or Marigold

Calendula officinalis L.

Family - Compositae - Asteraceae (Compositae).

Parts used are flowers and inflorescences.

Popular names are marigold, butter color, golden color, solstice, flower of the dead.

Pharmacy name - marigold flowers - Caleridulae flos (formerly Flores Calendulae sine Calycibns).

Botanical description

Calendula officinalis is an annual herbaceous plant, densely pubescent. The stem is erect, branched, densely leafy, reaching a height of 70 cm. regular; lower - petiolate, oblong-ovate; stem -sessile, oblong-lanceolate. Flowers in large single baskets, external - reed, yellow or orange-reddish, internal - tubular, darker in color.

The fruits are crescent-shaped or hook-shaped achenes. Blooms from June to October, fruits begin to ripen from August.

Motherland of calendula Europe, Central Asia. It grows wild only in Mediterranean countries. In Russia, it is widely cultivated as an ornamental and medicinal plant, in connection with which industrial plantations have been established in specialized state farms.

Collection and preparation

They are collected by hand during the entire flowering period (during the horizontal position of the reed flowers), breaking off the inflorescences without pedicels. After collection, the flowers are separated from the calyx and dried in the shade, in attics or in dryers at a temperature of 40-45 °, spreading them in a thin layer. The finished raw material should not contain crumbled baskets, peduncles and have a salty-bitter taste with a feeling of sliminess.

Active ingredients

Essential oil, marigold sapogenin, saponins, glycosides, carotenoids, xanthophylls, bitterness, mucus, flavonoids, enzymes and organic acids.

Healing action and application

They have astringent, sedative, hypotensive, choleretic and diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects, increase the separation of bile, urine and sweat.

In folk medicine, calendula preparations have been used since ancient times as a choleretic agent for liver and gallbladder diseases, menopausal disorders, gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, spasms, as well as a diuretic and hypotensive agent. It was used as a prophylactic and therapeutic anti-cancer agent. A compress of fresh calendula juice should be applied at night to cancerous tumors on the skin.

Infusion of calendula in the form of lotions, washings and compresses was used for skin rashes, carbuncles, long-term non-healing ulcers and fistulas, bedsores and, in the form of enemas - for proctitis and paraproctitis, douching - in the treatment of cervical erosion and other gynecological diseases.

Infusion. 1 hour spoon of dried calendula flowers pour 1 cup boiling water and let it brew for 10-15 minutes. Strain and take warm, 0.5 cup between meals. For diseases of the gallbladder, for compresses and dressings.


The beneficial properties of calendula have been known since antiquity. It was used in the treatment of various diseases of the skin, as well as for the healing of various wounds. Even then, people believed that the plant could cure cancer. And already in the modern world, this ability has been successfully proven. The use of calendula for the treatment of cancerous tumors is now considered appropriate.
Just one look at these flowers improves mood. Calendula is widely used in cooking, folk medicine, cosmetology and soap making.

Medicinal properties of calendula
You can make a whole list of useful properties of calendula. Among them, the normalization of pressure, choleretic and analgesic effect. It reduces the growth of tumors, cleanses the liver, stops bleeding and reduces swelling. It is very useful for the heart and has a number of other indications.
Calendula officinalis (marigolds) (calendula officinal is L.) is an annual herbaceous plant from the Compositae family, reaching a height of 40-60 cm. The stem is branched, softly pubescent, ribbed. The leaves are alternate, the flowers are golden yellow or orange, collected at the top of the stems in basket inflorescences with a diameter of 3 - 5 cm. The smell of flowers is fragrant, blooms all summer, starting in June, the seeds ripen in August.

The birthplace of culture is central and southern Europe and Central Asia. In Russia, it is cultivated as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Sometimes the plant runs wild, but it is almost never found in the wild in Russia.
Calendula grows well in moist, open, sunny places.
Medicinal raw materials are flower baskets. Marigold flowers are harvested all summer, as at least half of the reed flowers open in non-double varieties. The break between collecting baskets can be 2-5 days; during the summer they spend from 10 to 20 fees. Baskets are cut off at the base of the peduncle, ligulate flowers are plucked out of them. Raw materials immediately after collection (no later than 4 hours) are dried in dark places or in dryers, often turning over. When drying in a dryer, the temperature in it should not exceed 40-45 ° C. Drying is completed when the baskets disintegrate with a light touch of the fingers. Dried flowers store no more than 1 year.

Calendula in mythology
Calendula officinalis (marigold) Calendula officinalis L.
The name is from the diminutive Latin Calendal - the first day of each month among the Romans; Latin officinalis - medicinal.


The Russian name nail is explained by a fairy tale.
A long time ago, a boy was born into a poor family. They called him Squishy because he was weak and sickly. When he grew up, he went to distant lands to gather his wits. Soon a rumor spread that a man appeared who heals not with conspiracies, not divination, but with healing drinks. People began to be treated by Zamorysh (it was him), but no one went to the old fortuneteller. The fortuneteller decided to poison the doctor, brought a goblet of wine with a potion. Zamorysh drank wine, and when he felt that he was dying, he called people and bequeathed to bury after death a nail from his left hand under the window of an insidious soothsayer. They fulfilled his request. A golden flower grew in that place, which people called the marigold. And the marigold flower heals people from many diseases, and the fame of the miracles of the marigold flower goes around the world.

Marigolds, in English marigold "Mary's gold", are said to be named after the Virgin Mary. They were decorated with statues of the mother of the Savior. This flower is often found in wedding bouquets (hence its other name among the British - "summer wedding couple") and symbolizes constancy and long love. In southeastern Europe, it is believed that if a husband begins to look to the side, his fidelity will return if marigolds are sown around his footprints on the ground. In China, marigolds symbolize long life; it is "the flower of 10,000 years". In Hinduism, it is considered the flower of Krishna. In ancient India, garlands were woven from calendula and decorated with statues of saints. The calendula is sometimes called the "bride of summer" because of the flower's tendency to follow the sun.
Flowers were used not only as a medicine. They were added to food, replacing spices. It is known that Queen Margo, about whom A. Dumas wrote in the novel of the same name, was very fond of calendula. In France there is a statue of her with a bouquet of these flowers in her hands.
In some countries, calendula is considered the flower of the dead. It is believed that this is due to the smell of marigold, according to some, reminiscent of the smell of a corpse. On the other hand, in some countries there is a custom to clean these flowers in the coffin of dead children. In particular, calendula is called the flower of the dead in Germany. And in Austria, she is called the flower of the dead also because she lands on the graves on November 1, the day following the day of All Saints, and also because calendula, along with periwinkle, is used to weave wreaths for the dead.

Calendula is a good honey plant. Along with medicinal purposes, it is also used in the food industry as a dye in the production of fats, cheese, butter, margarine.


The chemical composition of calendula is very rich in biologically active substances. Its flower baskets contain carotenoids. Brightly colored marigold varieties are especially rich in carotenoids. In addition, resins, mucus, organic acids (malic and traces of salicylic), alkaloids, bitter substances, and vitamin C were found in marigold flowers. In addition, the aerial parts of the plant contain saponin, which gives oleanic and glucuronic acids upon hydrolysis. Calendula seeds contain fatty oil, alkaloids.
Calendula has strong bactericidal properties against many pathogens, especially staphylococci and streptococci. Preparations from it are used to treat burns, non-healing wounds and fistulas, to gargle with sore throat and oral cavity with stomatitis.

