as a tea. This requires powdered or dried Calendula that is then steeped in boiling water for minutes. This tea can be used to drink or as a mouth rinse to treat a sore throat or wounds within the mouth.
If steeped to be especially strong, Calendula tea can also be used as a healing warm compress for eye infections. Calendula Oil Calendula oil is a common method of topical medicinal use. It is made by infusing Calendula flowers in a warmed oil for several weeks, stirring it daily. Some oils to consider are carrier oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic compounds in the oil are fantastic for wound healing and the various skin conditions already mentioned.
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