Calendula offinicalis, asteraceae family
internal & external soother of skin and mucus membranes
Forms:
•Alcohol Based Tincture
•Macerated oil of dried flowers in sunflower seed oil or other vegetable oil.
•CO2 extract
Main fatty acids: linoleic and oleic acids
Other active constituents: triterpenic esters (faradiol), carotenoids, flavonoids.
Calendula acts as a three pronged remedy:
- Disinfects: antibacterial and antifongiques properties (use the diluted tincture on open wounds with a compress)
- Calms inflammation and pain
- Stimulates cellular regeneration: allows our cells to create collagen, so they regenerate faster and stronger
Calendula flowers are wonderful remedies for both chronic and acute skin conditions!
Highly recommended in skin care as it is a strong anti-inflammatory, diminishes edema and congestion after a burn, healing: favorises regeneration of altered cutaneous tissues. Furthermore its an antioxidant, protecting from cellular degeneration and capturing free radicals. Softening and easing, it brings elasticity to the skin.
It is used for burns, sun burns, radiation therapy, pains, itching, hives, insect bites, chapped skin, small cuts, razor burns, psoriasis, eczema, ulcers, bed sores and rosacea.
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It is indicated in the care of delicate, fragile skin types (babies, children,…), dry skin, rough skin and reactive skin.
Just as it is soothing and marvellous for the external body it is also highly recommended to soothe our internal mucus membranes. The diluted tincture is used to calm ulcers, inflammation of mucuses such as on the pharynx, gingivitis, digestive and vaginal.
How come Calendula is so marvellous? The chemical explanation is: Faradiol is the main terpene responsible for its healing, anti-inflammatory and anti-oedematous properties.
The CO2 extract is also used and has remarkable properties similar to the oil maceration, it differs only in the sense that it is more concentrated so only a low dosage is needed.
Contraindications: do not use internally (tincture, extract, CO2 extract or herbal tea) in pregnancy due to its emmenagogue property.
Hope your family and you enjoy the beautiful properties of the solar Calendula flowers!
Zoé Pichot RA