In folk medicine, marigold infusion is used internally for diseases of the liver and gallbladder, spleen, stomach cramps, bladder stones, cough, hypertension, cardiac neurosis, scrofula, rickets. Outwardly - with erosion, cracks in the anus. Calendula contains carotene or provitamin A, flavonoids that have a choleretic, antispasmodic, antitumor, antitoxic effect on the human body, essential oils that have an antibiotic effect, coumarins that can relieve inflammation.

Calendula contains such important trace elements as zinc (Zn), which is responsible for the normal functioning of the gonads, growth and immunity; copper (Cu), necessary in the treatment of inflammatory processes; molybdenum (Mo), useful for teeth, as it retains fluorine; selenium (Se), which has an anti-cancer effect and a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.

Folk recipes with calendula

Calendula in gynecology

In gynecological practice, calendula is used in the treatment of cervical erosion and colpitis (douching); in menopause - as a sedative. With a threatened abortion, take 3 tablespoons of crushed leaves and calendula inflorescences and boil them in 1 liter of water until 0.5 liters remain. Drink 1/2 cup three times a day before meals.

Make a mixture of 2 parts marigold flowers and 1 part lemon balm. 1 tablespoon of the mixture pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. Insist 30 minutes, strain. Drink 0.3 cup 4-5 times a day between meals for 7-9 weeks.

Calendula for hair
Against hair loss

An alcohol tincture of calendula is used, diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 3. Four-fold strips of cloth are moistened in a solution and applied for an hour and a half on bald skin in the form of a compress. Procedures should be carried out daily until hair growth is restored. If there is no effect after a month, treatment should be discontinued.

Facial calendula.
For acne, against acne

For the treatment of acne, the following composition is prepared: 2 tablespoons of fresh calendula flowers, pour 50 ml of 70% alcohol, 40 ml of water and 30 ml of cologne. Insist for 2 days in a warm place. Add after infusion 5 g of boric acid powder and 3 ml of glycerin. Lubricate the affected areas 2-3 times a day.


Calendula for hemorrhoids

The following collection is used: erect cinquefoil root - 10 g, watch leaves - 10 g, marshmallow root - 10 g, St. John's wort grass - 20 g, calendula flowers - 15 g, eucalyptus leaf - 5 g. boiling water, insist 1 hour. Enter in the form of microclysters 3 times a day, 50-100 ml.

Calendula for influenza, sore throat, diseases of the nasopharynx

One tablespoon of dry inflorescences of calendula officinalis per 1 cup of boiling water. Insist, wrapped, 1 hour, strain. Rinse your mouth 2-3 times a day.
For gargling, you can also dilute 70% alcohol tincture of calendula at the rate of 1 teaspoon per glass of water.
Calendula inflorescences, plantain leaves, wormwood grass - all equally divided. Pour one tablespoon of the mixture with 1 glass of water, boil over low heat (preferably in a water bath) for 10-15 minutes, let it brew, strain. Gargle with warm decoction every 2 hours. The same decoction can be taken orally 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day.

Calendula treatment in dentistry

As an external agent, calendula preparations are used in dental practice for diseases of the oral cavity (thrush in children, gingivitis, pyorrhea, inflammatory-dystrophic form of periodontal disease). Clinical observations have shown that abundant irrigation of the oral cavity with an aqueous solution of calendula tincture (1 teaspoon per glass of water) before and after the removal of tartar, laying turundas, abundantly moistened with undiluted calendula tincture, in pathological gum pockets removed inflammation, reduced or stopped discharge from gum pockets, bleeding gums, contributed to the thickening of the gum tissue, which is due to the presence in the flowers of calendula of a large number of carotenoids, flavonoids, which have capillary-strengthening activity. The most stable therapeutic effect was observed with complex treatment (vitamin therapy, physiotherapy). Rinse tincture of calendula is used in the treatment of tonsillitis, and in combination with sulfa drugs and antibiotics - for the treatment of tonsillitis.


Calendula in diseases of the liver and biliary tract.
With hepatitis

You can drink both calendula infusion - 4 times a day, and medicinal tea. Take 10 g of calendula flowers and sandy immortelle, St. John's wort, 5 g of chamomile flowers, knotweed grass, chicory root and buckthorn bark. 4 tbsp. spoons of the mixture
drink 500 ml of cold water at night, boil for 5 minutes in the morning, leave for 20 minutes and drink 1/2 cup 3 times a day for half an hour before meals. The collection as a whole contributes to the healing of the body with hepatitis.

Calendula in diseases of the kidneys and bladder.
With nephritis and pyelonephritis

In chronic inflammatory diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract, the following collection is used: calendula flowers - 20 g, nettle leaf - 10 g, harrow root - 15 g, yarrow root - 20 g, fennel fruit - 10 g, horsetail grass - 10 g, birch leaf – 15 y.

Calendula for burns

So that a blister does not appear on the burnt place, it is enough to put a piece of cotton wool soaked in alcohol tincture of calendula on it.

Calendula for oncology

An infusion of calendula flowers (2 tablespoons per cup of boiling water) is used as a lotion for open forms of breast cancer, without a bandage. Compresses are changed every 2-3 hours, preventing them from getting warm.
For stomach cancer, take an infusion of 1/2 cup 3 times a day before meals.
With inoperable forms of cancer of the esophagus and stomach, the condition of patients is significantly improved by the composition: powder of calendula inflorescences and nicotinic acid powder in a ratio of 2.5:1. For a single dose, give a composition consisting of 0.25 g of calendula inflorescence powder and 0.1 g of nicotinic acid powder.


To increase the protective functions of the body, restore and strengthen immunity

1 tablespoon (flowers, leaves) pour a glass of boiling water. Insist until cool, strain. Drink 2-3 glasses during the day. Drink 0.5 cup 4-6 times in between meals.

Tincture of calendula

Tincture of calendula (Tinctura Calendulaae). Alcoholic (at 70 degrees alcohol) tincture (1:10) of flowers and flower baskets. Clear yellow liquid. To use, dilute 1 teaspoon in a glass of water. As a choleretic agent, take 10-20 drops per reception.

Infusion of calendula flowers (Infusum Calendulae). 2 tablespoons of calendula flowers are placed in an enamel bowl, pour 200 ml (1 cup) of hot boiled water, cover with a lid and heat in boiling water (in a water bath) with frequent stirring for 15 minutes, cool for 45 minutes at room temperature, filter, the remaining raw material is squeezed out. The volume of the resulting infusion is adjusted with boiled water to 200 ml. The prepared infusion is stored in a cool place for no more than 2 days. Take calendula infusion should be warm, 1-2 tablespoons 3-4 times a day.

Ointment from flowers and leaves of calendula

Orange petals of calendula have a disinfectant property, so the treatment of ulcers, wounds, especially purulent ones that do not heal for a long time, has long been known.
Kneipp recommended for the treatment of eczema, wounds caused by burns, bedsores, varicose veins ointment from fresh flowers and marigold leaves:
50 g fresh marigold flowers, 150 g fresh leaves, 150 ml alcohol. Finely chop the flowers and leaves, pour with alcohol, close tightly. After 12 hours, mix with 1 kg of heated wax and put in a dark place for 5-6 hours.

