Calendula tea: useful properties and contraindications

Calendula is a plant that cannot be confused with anything else. It is common in Europe.

What is calendula and why is it useful

The medicinal marigold is popularly called marigolds. The plant is similar to chamomile, has a very bright inflorescence - from juicy yellow to orange color. In pharmacy, it is very valuable because of its properties. The marigold blooms for quite a long time. The medicinal properties are possessed by the baskets or inflorescences.

Not everyone knows that calendula refers to folk medicines. In ancient times, doctors said that if you look at the flower of marigold, it will instantly improve vision. Due to the fact that it contains carotene, the flowers of the plant have a healing effect. But for treatment, just looking at calendula is not enough. It is necessary to apply the plant internally, namely its inflorescences.

A side note! Orange flower therapy is good for nervous diseases.

The chemical composition of marigold

Inflorescences have valuable trace elements that are aids in the treatment of many diseases. Useful substances in the baskets of inflorescences:

1. Carotenoids - natural organic pigments that neutralize the effects of free radicals.
2. Flavonoids - natural organic compounds that have antispasmodic, wound healing, choleretic and diuretic action.
3. Triterpenoids - organic compounds containing acids that have anti-inflammatory effects. They have beneficial effects on the nervous system, reduce cholesterol.
4. Sterols - organic substances that neutralize the negative effects of cholesterol and reduce its amount in the body.
5. Essential oils - components that help to destroy pathogens.
6. Salicylic acid is a substance with antiseptic, analgesic, anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory properties.
7. Coumarins are substances with antispasmodic, anticancer and anticoagulant effects.

Micronutrients:

• Potassium, magnesium - strengthen the heart muscle;
• Iron and calcium - stimulate blood circulation;
• Zinc - strengthens the immune system;
• Copper - is a prophylactic of inflammatory diseases;
• molybdenum - improves tooth enamel;
• selenium - prevents the formation of atypical cells.

Also in the stem and leaves contain phytoncides, which have antibacterial action. Marigolds (seeds) are used to obtain fatty oils.

What is useful for marigold tea

For women

Calendula has a wide range of medicinal properties. The plant is a folk remedy included in the complex treatment for the female body. It is especially in demand for gynecological diseases. Medicines based on marigold are used in the treatment of ovarian tumor processes, cervical erosions and pathologies, tumors and sealing processes of the mammary glands.

Also, medicinal preparations based on marigold help reduce uterine tone, normalize the menstrual cycle, improve the general well-being of the female body during menopause (beneficial effects on the nervous system), reduce blood pressure and improve sleep during menopause. The use of infusion plants became relevant to women due to the positive dynamics in the treatment of fungal diseases, colpitis, violation of genital microflora. Infusion of marigold marigold marigold is an aid in uterine bleeding, inflammatory diseases.

For Men

The value of marigold is represented by the ability to strengthen blood vessels, contributes to the prevention of strokes and heart attacks. Marigold is widely used for potency and early baldness. Calendula strengthens hair follicles and accelerates hair growth. The plant is used as the basis for medicines that help accelerate recovery from prostatitis. The active ingredients that comprise it stimulate the production of sex hormones, help destroy pathogens and relieve inflammation. The potency is restored within 2 months of treatment, but the effect of the drug in prostatitis is already observed after 7 days of therapy.

In the complex, marigolds in prostatitis have antibacterial action with analgesic effect, and regeneration of the skin and mucosa is also observed. For this purpose, an ointment is used, which is better to buy in ready-made form in the pharmacy. The drug is injected into the anus and make rectal massage of the prostate twice a day for a month. But it is better to buy the ointment without the label "homeopathic". There is no need to buy suppositories. Calendula is minimal in composition, so the effectiveness of the drug will not match the expected result.

When pregnant

In the first trimester of pregnancy, there is often toxicosis. Tea with calendula is an effective remedy in the fight against this unpleasantness. You can also use a combined tea in combination with other herbs. But the use of marigolds in early pregnancy must necessarily be coordinated with an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Tea with the addition of calendula inflorescences is useful for the nervous system of the pregnant woman, promotes good sleep and is recommended as a prevention of insomnia. But it is necessary to consider the effect of the plant on the body and with caution use it in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and low blood pressure. Also pregnant women are very useful tea with calendula and chamomile for colds.

When breastfeeding

During breastfeeding, a woman can get sick with various diseases, including colds. Standard drugs are contraindicated. Therefore, marigold marigold marigold will come to the rescue. The plant has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Also with digestive disorders during breastfeeding can be constipation. Calendula is an effective laxative. With abrasions and bruises, decoction of the plant will quickly heal the skin. It also helps with cracked nipples and areola abrasions. But you must remember that any new product introduced into the diet can cause an allergic reaction. And calendula tea is no exception.

