Origin: Calendula natively belongs to the Mediterranean region and has got its name after its blooming time in the Calendar. You can also find different species of Calendula or Pot marigold in Western Europe, the Mediterranean region, and different parts of southern Asia. Calendula is also known for its health benefits in India. This flower has been in use of centuries now and is favorite among herbalists. Calendula is a great culinary, cosmetic and medicinal plant.
Scientifically: Calendula, scientifically called Calendula officinalis, is a kind of marigold. Calendula is also known as Pot marigold. Calendula is a beautiful flower in yellow-orange color. It is one of the famous flowering plants and belongs to the classification Genus. This flower possesses such great qualities that make it valuable. Spring is the best time for growing Calendula.
Usage: Calendula also makes up for a great home-made remedy. Calendula works great for an oral cavity and is also one of the best ingredients in toothpaste, mouth wash, etc. Calendula is also known for its healing abilities. This works well in treating cuts, bruises, and insect bites. This flower contains great antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps in the healing process of the skin. These flowers are edible and are used in soup, salads, and broth.
Calendula also boosts the appearance of your skin. It helps in reducing the wrinkles, acne scars, spots, and pigmentations. Calendula also works excellent if consumed as a tea.
It is used in making a cream, oil, gel, compress, tea, and other bathing products. Thus, calendula is a great magical plant. Calendula is also used for ornamental purposes. This is planted and harvested easily. It also helps in soothing menstrual cramps and other muscle spasms. Calendula also has great antiseptic and antifungal properties. It also used to treat conjunctivitis. Calendula is excellent in collagen production and tissue healing.
Calendula is used to heal to cuts, scrapes, burns, bruises, and insect bites
Calendula oil is used for making different cosmetic products and dried calendula flowers are used as well for tea infusions.
People who are allergic to the Asteraceae (daisy) family, pregnant women or lactating mother should avoid it. Calendula also prevents premature aging and reduces puffiness on the face. Calendula also has antibacterial properties, which helps in cleaning the zits. This herb also helps in dealing with dermatitis. Calendula oil provides moisture to the hair scalps. It also helps in getting rid of dandruff and prevents in premature graying of the hair. Calendula oil promotes hair growth as well.
Below are some DIYs with Calendula:
- Take 2-4 calendula flowers, make a paste with a teaspoon of water, add a teaspoon of yogurt and a teaspoon of lemon juice to this mixture. Mix well. Apply this mixture on the face and let it sit for 10 minutes Wash it off later. This calendula mask helps in soothing the skin, fades dark spots and moisturizes the skin as well.
- Take a tablespoon of calendula paste and add a teaspoon of honey to this. Mix them well and apply on the cleansed face. Rinse it off after 15 minutes with normal water. This mask helps in getting rid of dry skin.
- Calendula when mixed with gram flour or fullers earth, works excellent for oily skin. Take a tablespoon of calendula paste and a tablespoon of gram flour/fullers earth. Also, take some water to make a smooth paste. Mix all and apply evenly on the face and rinse it off after 15 minutes. This mask helps in controlling sebum and cleanses your skin.
- Take a teaspoon of calendula paste and apply directly on the face. This helps in soothing and replenishing of the skin. This also boosts collagen production in the skin.
- Take calendula infused oil and apply on the irritated skin areas. Let it stay for some time and then wash lightly. This calendula oil can also be used on hair and hair scalp to promote hair growth, to prevent graying of the hair and to add moisture to the hair.
- Take 4-6 calendula flowers (dried or fresh) and boil them in water (1 cup water). Let it steep for 10 minutes. Let it chill. You can use this as a hair rinse or face cleanser. This can also be consumed as a warm tea.