An infusion of calendula is used in the treatment of fistulas - an infusion (1:10) of calendula is injected into the canal of the fistula in equal parts with a 3% solution of boric acid.


Calendula contraindications

But there are contraindications to the treatment with marigolds. The plant should be used carefully during pregnancy, there are also restrictions for people with low blood pressure and individual intolerance. Before using calendula, it is advisable to consult a specialist.
It is not recommended to combine calendula with some herbs that have a sedative effect, as it enhances this effect. These plants include California poppy, catnip, capsicum, celery, couch grass, Siberian ginseng, goldenseal, hops, lemon balm, shepherd's purse, stinging nettle, valerian, wild carrot, and wild lettuce.
The interaction of calendula with certain medications can also have an undesirable effect. In particular, you can not combine calendula with barbiturates and other drugs that have a sedative effect.


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Tinctures, decoctions and teas that produce a therapeutic effect are prepared from inflorescences, petals and leafy tops of calendula. In folk medicine, they are used for inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract, hypertension, angina pectoris, atherosclerosis, neuroses and a number of other diseases. But medicines are also made from calendula, which are prescribed for anemia, stomach and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, and tumors. However, caution is needed in the use of medicinal calendula.

Useful properties of calendula officinalis

Composition and useful substances

What exactly is used and in what form

Medicinal value are marigold flower petals, whole flower inflorescences, and leafy flowering tops. Infusion, tincture, tea, decoctions are prepared from calendula inflorescences. The extract of medicinal marigold is included in the composition of tablets, ointments, lotions. Externally, calendula tincture is used as a lotion, for lubrication and healing of cuts, burns, ulcers and wounds; for douching, rinsing. Marigolds are present in numerous herbal preparations. Calendula is also widely used in homeopathy.

Medicinal properties

Calendula officinalis petals contain volatile oils, flavonoids (isoramnetin heterosides), carotenoids (carotene, violaxanthin, rubixanthin, flavoxanthin, lycopene), calendine bitterness, triterpene saponins - calendulosides (faradiol, arnidiol and oleanolic acid glycosides), sesquiterpene calendene, resins, mucus, tannins, organic acids, phenol derivatives, antibiotic, sitosterol.

Calendula officinalis has anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, wound healing, antispasmodic, hypotensive, cardiotonic and sedative properties; contributes to the acceleration of the metabolic function of the liver (secretory and excretory functions increase, the concentration of bilirubin and cholesterol in bile decreases). A diluted tincture of medicinal marigolds is used to treat leg ulcers, pityriasis versicolor and oily seborrhea of ​​the face, eczema, purulent skin rashes and frostbite, aphthous stomatitis (in the form of rinses), gingivitis, pyorrhea, periodontal disease, tonsillitis and tonsillitis. With erosion of the cervix and trichomonas colpitis, douching is prescribed, baths and microclysters are made for proctitis, paraproctitis, anal fissures. With blepharitis and conjunctivitis, compresses and eye baths are useful. The use of calendula gives a positive therapeutic effect in gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, colitis, enterocolitis, diseases of the liver and biliary tract (especially in combination with chamomile officinalis and common yarrow). The use of calendula is justified in cardiovascular diseases, accompanied by an accelerated heartbeat, shortness of breath and edema. In gynecological and obstetric practice, an infusion or tincture of calendula is prescribed orally for incessant vomiting in pregnant women, dysmenorrhea, high blood pressure and insomnia in menopause. In folk medicine, medicinal marigolds are used for aphthosis, bronchitis, scrofula, rickets, jaundice, diseases of the bladder and spleen, nervous fever and dizziness.

In herbal medicine, calendula in the form of a suspension or tincture is used externally to treat acne, reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin. Some sources indicate the effective use of calendula ointment or cream in the treatment of radiation dermatitis (skin damage due to radiation exposure). Calendula ointment with radiation dermatitis significantly reduces the pain of the victim.

In official medicine

Preparations based on calendula officinalis:

  • Tincture of calendula;
  • Tablets KN(as part of the powder of calendula flowers and nicotinic acid). Assign to reduce the effects of dyspepsia in oncological diseases of the esophagus, stomach, intestines. Symptomatically, together with nicotinic acid, calendula has a beneficial effect on malignant tumors of the stomach, which are not subject to surgery;
  • Caleflon(purified extract of calendula flowers in the form of tablets) - used for stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, chronic gastritis in the acute phase to eliminate inflammation and accelerate healing;
  • Kaferid(as part of the preparation of iron oxide and flowers of medicinal marigolds). It is prescribed for anemia as a means of stimulating the processes of hematopoiesis.

In folk medicine

  • With inflammation of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, half a tablespoon of calendula petals is poured with a glass of boiling water. Let it brew and take a tablespoon every 60 minutes.
  • With scrofula, rickets and swelling of the spleen, drink 2 glasses a day of tea from marigold flowers and yarrow grass, taken in equal parts.
  • For diseases of the liver and biliary tract, they take a tablespoon of herbal mixture of St. raw water, insist night, boil for 7 minutes in the morning, insist 20 minutes and take 3 glasses a day.
  • With painful menstruation, a tablespoon of a mixture of calendula flowers and mallow flowers (mallow forest) in proportions of 6: 4 per glass of boiling water, insist 20 minutes and take 3 glasses a day.
  • With furunculosis, they drink tea from a mixture of marigold flowers, burdock roots, walnut leaves and creeping wheatgrass root (4; 2.5: 1.5: 2). A tablespoon of this mixture is poured with a glass of boiling water, let it brew for a quarter of an hour and take 0.5 cups three times a day.
  • In case of hypertension, in order to reduce and stabilize blood pressure, a long-term collection is recommended: 9 tablespoons of marigold flowers, pour 0.2 liters of vodka and leave for 10 days in a glass container, in a dark and cool place, shaking from time to time. After that, strain, take 20 drops three times a day with water.
  • With angina pectoris, atherosclerosis, hypertension, pain in the heart and neurotic conditions, a collection is useful: a tablespoon of valerian root and dill seeds and 2 tablespoons of licorice root, string grass and calendula flowers. Pour a spoonful of the mixture of all the ingredients with 200 ml of boiling water, boil for half an hour in a water bath, let it brew, strain it chilled. Add boiled water, increasing the volume to 0.2 liters. Drink a third of a glass three times a day for three weeks, then take a break and continue the course for another 2 weeks.
  • Powder from calendula flowers is considered a good anti-inflammatory and bactericidal agent: you need to take it three times a day, 0.3-0.5 g each, washed down with water, or with honey.
  • For neuroses, as a sedative: take 2 tablespoons of calendula inflorescences and oregano herbs, a tablespoon of tansy flowers. Mix, pour a tablespoon of the herbal mixture with 200 ml of boiling water, and heat under the lid in a water bath for a quarter of an hour. Then cool and strain. Drink a quarter cup 4 times a day for 3 weeks.
  • Calendula tincture at home: to prepare the tincture, you need 40% alcohol. Grind two tablespoons of fresh medicinal marigold inflorescences and pour into a glass dish. Pour the flower mixture with 100 ml of alcohol. Close the container, leave in a dark place for 8 days. Then strain and store in a cold place.

