Calendula
I could write an entire book on the benefirts and uses of this one plant, a complete staple in my garden, CALENDULA! And as I’m writing this and researching this plant I’m thrilled that there are scientific studies that can back everything I’m going to say because, let’s be honest, there are still too many people out there who think using a plant as medicine is a bunch of hoopla and that things that come from a tiny plastic bottle or these impossible-to-open peely tabs is better than anything from the dirt.
So why the scientific inquiry? Sciency words coming at you, then I’ll break it down. “Calendula officinalis” - so proper - contains flavanoids, triterpenoids, glycosidew, saponins, carotenoids, colatile oil, ammino acids, sterioids, sterols and quinines - fancy words that combined make this plant’s properties anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antihelminthic, antidiabetes, wound healing, hepotoprotective and antioxidant.
Calendula officinalis in particular, tho ther eare many other species in the genus, has been used medicinally since the twelfth century, Whaaaaat!? It haw many names such as English Marigold, Holidold, Mary Bud and Mary Gowles. It’s also been referred to as the “herb of the sun” - which I just love!
You can find it anywhere from Central Europe and the Mediterraniean regions, Middle Eastern Countries - particularly Cyprus, Turkey and Iran and has also been observed in India and China!
So I did horribly in my High School chemistry class so, if you want chemical compounds and explanations you’ve come to the wrong place, but I am going to talk about the “-noids” later on because I think it;s a bit fascinating. Below I’ll tell you it’s parts and why it’s so significant. I do belive that all of the science mumbo jumbo, tho it often goes over my head or makes my eyes blurry when I’m reading about it, helps to give herbal medicine a bit of a leg-up in terms of being taken seriously. Let’s dive in now to why calendula is awesome and what it does.
Antidiabetic
Wound Healing
Age Defying
Can inhibit tumor growth, can be applied to skin to treat many conditions including inflammation of the skin and open wounds. It can heal minor ailments such as razor burns and wind burns as well.
Other clinical studies show these benefits too: topical use for treatment of diaper dermatis in infants, mouthwash that reduces dental plaque and gingevitis, preventis dermatitis in breast cancer patients who recieve radiation therapy, epistiotomy wound heling and lower pain levels, helps heal the liver, combats parasitic infections and more.
Just think - if this is what we know now how much more is there still to learn!?
Calendula is not for everyone (despite how much I’d love to say it is) Those who are pregnatnt are advised to abstain from consuming and using calendula topically as it may increase the chance of pregnancy complications.Also, those who are allergic to ragweeds or other members of the Astraceae family should stay away from calendula. And as always, if you’re being prescribed mediciation, it’s adivsable to speak with a medical professional before adding calendula to your medical cabinet. A medical professional can also offer consultation to adivse you on the approprate dosage of calendula that best suits your needs.
The Adev Farm website is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitude for professional medical advice. The information provided does not intent to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is the reader’s responsibility to ensure proper plant identification & usage.
Please be aware that some plants are poisonous or can have adverse health affects. We are not health professionals, medical doctors or nutritionists. It is essential to consult with qualified professionals for verification of nutritional information, health benefits, and any potential risks associated with edible and medicinal plants mentioned in this website.