Calendula for healthy and well-cared skin

Calendula (Calendula officinalis L) is a herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae or compound family, which is believed to originate from the Mediterranean side and the Near East. There is evidence that ancient Greece and other Mediterranean countries used it and knew its virtues and applications.

Hindus and Arabs traditionally used it as medicine but also for cosmetic use and even for coloring fabrics. Due to the beauty of its flowers and its resistance to extreme climates (droughts and frosts) it is a plant currently cultivated for ornamental purposes in gardening.

Name

The name of calendula derives from Latin, from the word calendae, which is the name with which the first day of every month (Kalends of March, first day of March, etc.). It seems that this reference of the name to the calendar is due to the fact that, as already mentioned, the plant can flower practically in all the months of the year.

It is also known by other names that refer to the showiness of its flowers, such as marigold, buttercup or king crown.

A little history

In classical Greek and Roman times, it seems that flowers were taken in infusion to calm the nerves. During the Middle Ages, Saint Hildegard of Bingen (Hildegard von Bingen), one of the most versatile and influential women of her time, who investigated the healing value of the plants that she grew and prepared herself, described the use of calendula to heal sores and other skin conditions.

It has traditionally been used for the treatment of skin irritations and against

Current uses

The official monograph of the EMA (European Medicines Agency) includes its use in iinfusion to use in the form of compresses or in semi-solid preparationss (creams or ointments) for the treatment of minor skin irritations and inflammations, such as sunburn, and as an aid for healing of minor wounds and minor burns. Also the use of the infusion in the form of gargles or rinses for inflammations and wounds of the mouth or throat.

There are calendula-based cleansing creams and wipes that are very suitable for the hygiene and care of babies' bottoms, to avoid and alleviate the typical diaper irritation. Calendula oil is another of the traditional ways of use for the relief of eczema, irritations (of the diaper, the groin or skin folds, etc.) and as a soothing treatment for the skin after the sun.

How to use it?

Oil, ointments or creams They are applied several times a day on the areas of the skin of interest.

The infusion for compresses or gargles is prepared with a tablespoon of calendula flowers per cup of water. For gargles or rinses, it is used directly by letting it cool or cool to room temperature (gargle after meals). For skin inflammations, it is allowed to cool to room temperature and a gauze pad is impregnated that is applied directly to the skin, leaving it to act for a few minutes.

Calendula oil homemade preparation

The flower heads and a wide-mouthed glass vial is filled with them, without crushing them and leaving about two centimeters free before the mouthpiece. Fill the jar with virgin olive oil cold pressed or with sweet almond oil. The bottle is covered and placed outside ("sunny and serene") for 3 or 4 weeks. It is convenient to remove the contents of the bottle every day and rotate it so that the light intensity reaches all areas equally. After the time, sneaks inIt is packaged in amber-colored jars and stored away from light and heat.

The flowers should be collected between 10 in the morning and three in the afternoon, taking care that they are not wet.

Culinary uses

In Europe, in times of scarcity, the flower's petals, dried and crushed or powdered, were used as a condiment to color rice and other dishes, which is why it was known as the saffron of the poor. In some European countries, the fresh petals are used to add to salads.

Possible contraindications and precautions

It can cause allergy to people who have plants of the asteraceae family (such as chamomile, daisies, etc.). The fresh plant can produce contact dermatitis in sensitive people.

• For medicinal and cosmetic use flowers are used.
• It is used to treat slight irritations and inflammations of the skin, sunburns, and the healing of small wounds and burns.
• It is usually presented in the form of oil, ointments, or creams, which are applied several times a day on the area.

“Informative note: the contents included in this section offer information related to existing therapies explained by specialists with experience in the field with an informative objective. MAPFRE does not intend under any circumstances to position itself on its suitability or expressly promote its use ”.

Maria Jose Alonso Osorio Member of medicinal plants and homeopathy of the College of Pharmacists of Barcelona