Externally:

  • For cuts, acne, boils, frostbite, ulcers, lichen, blepharitis, apply marigold steam to the affected area. For rinsing the cavity and throat with tonsillitis, gingivitis, stomatitis, amphodontosis, take one teaspoon of alcohol tincture of calendula in half a cup of boiled water.
  • Freckles on the face and hands are removed with a two-time lubrication of juice from calendula leaves, mixed in equal parts with lemon juice, currant berries and almond oil.
  • If vision falls, lotions from such a mixture are applied to the eyes at night: calendula flowers, blue cornflower petals and flowering eyebright herbs are taken in equal parts. The course of treatment is long, at least six months.
  • For douching with cervical erosion, with trichomonas lesions, pathological discharge, prepare an infusion of 4 tablespoons of calendula per liter of boiling water.
  • For pain in the joints, rub a few drops of calendula tincture with massage movements into the affected area, then wrap it with a warm scarf or scarf. This treatment should be followed for a week, daily at bedtime. Also, a compress can be applied to the joint: moisten the cloth in tincture, “warm” the finished compress, withstand at least 3 hours. Repeat the procedure daily.

in oriental medicine

Indian healers have long used calendula as an antiseptic and stimulant.

The properties of calendula were studied by Avicenna, who highly appreciated the medicinal value of the plant.

Calendula is used in Ayurvedic medicine.

In scientific research

The medicinal properties of calendula remain the object of modern scientific research.

J. M. Leach studied the healing abilities of calendula officinalis, its significance in therapy aimed at treating wounds of various etymologies.

Phytochemical and ethnopharmacological aspects of representatives of the genus Calendula are covered in the work of D. Arora, A. Rani and A. Sharma.

M. Butnariu and K. Z. Koradini studied the bioactive components of the flowers of calendula officinalis.

Scientific work of Sharova O.V. and Kurkina V.A. dedicated to the flavonoids contained in the flowers of medicinal marigolds.

The diuretic effect of drugs based on calendula flowers was analyzed in the work of Kurkin V.A., Kurkina A.V., Zaitseva E.N. and etc.

P. Pomier, F. Gomez and others substantiated in a scientific study the role of calendula in the prevention of radiation dermatitis during irradiation used in the treatment of breast cancer.


In cooking

Calendula petals as a natural dye, flavor and flavoring agent are used in the preparation of salads, desserts, drinks, and a variety of vegetarian dishes. Calendula is added to soups, pastries, herbal tinctures, homemade liquors, sauces.

Rice with calendula

Ingredients you will need: 4 cups water 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/2 chopped onion 2 bouillon cubes 1/2 cup crushed marigold petals 2 cups long grain rice Boil water, add salt, onion, bouillon cubes, marigold petals and rice to boiling water. Stir and cook covered over low heat for 18 minutes.

Muffins with calendula

You will need: 1 and ¾ cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 0.5 teaspoon salt, ¼ cup sugar, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, ¾ cup milk, ¾ cup crushed dates, 2 tablespoons marigold petals. Preheat the oven to 220 0. Mix the sifted flour with baking powder, salt and sugar. Beat eggs separately. Combine the egg mixture with milk, butter, dates and calendula petals. Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Pour the batter into the cupcake molds, filling them halfway. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Garnish the finished muffins with calendula flowers and petals.

Omelet with calendula

To prepare an omelette you will need: 2-3 eggs, 2 tablespoons of milk, a teaspoon of butter or a tablespoon of any vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh calendula petals, salt and pepper. Beat eggs with milk, salt and pepper to taste. Pour the calendula petals into the egg-milk mixture. Prepare an omelette in a preheated frying pan, greased with oil and sprinkle the finished dish with marigold petals.

Custard with calendula

It will take 0.5 liters of milk, a cup of marigold petals, a quarter teaspoon of salt, 3 tablespoons of sugar, vanilla on the tip of a knife, 3 egg yolks, 1/8 teaspoon of grated nutmeg and the same amount of allspice, ½ teaspoon of rose water. Grind the calendula petals in a mortar and mix with milk and vanilla. Add beaten egg yolks, salt and sugar with spices (nutmeg and allspice) to the milk mixture. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Stirring constantly, boil for 5-10 minutes until thickened. Add rose water to the chilled cream. Ready-made custard can be used for making desserts or served as a separate dish, baked. Serve the baked custard with whipped cream and calendula petals.

Herbal oil with calendula and marjoram

Required products: 200 g butter, 2-3 tablespoons of marigold petals and the same amount of marjoram leaves. Mix the softened butter with calendula and marjoram and bring the mixture to a homogeneous state in a blender. You can add a tablespoon of olive oil, a little lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. Put the finished butter into a mold or butter dish and freeze in the refrigerator.

Cornbread with calendula petals

Ingredients: 2 cups whey, 3-4 tablespoons fresh marigold petals, 1.5 cups cornmeal, ¾ cup wheat flour, ¾ cup unbleached flour, 1.5 teaspoons baking powder, ¾ teaspoon salt, 2 large eggs, ¼ a cup of vegetable oil or melted butter, ¼ cup of honey.

Soak calendula petals in whey. Preheat the oven to 1900. Lubricate the baking dish with oil. Sift corn flour, wheat flour, unbleached flour, baking powder and salt into a large bowl. Beat eggs, add whey, vegetable or melted butter and honey, beat all liquid ingredients for at least a minute. Mix the egg-butter mixture on the whey with the prepared flour. Pour the dough into the mold, bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Cut and serve when completely cool.

Calendula can be salted and pickled and used as a dressing for salads, soups, main dishes.

To pickle calendula, you will need: 1 kg of fresh flower baskets of medicinal marigolds, 0.5 liters of water and 60 g of salt. Boil the water, salt, pour the calendula flowers washed and dried from moisture with boiling brine, cook for 5 minutes. Allow to cool, pour into a glass dish with brine, store in a cool place.

For calendula in marinade, you will need: 1 kg of fresh calendula inflorescences, 0.5 l of 3% vinegar, 40 g of salt and a few black peppercorns. Pour the prepared inflorescences with vinegar, add salt and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes. Pour chilled into storage containers. Store in a dark place.

Calendula drink with apple juice

A glass of dry marigold inflorescences pour 2 liters of water and boil over low heat for at least 0.5 hours. Leave the decoction for about 8 hours. Then add 400 ml of fresh apple juice and 200 ml of liquid honey to the calendula decoction. Pour the drink into bottles, leave in a cool place.


In cosmetology

Calendula is an invariable component of many skincare products. On its basis, tonics, creams, scrubs, rinses, masks, herbal cosmetic ice and soap are created.

Softening hand mask with calendula

To prepare such a cosmetic, you will need: 2 tablespoons of oatmeal, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of fresh marigold petals, a tablespoon of honey, 3 tablespoons of warm water. Mix all ingredients and puree in a blender. Apply to cleansed and slightly damp skin. Withstand 5-10 minutes. Rinse off the mask with room temperature water and lubricate your hands with a nourishing cream. Oatmeal cleanses and softens the skin, lemon juice evens out skin tone and eliminates age spots, calendula and honey soften and heal.