For children

It is not recommended to introduce too early in the child's diet of calendula tea. Because the plant has a high concentration of substances that can contribute to an allergic reaction.

The tea is best given to a child from twelve months of age, starting with a solution of low concentration, and is used with caution until the age of twelve. To treat sore throats and inflammatory diseases of the mouth, you can use marigolds at an age when the child knows the skills of gargling the throat. It is also recommended to use the herbal remedy for coughs, it quickly gives a positive dynamic in therapy.

Do not drink tea from marigolds just for fun, because calendula is not only a preventive means, but also therapeutic.

When losing weight

Calendula is used in weight loss on days of discharge as a source of trace elements and vitamins. Only the flowers of the plant are used, where there are useful substances. Also marigolds have analgesic and disinfecting effect, help to remove toxins and fluid from the body naturally, are characterized as a mild diuretic. Tea effectively lowers cholesterol in the blood, purifies the blood. It has a positive effect on the skin, relieves inflammation in acne, promotes better metabolism.

But calendula is an aid in weight loss. In addition, you need to follow a low-calorie diet, physical training. It is recommended to take the herbal remedy for up to a month, and then take a break for 3 weeks. If there is a need, you can repeat the reception.

Calendula tea in medicine

1. For the digestive system. To the marigold marigold add flax seed, coriander, chamomile. The drink is considered a dietary supplement and prophylactic. Used for inflammatory processes, chronic diseases of the digestive system.
2. At colds.. To calendula can be added dried mint. The drink will be yellow in color, pleasant odor and taste. For prevention, daily use is recommended.
3. For antibacterial effect on colds, inflammatory diseases. Prepare and mix in equal proportions marigold marigold, chamomile, rose hips, mint, succession and nettle. This drink has an analgesic effect. Recommended to take when sore throat and flu as an auxiliary treatment.
4. For the removal of toxins from the body (cleansing mixture). Mix dried apothecary plants: calendula, chamomile, rose hips, mint, dill (seeds), immortelle (flowers). Beneficial effect on the digestive system, liver, kidneys, improves immunity.
5. As an aid in coughing.. Mix marigold marigold and dried St. John's wort in equal proportions. Then pour 1 teaspoon of the collection of 1 cup boiling water, to insist for 30 minutes. Then strain and take 3 times a day after a meal. Not recommended for allergic reactions of different etiologies.
6. With insomnia. Mix 2 teaspoons oregano with 3 teaspoons calendula and pour 500 ml of boiling water. Take in the evening a course of up to 14 days.
7. With gastritis. Mix calendula inflorescences, flaxseed, coriander, chamomile, licorice root, yarrow. Separately put 1 tablespoon of the collection and pour 0.5 liters of boiled water. Infuse for 10 minutes, strain. Take as a complex treatment.
8. Nutritional remedy. Take rose hips, dill, chamomile, marigold marigold, mint, yarrow and mix. Place 2 tablespoons of the collection in a bowl and pour 400 ml of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Strain and apply.
9. For inflammatory diseases of the mouth.. Calendula inflorescences in an amount of 1 tablespoon pour 1 cup boiled water. Infuse for 2 hours and rinse your mouth after eating and before going to bed.
10. When allergic reactions to flowering. 1 teaspoon marigold marigold, pour 0.5 cup boiling water. Infuse for two hours. Strain and take 1 tablespoon three times a day for ten days.

Cosmetic applications

The useful properties of marigold are represented by the positive effect on the skin of the face.

1. Decoction of marigold marigold marigold strain, pour into ice molds, freeze and use. It helps to get rid of wrinkles, tightens pores, tones the skin, and gets rid of acne.
2. You can add tea tree oil to calendula tea and freeze it in ice molds. The remedy removes inflammatory skin conditions, pimples.
3. Pour 2 tablespoons of marigolds in 200 ml of boiled water. Infuse, allow to cool and strain. Rub the face 2-3 times a day.
4. Calendula and honey as a nourishing mask. Mix 1 tablespoon honey, 3 tablespoons decoction of calendula. Apply to the face or put through gauze. After 15 minutes, remove and rinse.
5. Calendula with clay as a mask for oily skin. Mix 4 tablespoons of cosmetic clay with decoction of calendula. The consistency should be thick. Apply to the face, wash off after 15 minutes.
6. Calendula with aloe in the form of a mask. Mix 1 tablespoon of steeped decoction of calendula with three tablespoons of aloe (gel). Apply to the skin and after 10 minutes rinse. Remedy removes inflammation.

Harm and contraindications

Calendula inflorescences have mainly beneficial effects. To ensure that the use of marigold marigold flowers and preparations on its basis did not bring harm to health, it is necessary to consider the effect of all the components of the plant separately. The main thing to consider is the ingestion of marigold.

