6 Health Benefits of Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

December 6, 2023 Agric4Profits

Marigold (Calendula officinalis) belongs to the Compositae or Asteraceae plant family. The little florets of petals that make up calendula marigolds, which are yellow-orange in hue, are gathered and dried for their many therapeutic benefits.

Calendula is thought to be the most therapeutic of the marigold species that are produced around the world. Although it originated in Egypt and some regions of the Mediterranean, it is now grown on every continent and often blooms in the summer (from about May through October in the Northern Hemisphere).

According to a botanical study, calendula marigolds have a wide range of active ingredients, including volatile oils and different antioxidants. These are in charge of the flowers’ vivid color, potent scent, ability to ward against certain fungi, pests, and insects, as well as their capacity to increase circulation and reduce inflammation.

You’ve probably seen marigolds in vegetable or flower gardens before; but, did you know that some varieties of marigold flowers also have a number of remarkable health advantages?

Calendula officinalis, sometimes known as calendula or pot marigold, is a particular kind of marigold flower that has been used for nearly a thousand years to manufacture medicinal herbal ointments, infusions, tinctures, and topical therapies.

6 Health Benefits of Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula marigolds are used for their numerous anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antifungal chemicals, whereas marigolds of the tagetes genus are typically planted in gardens to ward against pests, provide color, and emit a nice smell.

In fact, more than 200 different commercial and medicinal products currently contain concentrated calendula marigold extract, according to a publication in Pharmacognosy Review.

Calendula officinalis marigolds have numerous advantages and applications, including the treatment of rashes, allergies, eczema, and dermatitis; pain, swelling, and redness brought on by cramps, sprains, or injuries to the muscles; eye inflammation and itching brought on by conjunctivitis; and fungal infections like athlete’s foot, candida, ear infections, and ringworm.

When paired with sedative drugs, calendula taken orally by mouth (including drops, liquid extract, tea, etc.) may cause problems. Some people have noticed that marigold/calendula makes them drowsier, especially when used with tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs, or sleep aids. Before taking calendula, discuss with your doctor if you use any of the following medications:

Phenobarbital (Donnatal), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), and zolpidem (Ambien).

6 Health Benefits of Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

1. Anti-inflammatory

Calendula has been shown through research to be a naturally occurring cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, and spasmogenic herb. This has been proven in both animal and human experiments.

The flower extracts have been found to reduce C-reactive protein and cytokine levels and shield cells from free radical damage, one of the main reasons for aging and cell decline.

Calendula protects against infections of the skin, GI tract, and genitals brought on by viruses or bacteria in addition to controlling oxidative damage from free radicals that can impact delicate tissues, such as those of the eyes.

Calendula marigold is also known to help prevent the formation of bacteria in wounds and may even be able to lessen the symptoms of chemotherapy and cancer treatments, according to a study.

2. Reduces Conjunctivitis

Calendula extract has been found to be effective in treating conjunctivitis and other chronic inflammatory eye diseases in animal trials.

These extracts have been shown to possess antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and immunostimulating qualities that not only lessen eye infections but also safeguard eyesight by shielding fragile eye tissues from UV light, deterioration/aging, and oxidative damage.

3. Natural Antiseptic

Applying drops of marigold/calendula extract to the inner ear canal can help treat bacterial ear infections and lessen pain. This is one well-researched use for the extract.

Within a few short days of the administration, calendula drops have been proven to reduce inner-ear edema and inflammation, sometimes even in the absence of the need for antibiotics.

Calendula can be used to treat jock itch, vaginitis, and vaginal infections because of its antifungal characteristics. For four weeks, you can lessen symptoms like pain, irritation, burning when peeing, and dryness by applying an ointment or lotion containing marigold/calendula, probiotic good bacteria such as Lactobacillus Sporogenes, and lactic acid to the affected area of the groin/genitals.

4. Hemorrhoid Pain Relief

Many people discover that applying marigold topically to the anal or vaginal area helps alleviate symptoms of hemorrhoids or anal tears because it can encourage tissue repair and minimize swelling (also called anal fissures).

One animal study that looked at how marigold treatment affected bleeding wounds discovered that utilizing the product for an eight-day interval caused tissue lesions to close in nearly 90% of cases, compared to only 51% of animals who hadn’t used the treatment.

5. Helps To Ease Spasms And Cramps

Calendula’s antispasmodic properties are useful for easing PMS/menstrual cramps, charley horse pain, stomach cramps, and muscle spasms. By increasing circulation flow to the affected area and reducing inflammatory reactions, marigolds can lessen cramping.

The florets can be applied to the abdomen as an ointment or extract to absorb into tense muscles through the skin, or they can be drunk as tea to aid in digestion and enhance liver function.

6. Natural Bug Repellant

Marigolds can be used as a natural insect repellent because of their strong scent, antioxidant content, and volatile oils. This is one of the reasons marigold flowers are frequently grown in vegetable gardens and utilized in extract form in candles, bug repellents, and a variety of skin treatments.

You can prevent soil erosion by planting marigold flowers directly in your yard or garden. Marigold products can also be used topically to help repel insects.

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the flowers’ perfume works underground to ward off nematodes (microscopic worms) and other pests that can devour your crops, sometimes for up to three years after being planted.