12 Amazing Health Benefits of Calendula

calendula

Do you grow the beautiful and colorful calendula or Calendula officinalis in your garden? Have you ever pondered on what it could do for your health? No? Well, this flowering plant, which is commonly known as pot-marigold, ensures the body’s overall good health and keeps certain garden pests away as well.

You may not have heard of the name calendula, but Marigold is a fairly common name, as it is the broad name for the flowering plants within this genus. As a matter of fact, calendula officinalis is the most common species in the genus. However, every marigold species contains certain compounds that make them valuable and unique.

 

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Now, let’s take a closer look at the many health benefits of calendula.

Improves Digestive System

When you drink calendula tea, you would be keeping your digestive system healthy. Calendula actually functions in the body in the treatment of ulcers, upset stomach, and infections of the bladder. The flowering plant cleanses the gut, averts metabolic ailments, and helps to eliminate any disorder related to digestion.

 

Promotes Oral Health

The demand for calendula has significantly increased in recent years, especially for some of its antibacterial properties. Calendula is, in fact, usually incorporated into certain hygiene, herbal health products such as shampoo, soaps, toothpaste, and mouthwashes. When it comes to oral health, mouthwashes and toothpaste that contain calendula are said to be very effective in eliminating bacteria that lead to oral health issues like cavities and gingivitis.

 

Combats Fever

Well, high fever isn’t exactly a disease in itself. However, it can be a symptom of a health issue that you may not be aware of. Calendula is capable of safely bringing down body temperature and relieving the fever. Fever can make you feel weak but calendula can be of immense help.

 

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Possesses Healing Abilities

Growing calendula in your garden would mean that you have it readily available for healing. When the calendula oil is applied to insect bites, scrapes, bruises, cuts, it accelerates the healing process, as it possesses some anti-inflammatory properties as well as antioxidant compounds. Wounds and injuries heal fast and are protected against infections when calendula oil is applied to them.

 

Boosts Skin Care

In addition to aiding healing, calendula oil is effective in boosting the appearance of the skin. Also, it can stimulate blood circulation to the skin cells, protect antioxidants, and lower the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes, and even scars. If you desire a toned and smooth skin, then consider incorporating some organic products that have calendula or drink it in another form like tea.

 

Protects the Liver

This miracle flower is known to also cleanse the liver and promote the proper secretion of bile. Owing to this, the organs in the body are able to conduct their various functions properly and ensure a perfectly healthy body.

 

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Promotes Eye Care

According to some studies, calendula contains some antioxidant compounds that directly affect the quality of vision. In fact, beta-carotene is very important for the health and proper functioning of the eyes, and calendula is a wonderful source of this antioxidants.  People with cataracts and even macular degeneration can make use of calendula to alleviate these health issues.

 

Aids Hair Growth

One of the major reasons why hair falls off is dandruff as it damages the scalp. However, calendula oil can treat dandruff, heal the scalp, and stimulate hair growth. The herb contains some regenerative abilities that help the hair follicles grow well, providing thicker hair. Calendula oil is commonly used to moisturize the scalp and kill off dandruff. By regularly applying the oil, the hair becomes more radiant.

 

Reduces Inflammation

It does not matter the area of the body with inflammation, this flowering plant can substantially lower the feelings of discomfort. For people suffering from a cough or nasal congestion, calendula tea is a potent remedy. For joints that ache due to gout or arthritis, simply add some calendula oil to a regular skin balm to alleviate the pain. Also, if you suffer stomach upset, calendula can help stabilize the gastrointestinal tract and treat any inflammation responsible for the discomfort.

 

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Prevents Cancer

Calendula oil contains some anti-tumor properties that may help in the treatment of cancers. With the anti-tumor compounds present in calendula, it offers a lot of cancer-related health benefits.

 

Promotes Heart Health

Calendula is effective for keeping the heart healthy and averting cardiovascular issues such as cardiac arrest, heart diseases, heart palpitations, high cholesterol and many others.

 

Reduces Cramping

Calendula also some contains some anti-spasmodic properties are beneficial to the body as a whole. For instance, someone who suffers from a nervous system disorder, experience menstruation-related cramps or some other type of similar conditions, can add calendula to their diet.

 

Side Effects and Precautions

Generally, calendula is considered one of the safest herbs to use.  In fact, unlike some similar herbs, it is not counter-interact with any medication. However, for people who are allergic to marigold, it is important to note that a topical application of this herb may result in rashes. Additionally, pregnant women and nursing mothers should steer clear of this herb in whatever form. Always seek your doctor’s advice doctor before using calendula.