Hair rinse with calendula

You will need: 0.5 liters of strong herbal calendula tea, a tablespoon of calendula tincture, 3-5 drops of rosemary essential oil. Brew strong tea from calendula flowers. Let stand and cool. Add calendula tincture and rosemary essential oil. Apply to washed and damp hair and scalp. Leave on for a few minutes, then rinse.

Facial scrub

Ingredients: a cup of oatmeal, half a cup of cornmeal, 1/3 cup of dry marigold petals. Grind all products in a coffee grinder into powder. Store this scrub base in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Before cleansing the face, mix one teaspoon of the dry mixture with a little water. Apply to a damp face and rub into the skin with massaging movements. Wash off with warm water.

Balm with calendula

It is useful to lubricate scratches, burns, abrasions, bruises with such a balm. For preparation, you need to take 105 g of an oil extract of medicinal marigolds and 150 g of beeswax. Melt the wax in a water bath and combine with calendula extract. Warm up and pour into a small glass container. Store the frozen balm in a dark, dry place.

Steam bath for the face

Take half a cup of dry marigold petals, lavender flowers, roses and chamomile. Prepare an infusion by pouring about half a cup of such a flower mixture with a liter of boiling water. Steam the skin of the face over the herbal bath for 3 to 7 minutes.

Bath with calendula

Based on a full bath, prepare an infusion: pour a full cup of dry calendula petals with 2 liters of boiling water. Bring to a boil and let it brew. Add to bath water. This procedure is useful for eczema, hives, rashes.

Calendula helps with problem skin. To make an acne lotion at home, you will need: mix a tablespoon of calendula infusion with a tablespoon of camphor alcohol, adding 10 drops of ammonia, mix everything thoroughly and store in the refrigerator. Apply the lotion on the face with rubbing movements, with a cotton pad dipped in the solution, up to 3 times a day.


In perfumery

Calendula essence is traditionally used in perfumery. The plant brings bitterness, spiciness, balsamic note to compositions. Perfume with a well-tangible aroma of calendula - Interlude Woman by Amouage.

Other uses

  • The juice of fresh marigold leaves is used to treat bee stings. Marigold flower juice is used as a natural dye in the production of cheese and butter. Previously, marigold dyes were also used to color Easter eggs, added to chicken feed to make the egg yolk brighter.
  • Thickets of calendula prevent the reproduction of roundworms (nematodes) in the soil.
  • Marigolds are considered a natural repellent: marigold bushes planted under the windows of the dwelling repel mosquitoes. Also, the aroma of calendula repels insect pests from beds with potatoes, tomatoes and eggplants.

In the Middle Ages, calendula symbolized envy. In the works of art by J. Chaucer, Envy is decorated with a garland of marigolds. However, later Christian tradition interprets calendula as a symbol of obedience and humility.

In ancient Rome, calendula was used for scorpion stings.

In Germany, there is a sign: if after 7 in the morning the marigold flowers do not open, it will rain.

In Mexico, calendula is considered the flower of death. According to legend, the plant originated from the spilled blood of local Indians killed by the Spanish invaders.

Due to its culinary value and economic benefits, calendula has earned the name "poor man's saffron".

During the American Civil War, fresh marigold flowers were applied directly to open wounds, used as a hemostatic agent and as an antiseptic to heal wounds. Later, calendula was used in the same way during the First World War.

Dangerous properties of calendula and contraindications

Calendula lowers blood pressure, so hypotension patients should be especially careful with it.

Also, preparations based on calendula can cause an allergic reaction in people with intolerance or predisposition to allergic diseases. During pregnancy and lactation, the advisability of using calendula should be strictly agreed with your doctor. /p>

Since calendula itself has a calming effect on the nervous system (it is used in the treatment of neurosis), the simultaneous use of sedatives and calendula-based drugs is contraindicated: increased drowsiness and lethargy may occur.

We have collected the most important points about the benefits and possible harms of calendula in this illustration and we will be very grateful if you share the picture on social networks, with a link to our page:


Botanical description

It is an annual herbaceous plant of the Compositae (Asteraceae) family.

origin of name

Among the people, the name " marigold". Other naming options: solstice, oil color, golden color. The Latin word Calendula is a diminutive of "little calendar," "little clock," and even "little barometer," as calendula flowers close and bloom at certain times of the day, the so-called "flower clock."

Kinds

In botany, from 12 to 20 types of calendula are distinguished, among which:

  1. 1 Calendula officinalis (Calendula officinalis) - grows in the temperate climate zone of Europe, the Australian continent and Asia. Cultivated as a medicinal plant on an industrial scale. Used in the food industry. Within this species, many varieties have been bred. It also has a decorative value;
  2. 2 Calendula field (Calendula arvensis) is an endemic plant of central and southern Europe. Is a source of medicinal raw materials;
  3. 3 maritime marigold (Calendula maritima) - is found in the western part of Sicily, grows along the coast. The species is classified as endangered. Marigold is the national symbol of the Italian province of Trapani.

Calendula officinalis is an annual herb, from 0.3 to 0.5 m high. The root system is taproot, the stem is straight, branched, with longitudinal ribs, densely pubescent with small and hard villi. The leaf arrangement is alternate (spiral), the lower leaves are larger, petiolate, the upper ones are smaller, sessile. Bright yellow or orange flowers with a balsamic aroma are collected in baskets. Reed flowers grow along the edge of the inflorescence, tubular flowers in the middle. The fruit is a seed. Marigolds bloom from June to mid-autumn. Achenes ripen from July. It is grown in horticultural farms, in household plots, it is very rarely found as a weed.


Growing conditions

Calendula takes root on any soil, but the highest yield can be obtained with high humidity and in well-lit areas. It is possible to use the area where calendula is grown for many years. On the eve of sowing, the soil is plowed to a depth of 0.2 m. Seeds are sown in early spring. On the beds with the formed seedlings, weeding is carried out and the soil is loosened. Weeding and plowing the soil is repeated 2-3 more times at the beginning of the summer period. It is also advisable to fertilize the soil with fertilizers (up to 2 times).

Watering is moderate. Too densely sown calendula can be affected by powdery mildew. Calendula is frost tolerant. In addition to spring sowing, it is possible to sow seeds before winter. Marigolds sprout well from self-seeding. The plant blooms about a month after seed germination.

The collection of inflorescences-baskets is carried out from 8 to 12 times during the entire growing season, since the flowering period of calendula lasts quite a long time. Harvest raw materials in the phase of mass flowering. Those inflorescences are plucked in which the tubular flowers are partially opened, and the reed ones are located horizontally. A part of the peduncle up to 3 cm long may remain at the basket. Calendula is harvested until frost, as it blooms at intervals of 2 to 5 days. After the fourth or fifth harvest, the inflorescences become much smaller. Dry the nails immediately, in the shade, under a canopy, scattering a thin layer on a tarpaulin or burlap and shaking from time to time. The readiness of raw materials is determined by the degree of friability of the inflorescences into pieces. Permissible shelf life is 1 year.

