Health Benefits
You’ve likely seen brightly orange-colored marigolds in flower or vegetable gardens many times before, but did you know that certain species of marigold flowers actually have many impressive health benefits as well?
One of the well-known and used plant medicines of the ancient and modern age, marigolds can help you with:
Skin health
Digestive health
Eases cramps, spasms and menstrual pain
Anti-cancer activity
Natural Antiseptic & Anti-inflammatory properties
Protects Eyes, Treats Conjunctivitis
Antioxidant
Immune System booster
Body detox
Natural Repellent
Sore Throat/Mouth Ulcers
Bursitis
Skin health
Historically, and still today, Calendula is used to soothe irritated skin and to help the healing of wounds, burns, sunburns, rashes, itchiness, bites and swelling.Calendula has the ability to promote the growth of healthy new tissue, increase blood flow to the affected area and boost collagen production, which firms and strengthens skin. It hydrates dry skin and speeds up the process of skin repair following surgery or damage.
Additionally, it is used topically to:
- reduce diaper rash and protect sensitive skin
- decrease the appearance of discoloration due to scarring
- reduce varicose veins
- treat swollen bug bites
- treat burns
- reduce dermatitis and eczema
- reduce bruises
- heal infected cuts
- soothe skin after shaving
- treat ingrown hairs
- reduce dandruff on the scalp
- decrease other signs of poor blood flow and inflammation affecting the skin
For those with dry, flaking or rash-prone skin, Calendula can be combined with natural lubricating products like coconut oil or shea butter to maximize the healing benefits.
Digestive health
Stomach cramps can be quite painful to deal with. Whether it’s a chronic inflammation problem or bad digestion from a heavy meal, marigold tea can help bring much-needed relief.
What was known in traditional use has been confirmed by medical research – marigold is a blessing for those suffering from abdominal cramps, constipation, gastritis, acid reflux and ulcers.
Eases cramps, spasms, and menstrual pain
A warm cup of calendula tea can naturally relieve muscle spasms, stomach cramps and PMS symptoms – including mood swings, tender breasts, pain, and nausea.
It gently brings back hormonal balance and decreases cramping by improving blood flow to the painful area and lowering inflammatory responses.
Anti-cancer activity
Flavonoids in marigold flowers were found to have anti-inflammatory and cancer-stopping activities against colon cancer, leukemia and melanoma cells.
Not only does Calendula help with fighting cancer, but it also helps with the uncomfortable side-effects and irritation due to cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, calendula appears more effective than typically recommended topical agents at reducing and preventing the incidence of dermatitis caused by radiation used for breast cancer treatment.
Natural Antiseptic & Anti-inflammatory properties
Used during First World War and the American Civil War as an antiseptic for wounds, the main compounds within Calendula are the triterpenoids, which are claimed to be the most important anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling components within the plant.
Salves made with marigold have long been used to treat fungal infections of the genitals, feet, eyes, mouth, skin, and also to lower hemorrhoids, anal tears and candida. It was shown that using marigold topically for 8 days helped to treat all of these issues.
One well-researched use of marigold/calendula tincture is applying it in drop form to the inside of the ear canal to help treat bacterial ear infections and decrease pain. It’s been found that calendula drops can lower inner-ear swelling and inflammation within just a couple of short days of use, even without the use of antibiotics in some cases.
Protects Eyes, Treats Conjunctivitis
Calendula is often used to treat chronic inflammatory conditions of the eye.Its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, combined with its immune-boosting effects, make it a good natural remedy for eye infections.
Not only does it reduce eye infections, but also protects vision by guarding delicate tissues of the eyes against the effects of UV light, deterioration/aging and oxidative damage.
If you are suffering from eye inflammation, you can try using cold Calendula tea as a compress, or mixing it with chamomile and fennel, a famous eye healing combination!
Antioxidant
Calendula is an excellent antioxidant source. This beautiful orange and yellow flower is rich in carotenes and carotenoids – the compounds responsible for the plant’s radiant color. These are important contributors to the production of antioxidant Vitamin A.
Antioxidants prevent free-radical damage to cells and DNA, slowing down the aging process in cells. Free radicals are compounds that form in your body as a result of things like stress, pollution, and a poor diet. Over time, their accumulation can lead to cell damage and chronic disease. Antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals and reduce the risk of serious conditions like heart disease and cancer.
Adding enough antioxidants to our diet is important to keep our bodies functioning at an optimal level.
Immune System booster
The antioxidants in this flower are also helped by natural antibacterial and antiviral compounds, which can relieve strain on your immune system and prevent infection, as well as protect you and help the recovery from colds, coughs, flu, sore throats and fever.
Body detox
This tea has known diuretic properties, helping your body and kidneys to clear out waste, toxins, salt, and excess water by increasing urine production.
Natural Repellent
Due to their pungent odor, antioxidant content and essential oils, Calendula can be used to naturally repel mosquitoes, pests and other insects. This is one reason marigold flowers are commonly planted in vegetable gardens and also used in extract form in candles, bug sprays, and skin lotions to prevent mosquito bites.
You can use marigold tincture on your skin to help repel bites or add a few drops to your natural repellent to make it stronger.
Sore Throat/Mouth Ulcers
Due to its anti-microbial and antiseptic qualities, Marigold is an effective remedy for sore throats, gingivitis, tonsillitis and mouth ulcers. Gargling with Marigold tea will help soothe the mucous membranes of the throat while easing the pain.
Bursitis
Bursitis (the inflammation of the bursa sac) often causes extreme pain due to swelling.
As an alternative to injections, shoe gear change, surgery or paddings, Calendula can help ease the discomfort and inflammation.