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Calendula: The Anti-Inflammatory, Antiviral Herb that Heals
Calendula flowers have been used for centuries to improve the health of the skin. In addition, calendula can help to speed up the healing process. And because it is so gentle, calendula is often used to soothe skin irritations of babies and young children.
Calendula is one of the top herbs and can be taken orally, but more popularly it’s applied topically. This flower has become popular in many natural health products and skin care lines on the market today, used in almost 200 various lotions, shampoos and other products. (1) It has also been known to help with a variety of health issues, is a powerful antioxidant and is among the strongest of antiviral herbs. In addition, it helps health issues ranging from skin inflammation to cramps to even cancer! (2)
7 Amazing Health Benefits of Calendula
1. Possesses Anti-Inflammatory Capabilities
Calendula has been found to have strong anti-inflammatory properties via powerful flavonoids. Its powerful anti-inflammatory properties make it a potent remedy for all kinds of inflammatory, issues like diaper rash, dermatitis, ear infections, ulcers, sore throats and more. Ear drops containing calendula are sometimes used to treat ear infections in children as well.
2. Calms Muscle Spasms
Calendula can help prevent and relax muscle spasms.Data from one study conducted by the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences at the Aga Khan University Medical College in Pakistan showed that the crude extract of its flowers relaxed spontaneous muscle contractions. This research additionally provided a scientific base for this herb’s traditional use in abdominal cramps and constipation. (5)
3. Heals Ulcers, Wounds & Hemorrhoids
In studies done for slow-healing wounds and various exposed ulcers, it was found that using calendula-based gels, topical ointments or adding Calendula flowers to a bath helped speed up recovery rate and healing. Calendula is also used to improve skin firmness and hydration. Even more impressive, it helps increase blood flow and oxygen to wounds and infected areas, which helps the body grow new tissue and heal more rapidly. For this reason, it can also be effective at fighting hemorrhoids.
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Dr. Axe > Nutrition > Herbs & Spices
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Calendula: The Anti-Inflammatory, Antiviral Herb that Heals
By Annie Price, CHHC
December 4, 2017
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7 Amazing Health Benefits of Calendula
How to Grow & Use Calendula
Calendula Nutrition Facts & History
Calendula Recipes
Calendula - Dr. Axe
It’s easily harvested and extracted and looks beautiful whether the flowers are in a pot or steeping in a large glass jar. It can be made into a cream, oil, gel, compress, tincture or tea; used in a bath or facial steam; eaten in salads and stews; whipped into toothpastes or mixed into mouthwashes; and is gentle enough for babies and the elderly! What am I talking about? It’s the magical and powerful calendula!
Calendula is a plant that has been used for centuries for ornamental purposes, as well as culinary, cosmetic and medicinal reasons. Even if you’re not quite sure what it is, you probably are familiar with marigolds. This plant is in the same species as marigolds and often called by the alternative name pot marigold.
Calendula is one of the top herbs and can be taken orally, but more popularly it’s applied topically. This flower has become popular in many natural health products and skin care lines on the market today, used in almost 200 various lotions, shampoos and other products. (1) It has also been known to help with a variety of health issues, is a powerful antioxidant and is among the strongest of antiviral herbs. In addition, it helps health issues ranging from skin inflammation to cramps to even cancer! (2)
7 Amazing Health Benefits of Calendula
1. Possesses Anti-Inflammatory Capabilities
Calendula has been found to have strong anti-inflammatory properties via powerful flavonoids. These plant-based antioxidants protect cells from free radical damage and pro-inflammatory compounds like C-reactive protein and cytokines. (3)
Anti-inflammatory linoleic acid is also found in high concentrations in calendula. (4) Its powerful anti-inflammatory properties make it a potent remedy for all kinds of inflammatory, issues like diaper rash, dermatitis, ear infections, ulcers, sore throats and more. Ear drops containing calendula are sometimes used to treat ear infections in children as well.
2. Calms Muscle Spasms
Calendula can help prevent and relax muscle spasms. Data from one study conducted by the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences at the Aga Khan University Medical College in Pakistan showed that the crude extract of its flowers relaxed spontaneous muscle contractions. This research additionally provided a scientific base for this herb’s traditional use in abdominal cramps and constipation. (5)
3. Heals Ulcers, Wounds & Hemorrhoids
In studies done for slow-healing wounds and various exposed ulcers, it was found that using calendula-based gels and topical ointments helped speed up recovery rate and healing. In one study, it was found that animals treated within an eight-day window using the treatment had a 90 percent closure of their wounds, as compared to only 51 percent of those who had not used the plant-based topical treatment. (6)
Calendula is also used to improve skin firmness and hydration. Even more impressive, it helps increase blood flow and oxygen to wounds and infected areas, which helps the body grow new tissue and heal more rapidly. (7) For this reason, it can also be effective for at fighting hemorrhoids. Many creams and ointments, such as Boiron Calendula Cream, exist today to provide effective natural relief for these external ailments. When taken as a tea, it can also be helpful for internal duodenal and gastric ulcer symptoms.
4. Aids Menstruation
Drinking calendula tea may help induce the menstruation cycle, as well as ease the painful side effects of menstruation in women, primarily PMS cramps. The large flavonoids presence helps relax muscles, blood flow and information, all promoting an ease of the menstruation. It can also even alleviate hot flashes.
4. Contains Antimicrobial & Antiviral Components
The acids held within the oils of this plant have powerful antimicrobial and antiviral effects, especially when fortified with sunflower oil. The oils and acids within the plant have shown to be effective in fighting pathogens, as well as candida symptoms and even antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria! This is a big reason why it’s used in antiseptic topical products today. (8)