Power circuit

The plant serves as food for butterfly larvae, representatives of several common species. Among them are cabbage scoop, currant scoop, large yellow tapeworm, etc.

Video

Recipes for homemade cosmetics based on calendula: how to properly prepare tonic, oil, alcohol and water tinctures.

Sources of information

  1. Wikipedia, article "Calendula"
  2. Reference book on preparations of medicinal plants / D. S. Ivashin, Z. F. Katina, I. Z. Rybachuk et al. - 6th ed., isp. and additional - K .: Harvest, 1989. - 288 p.: ill.
  3. Mamchur F. I., Gladun Ya. D. Medicinal plants in the garden. - K. Harvest, 1985. - 112 p., ill.
  4. Mineral Content of Some Medicinal Herbs. Gogoasa I, Jurca Violeta, Alda Liana Maria and others // Volume 17(4), 65-67, 2013, JOURNAL of Horticulture, Forestry and Biotechnology,
  5. Karhut V.V. Living Pharmacy - K. Health, 1992. - 312 p., ill., 2, arch. ill.
  6. Medicinal plants: encyclopedic reference book / ed. A. M. Grodzinsky. – K.: Olimp, 1992. – 544 p.: ill.
  7. Karhut V. V. Medicines around us. - K .: Health, 1993. - 232 p.
  8. Therapeutic flower garden. Florist school (magazine). No. 3 (36), July 2017. - P. 25
  9. Calendula is the golden flower of health. N. Bashkirtseva. - IK Krylov, 2008. - 128 p.
  10. Nosal I. M. From plant to man. – K.: Veselka, 1993. – 606 p.
  11. Calendula officinalis and wound healing: a systematic review. Leach, Matthew John 2008 "Calendula officinalis and wound healing: a systematic review." Wounds: a compendium of clinical research and practice, vol. 20, no. 8, pp. 236-243
  12. A review on phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological aspects of genus Calendula,
  13. Evaluation of Biologically Active Compounds from Calendula officinalis Flowers using Spectrophotometry,
  14. FLAVONOIDS OF MARIGOLD FLOWERS,
  15. STUDYING THE DIURETIC ACTIVITY OF PREPARATIONS BASED ON MARIGOLD FLOWERS,
  16. Phase III Randomized Trial of Calendula Officinalis Compared With Trolamine for the Prevention of Acute Dermatitis During Irradiation for Breast Cancer. P. Pommier, F. Gomez, M.P. Sunyach, A. D'Hombres, C. Carrie, and X. Montbarbon. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY // VOLUME 22, NUMBER 8, APRIL 15, 2004.
  17. Calendula. An herb society of America guide. – Ohio: 2007.

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Marigolds - Calendula officinalis L.

Aster family - Asteraceae

Other names:
- calendula
- full crocos

Botanical characteristic. Annual herbaceous plant 50-70 cm high, branched stems. The leaves are alternate, sessile or short-petiolate, oblong, up to 13 cm long. Inflorescences are in the form of baskets 5-6 cm in diameter. The flowers are false-lingual and tubular, golden-orange. Fruits develop only from reed flowers in the form of dry achenes of various shapes and sizes in the same inflorescence. Blooms from June until frost, fruits begin to ripen in July.

Spreading. The homeland of marigolds is the Mediterranean and Central Europe. Cultivated everywhere. The plant is photophilous. Wet soils are desirable. Fertilizers and top dressing contribute to longer flowering. Use manure, superphosphate, ammonium nitrate, potassium salt. Propagated by seeds. Sow in early spring, close up to a depth of 2-3 cm with row spacing of 60 cm. After germination, the soil must be loosened, weeds are systematically destroyed. The yield of dry inflorescences is about 18 c/ha. Garden forms of marigolds are derived.

Habitat. The plant is undemanding to soils, mainly grows in open and humid places.

Harvesting, primary processing and drying. Marigolds bloom for a long time (up to 3 months), so the collection of flowers is carried out repeatedly - from the beginning of flowering to frost.

When manually collected, flower baskets are cut off without a peduncle or with a peduncle up to 3 cm long every 3-4 days during the first flowering period and 4-6 days later. During the season, 15-18 training camps are held. Timely and regular removal of inflorescences from plants contributes to the setting of new buds and ensures high yields - up to 12-18 c/ha. The collected raw materials are cleaned of admixture of leaves, pieces of stems, faded baskets.

Mechanized harvesting is carried out with chamomile stripping machines. At the same time, the number of collections of raw materials is significantly reduced, since along with the baskets, shoots with buds break off. An admixture of leaves, stems, peduncles is removed from the raw material of mechanized harvesting during post-harvest processing so that the content of these parts of the plant in the raw material does not exceed 25%.

Marigold flowers are dried in dryers at a temperature of 50-60 (70) ° C, less often in air dryers or well-ventilated rooms, spread out on fabric or paper in a layer in one inflorescence. Dried raw materials should retain their natural color.

Standardization. The quality of raw materials is regulated by the requirements of GF XI, VFS 42-1738-87 and Amendments No. 2 of 05/20/97.

External signs.Hand-picked raw materials is a whole or partially crumbled baskets up to 5 cm in diameter, without peduncles or with remnants of peduncles no more than 3 cm long. Receptacle slightly convex, glabrous. Marginal flowers are pseudolingual, 15-28 mm long, 3-5 mm wide with a curved short pubescent tube, with a three-toothed limb twice as large as the involucre and 4-5 veins, arranged in 2-3 rows in non-double and 10-15 rows in terry forms . Pistil with curved lower one-celled ovary, thin style and two-lobed stigma. Median flowers are tubular with a five-toothed corolla. The color of the marginal flowers is reddish-orange, orange or yellow, the middle flowers are orange, yellowish-brown or yellow. The smell is weak, the taste is salty-bitter (see Fig. , B).

Raw materials for mechanized harvesting significantly differs in appearance from hand-picked raw materials. It is a mixture of whole or partially crumbled inflorescences, individual tubular and reed flowers, less often buds and baskets with seeds of varying degrees of maturation, individual achenes, as well as pieces of stems and leaves.

Powder. A mixture of particles passing through a sieve according to TU 23.2.2068-89 with holes 2 mm in diameter. Color greenish-orange or greenish-yellow. The smell is weak. The taste is salty-bitter.

Microscopy. When examining reed flowers from the surface, elongated epidermal cells with orange rounded chromoplasts are visible. On denticles epidermis with papillae, sometimes with stomata. Corolla tube densely pubescent with simple and glandular one-two-row hairs; the ovary is also pubescent: glandular on the convex side, simple two-row hairs along the edges of the concave side. The head of glandular hairs consists of 2, 4 or 6 cells. The epidermis of tubular flowers is the same as that of reed flowers, but in denticles it has more elongated papillae. The lower part of the corolla tube and the ovary are densely pubescent with one-two-row glandular, less often two-row simple hairs. In some areas of the epidermis, cuticle folding is visible (Fig.). Pollen is rounded, prickly.

