Calendula: The Ancient Skin-Healing Herbal Remedy
The gorgeous orange and yellow petals of the calendula flower contain medicinal properties that have been utilized since at least the 12th century. The calendula plant originates from the Mediterranean, where it was first ingested in order to ease fevers, muscle, stomach and menstrual cramps.
Calendula for Your Skin
In current times, this herbal remedy is mostly used as a skin healer through topical application in the form of creams, lotions cleansers and oils, allowing the skin to speed up its regeneration process in a completely natural way.
Research from the University of Maryland has shown that calendula can increase blood flow and oxygen to the area around a wound, helping the body grow new tissue and thus speed up the healing process. Often used to treat burns, bruises, scrapes and cuts, the petals of the flower contain flavonoids, which prevent infections, promote tissue growth, and protect the body’s cells from being attacked by unstable molecules.
Calendula may help relieve skin inflammation and dermatitis. Many professional homeopaths recommend calendula baths or calendula creams for healing sunburns, as its tissue regeneration properties are ideal for reducing inflammation and stimulating cell growth. When considering these options, check with your doctor to see what’s right for you.
Growing the Calendula Flower
Calendulas are easy to grow in most climates, thriving in poor soil and requiring only moderate watering. Calendula seeds can be started in early spring, as the plant flowers from late spring until first frost, and can be harvested for drying or fresh use throughout its season. The ideal time to harvest calendula flowers is right before they fully open their petals, as they contain the highest amount of flavonoids at this time.
Calendulas can be dried on woven racks or trays, and they should dry within two weeks. Once dried, the petals should be separated from the center of the flower, which can be composted. Dried petals can easily be stored in glass jars out of the direct light for future use in tinctures and oil infusions.
Calendula won’t grow in many climates during the winter, but organic dried petals can easily be purchased from a bulk herb store or specialty herb shop so that you can make your own tincture, which can be used for concocting baby oils, soaps, salves and creams.
Safety Precautions with Calendula
Although calendula has been deemed completely safe, there are some factors to consider before lathering it on your skin. Ample research has not been conducted on the affects of calendula on pregnant women or women who are breast-feeding, so abstain from ingesting or topically applying the herb if you belong to either group. Calendula can also cause allergic reactions for people that are allergic or sensitive to the Compositae family, which includes plants like marigolds, daisies, chamomile, chrysanthemums and ragweed. Always consult a physician before using a new herbal remedy if you are allergic to other common herbs or other plants.
