Calendula officinalis

General information:

Calendula is considered beneficial in reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing. Historically, Calendula was used by soldiers in the American Civil War to stop bleeding and to quicken the healing of wounds. According to a study conducted at Universitatea de Medicina Farmacie, Romania, skin healed within three days of topical application of the herb. It is an effective remedy for a variety of skin diseases, skin ulcerations, eczema, juvenile acne and dry phthiriasis. The flower extracts also help in treating gynecological disorders.

Constituents:

The polysaccharides from the flowers have exhibited immune-stimulating and anti-tumor properties in severalinvitro tests. The alcoholic extract has anti-trichomonal properties. The wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to carotene. The extract of the flowers exhibits estrogenic activity, reducing period pains and regulating menstrual bleeding (Indian Medicinal Plants—An Illustrated Dictionary, C.P.Khare. 120. 2007)

Benefits:

• The flower treats superficial wounds and promotes new skin growth.
• Calendula is also helpful in treating gastrointestinal and gynecological disorders.