The epidermis of the leaflets of the involucre along the edge is represented by elongated cells with straight walls, in the middle part - sinuous with stomata. There is dense pubescence: along the edge with simple one-two-row, two-row glandular and branched hairs; in the middle part - only glandular hairs.

for microscopy powder use particles obtained by sieving an analytical sample through a sieve with holes of 0.5 mm. Fragments of the above diagnostic features of all parts of the basket are visible in the preparation.

Numerical indicators.Hand-picked flowers. Extractive substances extracted with 70% alcohol, not less than 35%; moisture not more than 14%; total ash not more than 11%; remnants of flower stalks, including those separated from the baskets during the analysis, not more than 6%; baskets with completely showered reed and tubular flowers (receptacle with involucres) no more than 20%; browned baskets no more than 3%; other parts of the plant (pieces of stems and leaves) no more than 3%; organic impurities not more than 0.5%, mineral - not more than 0.5%.

Flowers mechanized harvesting. The norms for the content of extractives, moisture, total ash and browned baskets are the same as for hand-harvested raw materials; other parts of the plant (leaves, stems, flower stalks, including those separated during analysis) not more than 25%; baskets with fruits and individual fruits - no more than 10%; organic impurities not more than 3%, mineral - not more than 1%.

Powder. The norms for the content of extractive substances, humidity, total ash are the same; additional particles passing through a sieve according to TU 23.2.2068-89 with holes 2 mm in diameter, not more than 10%.

Chemical composition. Flower baskets contain carotenoids and flavonoids (carotene, lycopene, violaxanthin, citraksanthin, rubixanthin, flavoxanthin, flavochrome). Calendula inflorescences also contain polysaccharides, polyphenols, resins (about 3.4%), mucus (2.5%), nitrogen-containing mucus (1.5%), organic acids (malic, ascorbic and traces of salicylic).

In the aerial parts of the plant, up to 10% of the bitter substance of calendene, which has an unsaturated character, was found. The smell of flowers and their volatile properties are due to the presence of essential oil. The aerial organs of the plant contain triterpene saponin, which upon hydrolysis yields oleanolic and glucuronic acids. The presence of triterpenediols arnidiol and faradiol was established.

The seeds contain fatty oil, represented by glycerides mainly of lauric and palmitic acids. The seeds contain alkaloids. Inulin and a number of triterpene glycosides, which are derivatives of oleanolic acid, were found in the roots.

Storage. In a dry dark place, packed in plywood boxes or bales. Shelf life up to 1 year.

pharmacological properties. The pharmacological activity of calendula preparations is due to carotenoids and flavonoids. When applied topically, calendula preparations have an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial effect on experimental models of microbial and aseptic inflammation. The antiviral activity of calendula preparations when applied topically (suppresses the activity of the herpes virus, alcohol tincture is effective against influenza virus type A, strain PR-8 and type A-2, strain Frunze) has been established.

Calendula preparations accelerate the processes of tissue regeneration, accelerate growth and improve the quality of granulations, promote faster epithelialization and the formation of a more delicate scar. When used orally, calendula preparations also show their anti-inflammatory activity, promote the regeneration of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines, and the healing of ulcers and erosions. The mechanism of the protective action of calendula preparations in experimental gastric ulcers consists of a decrease in the aggressiveness of gastric juice and an increase in the resistance of the gastric mucosa. Calenduloside B from the roots also delays the development of experimental gastric ulcers. Galenic forms of calendula flowers have an antispasmodic effect, mainly on the stomach and intestines, relieve spasm of the sphincters of the biliary tract, increase the secretory activity of the liver and the flow of bile into the duodenum.

Medicines. Infusion, tincture, liquid extract, briquettes, Calendula ointment, Caleflon antiulcer drug (purified extract).

Application. Calendula tincture is used for gingivitis, pyorrhea, thrush in children, cracked lips, inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, tonsillitis. Calendula is used in the form of rinsing with a 2% solution every 1.5-2 hours. The same rinses are prescribed for periodontal disease. Apply tincture for cuts, purulent wounds, burns.

Infusions of calendula are used orally for peptic ulcer, erosive gastritis, colitis, enterocolitis, used as a choleretic agent. With proctitis and paraproctitis, they are used in the form of therapeutic enemas.

Tincture of calendula (Tinctura Calendulae) is prepared from marginal calendula flowers or from flower baskets in 70% alcohol. The ratio of vegetable raw materials to the extractor is 1:10. Tincture is prescribed orally 20-30 drops per reception 2-3 times a day. For gargling, dilute 1 teaspoon of tincture in a glass of water.

An aqueous infusion is prepared from dried calendula flowers (1:10). Take 1 tablespoon of infusion 4-5 times a day.

Ointment "Calendula" (Unguentum "Calendulae") consists of 20 g of calendula tincture and 90 g of a consistent emulsion (water / vaseline). Yellowish ointment. Produced in glass jars of 40 g. Store in a cool place. Used for burns, cuts, cracked lips, nipples, bruises, eczema, etc.

Caleflon is a purified extract from calendula flowers. Produced in tablets of 0.1 g, light brown (to dark brown) in color with a slight specific odor. Taken orally after meals, 0.1-0.2 g 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 3-6 weeks. Assign as anti-inflammatory and stimulating reparative processes in gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, chronic gastritis and enteritis. The drug can be administered together with antacids and antispasmodics.

Calendula is an unpretentious useful plant, which is also called marigold. Calendula is found in flower beds and garden plots, among plantings of onions and beds with strawberries.

plant description

An annual, long-flowering plant up to 50 cm high. From the Latin calendae - the first day of the month, hence the Russian name - calendula. There are more than twenty species in the flower genus, but only two are known.

Calendula contains many biological compounds used in traditional medicine. When gardeners plant a plant in the garden, they get rid of insects that do not like the neighborhood of marigolds.

Calendula is considered an annual plant, but you can not plant every year. Sowing the seeds once, the next year you will see that the marigolds reappeared in the same place. Seeds winter quietly on the soil surface, germinate in spring and bloom until late autumn.

Calendula comes from the Astrov family. The stem is straight, slightly pubescent, thick. On the stem, the leaves grow alternately, one after another. There are marigolds with a variety of leaves: oval, slightly elongated, lanceolate.

The name “marigolds” was given to the flower because of the seeds, which are shaped like a claw. The inflorescence is a basket of petals in a reed shape. The outer flowers are small, reed, yellow or orange-yellow, and the inner ones are tubular with a darker color than the outer ones.

Among flower growers and gardeners, calendula officinalis and field are popular. Breeders work every year to develop new varieties, highlighting the beneficial qualities of the flower for medical purposes.

Annual field calendula grows up to 30 cm. With a straight pubescent stem. The leaves grow alternately along the trunk. The flowers form a basket, 1–2 cm in diameter. The color of the petals is mustard to yellow.

Field calendula is not much appreciated by gardeners and is often found among wild flowers and wildflowers. In the wild, it grows in France, Germany and southern Europe.

medicinal calendula, on the contrary, is popular and often grown in gardens. The stem is straight, it grows a lot from the internodes of the shoots. The leaves are pubescent and oval elongated. The flower has a specific aroma. Petals on the underside are matte, reed. And in the middle the petals are tubular: yellow, brown or orange.

