Calendula: The Healing Flower
I love the word calendula. It just seems to roll off the tongue so easily. It’s just so … flowery. Which is fitting, because this annual bloomer has been used medicinally since ancient times. It has antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties, helping people ease everything from ulcers to ear infections to menstrual cramps to vaginal yeast infections. It’s why I included it in my feminine spray, that’s for sure!
What is Calendula?
Fun fact: Calendula actually comes from the marigold family. Sometimes known as pot marigold, or Calendula officinalis, it’s different from the ornamental marigolds you’ll see in a flower garden, which are known as taget marigolds. The calendula I’m talking about is a versatile flower that can be made into tea, cream, or oil. It can be mixed with mouthwash or toothpaste for fresher breath. It can be added to salads or stews for a tasty kick. The list goes on!
What Does Calendula Heal?
The powerhouse calendula flower has been studied for years as an antiseptic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral agent. Studies have shown that it can help protect against certain cancers, treat gum disease, ease muscle spasms and menstrual symptoms, promote the healing of wounds, and stop yeast overgrowth. So how does it actually work?
Similar to so many other beneficial flowers and plants, it’s all in the oil. The acids present within calendula oil have natural antiviral and antimicrobial properties, which can help decrease swelling and helping new tissue grow in wounds. This makes it ideal for treating minor cuts, burns, and skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema.
Along with palmarosa oil, tea tree oil, and Echinacea – three other powerhouse ingredients I use in my feminine spray – calendula can also help prevent yeast overgrowth because of its antifungal and anti-yeast properties. It has been shown in early research to reduce vaginal itching, burning, dryness, and pain. And according to this NIH study, it worked just as effectively and in some cases more effectively than a prescription medication for treating yeast infections. Calendula also naturally contains linoleic acid and flavonoids, which are both well-known antioxidants and anti-inflammatory aids.
Skin Health and Healing
Calendula is renowned for its skin-healing properties. It is often used in creams, balms, and oils to treat various skin conditions. Here’s why it’s so effective:
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Calendula has potent anti-inflammatory effects, making it an excellent remedy for soothing irritated skin, reducing redness, and calming conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
- Wound Healing: Its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties help in preventing infections and promoting faster healing of cuts, scrapes, and minor burns. Calendula oil or ointment can be applied directly to the skin to aid in the healing process.
- Moisturizing and Nourishing: For dry or chapped skin, calendula provides deep hydration and nourishment. It helps restore the skin’s natural moisture balance, making it a popular ingredient in natural skincare products.
Digestive Health
Beyond its external benefits, calendula also supports internal health, particularly the digestive system:
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: The anti-inflammatory properties of calendula extend to the digestive tract, helping to soothe and heal gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers, gastritis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Antimicrobial Action: Calendula’s natural antimicrobial properties can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, preventing infections and promoting overall digestive health.
Immune System Support
Calendula is not just a skin and digestive aid; it also supports the immune system:
- Antioxidant Rich: Calendula flowers are rich in flavonoids and carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants. These compounds help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals, enhancing overall immune function.
- Lymphatic Health: Calendula is known to support the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in immune defense. By aiding lymphatic drainage, calendula helps in detoxification and maintaining a healthy immune response.
Menstrual Health
For women, calendula offers specific benefits related to menstrual health:
- Menstrual Regulation: Calendula is traditionally used to regulate the menstrual cycle, helping to alleviate symptoms of PMS and promoting a more balanced hormonal profile.
- Pain Relief: Its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties can help reduce menstrual cramps and discomfort. Drinking calendula tea or using calendula-infused oils can provide natural relief.
How to Use Calendula
There are various ways to incorporate calendula into your wellness routine:
- Topical Applications: Calendula creams, oils, and salves can be applied directly to the skin to treat wounds, rashes, or dry patches.
- Teas and Tinctures: Calendula tea can be made by steeping dried calendula flowers in hot water. Tinctures, which are concentrated herbal extracts, can be taken orally for internal benefits.
- Capsules and Supplements: For those who prefer a more convenient option, calendula is available in capsule or supplement form.
Growing Your Own Calendula
For the green thumbs out there, growing calendula is relatively easy. It’s a hardy annual that thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight. Plus, having fresh calendula flowers on hand ensures a ready supply of this versatile remedy.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a natural alternative to what your doctor will prescribe or what you’ll find over the counter, consider calendula. While it’s generally deemed safe for topical and internal use, though, it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re not allergic to any flowers within the Asteracea and Compositae family. Test an area of the skin to make sure there’s no negative reaction. Don’t take it if you’re on a sedative-type drug because it can cause drowsiness. And if you’re pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor first (calendula has actually been known to induce menstruation). Most importantly, make sure any products you buy that contain calendula are free from preservatives and chemicals.
Stay natural!