It is not recommended to use marigold for medicinal purposes:

1. With intolerance and allergic reactions that have previously manifested.
2. Treatment with glycosides that increase the activity of the heart muscle.
3. Frequent lowering of blood pressure.
4. Diseases of the biliary tract, as calendula has a choleretic effect and can cause exacerbations.
5. Bronchial asthma.
6. Heart failure.

With prolonged use, nausea and yellow tinge of the skin may occur (due to the content of the carotenoid).

How to harvest and store marigold.

For cosmetic and medical purposes, the inflorescences of marigold are collected. But in the collections purchased in the pharmacy, sometimes there are marigolds with leaves and stems. This is done to save money, because the real medicinal properties have only flowers. If you harvest them yourself, you need to collect only the inflorescences.

Harvest the plant during flowering. It lasts from June to September. The main condition is to collect only the unfurled inflorescences.

Prefer to collect on dry, sunny days, preferably in the afternoon. By this time of day, the dew will be completely gone, so plants growing in the shade will also be dry. The inflorescences are picked carefully or cut off with scissors so that the basket remains intact. Dirty or damaged flowers should not be picked as they should not be washed before being dried.

You need a container with a wide bottom for collecting. Dry the raw material within 4 hours after collecting.

Store marigold marigolds necessarily in a room that is cool, well ventilated and ventilated. The temperature in the room should not exceed 20 degrees, and the humidity - 75 percent. But first you need to put the raw material in a bag of paper or cloth. They can be stored until the next harvest (up to a maximum of two years).

Proper collection, drying and storage of the plant is the key to good treatment.

How to Dry

Calendula inflorescences are recommended to dry in natural conditions. You need to spread clean paper or put a lattice, pour the flowers in one layer. Do not use newspaper instead of paper, because the paint is toxic.

Dry the grass in a warm, dry place, so that the sun's rays do not reach it. The room should be well ventilated. You can use an attic or porch as a place to dry. During the first twenty-four hours, the inflorescences should be turned once a day. If calendula is dried on a rack, this step is not necessary. In terms of duration, drying takes up to a week and a half.

If there is no possibility to dry the plant naturally, you can use a vegetable dryer. To do this, just put calendula in the device and turn on a special mode to 40 degrees. If the dryer does not control the temperature mode, then it is not recommended to dry calendula, because all the useful substances will not be preserved. The gas stove is also not suitable for this stage, since there is no strict control over the temperature.

You can determine the readiness of dried inflorescences visually. When lightly squeezed, they crumble into large crumbs. But if squeezing produces a powder, overdrying has occurred.

How to brew marigold tea

The tea should be brewed as follows: place the flowers in a convenient container, pour 500 ml of boiling water, insist for 15 minutes, strain. Tea should be taken 3 times a day, 100 ml. You can add sugar, honey or jam to the tea.

Interesting Facts about Calendula

1. Calendula grows in Europe, Asia and the Mediterranean.
2. The inflorescences of the plant contain substances such as carotenoids and flavonoids.
3. "Calendula" translates to calendar, because it closes its petals at night and opens when the sun rises. By this amazing plant you can check the onset of day and night.
4. Calendula is called marigolds because of the resemblance of the seeds to a cat's nails.
5. The plant has very good bactericidal properties. In the presence of staphylococci and streptococci it helps very effectively. Prescribe medicines based on marigold for burns, wounds and fistulas, for gargling the throat for inflammatory diseases of the mouth.
6. In ancient times, the inflorescences were believed to help with heart disease and used as a sedative. At home, they hung garlands of marigold to prevent infections and on doors to ward off evil spirits.
7. In ancient times, marigold was worshipped in India by hanging garlands on holy statues.
8. In Spain and Portugal, the plant is called a diva.
9. To the Chinese, the inflorescence is a symbol of long years.
10. In the West, the inflorescence was considered a symbol of perfection. The flower was named "Mary's Gold" in England in honor of the Virgin Mary.
11. In France, Queen Marguerite Valois of Navarre considered calendula her favorite flower. It was used to decorate the royal rooms. In the hands of the statue of the queen in Paris is this very flower.
12. Calendula is considered the enemy of the Colorado potato beetle. In an area where inflorescences grow, fewer bugs are observed.
13. The Slavs believed that if a girl digs up soil where her beloved stepped, and, placing it in a pot, plant calendula, then feelings will be mutual and will not go away.
14. Calendula is a symbol of fidelity and love and helps to strengthen family relationships.
15. In ancient times, women ate a little marigold jam on an empty stomach and thereby lifted their spirits.
16. The aromatic smell of marigolds helps to purify the air, destroy bacteria, and improve mood.
17. Tea from marigold petals favorably influences the microclimate in the family and mutual feelings of spouses.
18. In ancient times, Avicenna used marigold marigold for treating gynecological diseases.
19. If you scatter marigold flowers under the bed, evil spirits will not sneak into sleep. This will protect against nightmares. And also it is possible to have prophetic dreams.

Photo of calendula tea