The composition and use of flowers

Calendula is used for healing and regeneration of skin diseases: pimples, wounds, abscesses.

The prepared ointment from these flowers will relieve stretch marks during pregnancy.

It is necessary to use infusions inside only after discussion with the therapist and gynecologist.

Gargle with pharyngitis, and respiratory diseases are also recommended by doctors. The infusion will relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

  1. Carotenoids relieve inflammation and fight the formation of cancer cells.
  2. Excess cholesterol is excreted from the body sterols.
  3. Triterpenoids reduce blood sugar.
  4. Flavonoids restore damaged mucosa, act as antispasmodics, drive bile, reduce the severity of the consequences of excess ultraviolet rays.

Essential oils extracted from the flowers of the plant have an antibiotic effect. For the elasticity of blood vessels and against the formation of blood clots, you need coumarin. Lactone resists the formation of tumors.

In herbal medicine, they are used for:

  • problems with the gastrointestinal tract,
  • increased pressure,
  • chronic diseases of the heart and blood vessels,
  • urinary inflammation,
  • diseases of the central nervous system,
  • diseases of the skin,
  • SARS.

Restrictions in the treatment of calendula:

  • Pregnant and lactating women should always consult with a therapist and gynecologist.
  • Do not use hypotension, as the plant lowers blood pressure.
  • Do not use in acute heart attacks.
  • Caution in acute pain in the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Age up to 13 years.
  • People with allergies should use with caution.

Possible side effects of drugs based on this plant:

  • Sometimes the medicine is incompatible with other drugs, herbal infusions or decoctions.
  • With the simultaneous use of certain herbs, relaxation of the central nervous system is possible. This affects when driving and working with electric tools.

Use in cosmetology

Calendula has also been used in cosmetology: against inflammation of the skin, for regeneration, anti-aging effects, as an antiseptic, for wound healing. The plant is used for all kinds of infusions, added to the composition of creams, lotions. When boiling calendula, they are used as lotions and baths.

Popular ointments and decoctions with pimples and suppuration. When applied, inflammation is reduced and the skin is cleared and healthier. Calendula tincture also helps with enlarged pores and oily skin.

Calendula oil is part of creams, the action of which is aimed at rejuvenation, regeneration, saturation with microelements, restoration and nutrition of the skin. The oil can be added to the daily cream on its own: a drop at a time.

After the first application of calendula tincture when washing the hair, the condition of the hair and scalp will improve. Tincture is also used for dandruff, split ends and brittle ends. With rapid contamination and oily hair, marigolds are also used.

They are used for hair loss and if you want to grow them, because thanks to calendula, hair grows faster. Rinse hair with calendula infusion after washing: strong and shiny curls are provided.

To heal the cells, wipe the skin daily with a cotton pad dipped in calendula tincture.

The effect of a cream or mask will be greatly enhanced if a more concentrated infusion is added to them. Calendula is added to an anti-ultraviolet cream and to a cream to protect against wind and frost.

Recipes for decoctions and ointments from calendula

Tinctures are also prepared independently: flowers are poured with water and steamed for 15-18 minutes.

To prepare calendula remedies, you need to collect and dry calendula flowers during the summer. They are collected in the morning, laid out in layers on level ground. Flowers should be dried indoors, small drafts are allowed. The calendula is constantly turned over to dry the flowers. Store them in a paper bag.

Also at home, oil is made from calendula. Flowers fall asleep in a glass container. Drizzle with unrefined olive oil. Put in a warm room for 8 days. Shake occasionally to soak in oil. Strain through a fine sieve. Keep in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf.

How to brew a flower decoction

In a saucepan with a liter of water, put 2 tablespoons of flowers and simmer for 15 minutes over low heat. Then one hour is kept wrapped in a terry towel. After that, they filter.

Tincture of marigolds on alcohol has found application in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, inflammatory processes. You can make such a tincture at home: two tablespoons of dried flowers are poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water and insisted, wrapped in a towel, for 2 hours.

Filter, add boiled water and alcohol, in half with water. If vodka is used, it is not diluted. The contents are covered and cleaned for 6-7 days in a dark, cool place. Strained and used to prevent infectious diseases.

How to prepare ointment from calendula

Chop the flowers and mix with petroleum jelly, you can also add calendula oil.

It is used for burns, skin lesions. To achieve the result, apply daily until cured. Often this remedy is used for cracked heels.

A decoction of calendula flowers is used in gynecology only after examination and advice from the attending physician.

Important! Do not self-medicate, because calendula has contraindications.

Growing calendula

It begins to bloom two months after seed germination and blooms until the end of October. Seeds collected from flowers germinate miraculously for five years.

Lighting

For the splendor of the bushes and the brightness of the flowers, you need to plant calendula in well-lit places. But the plant grows with diffused light and in semi-shady places. It is not advisable to plant in heavily darkened areas, powdery mildew can “stick” there. And with a lack of color, the petals will be pale shades.

Watering

In dry weather, abundant watering is required. It is needed when sprouts begin to appear on the stem. And when the flower grows up, the short-term heat is no longer terrible. In order for the calendula to bloom until the end of October, prune the blooming flowers. This is necessary for two reasons:

  1. collect flowers for further drying
  2. with frequent pruning, new flowers appear more quickly

Inflorescences are cut in clear weather early in the morning, after the petals have dried after dew. During the collection of flowers, already ripened seeds are also collected so that they do not disperse on the ground on their own. To do this, choose baskets with incomplete ripening, they will ripen when dried.

Diseases and pests

Marigolds are useful to the ground and neighboring plants, as they destroy pathogenic microbes in the soil and repel insect pests.


  • But calendula is also affected gray rot. If you notice that the leaves have begun to take cover with brown stains, dig up and destroy the plant. This is due to the thickening of the planting or due to excessive feeding.
  • White coating on the leaves speaks of powdery mildew. As a result, the plant stops growing and releasing new flower ovaries. Flowers are treated by spraying with fungicidal preparations.
  • Calendula does not repel green and black aphids, which go for a peculiar smell of calendula. Chemicals are used for destruction.

Soil preparation for sowing calendula

In order for the nails to bloom as early as possible, greenhouses are used. In April, the soil is prepared: peat, manure, sand and lime. Seeds are planted in this soil. Young seedlings are transplanted into the ground in May. Before planting, young bushes are hardened: boxes with plants are put outside once a day. At first for 10 minutes, but every day the time increases. The sprouts get used to the temperature regime and take root easily during transplantation.

For sowing seeds, the soil is prepared in autumn or spring. Rotten humus, peat, leaf humus, fresh wood ash are brought into the ground and dug up together with garden soil. Sow in rows or in a scattering of seeds. Lightly sprinkle with a mixture of dug up soil.

Examine the seeds before planting. Beautiful and lush flowers will grow from strongly curved narrowish seeds. The soil is desirable moist, light and fertilized. Calendula is grown not only in flower beds, but often among garden crops.

Planting calendula in a flower garden saves other flowers from pests. Important: do not plant calendula close to other plants, as they will begin to grow more slowly.

Marigolds rarely take root after transplantation, as the roots are seriously damaged during this process. It takes a long time for a bush to take root in a new place. It is easier to plant seeds and in two months the plant will already bloom.