The marigold is a yellow little flower widely cultivated in gardens and filled with medicinal properties, which is why it is often used by the pharmaceutical industry and in folk medicine to treat problems such as acne, psoriasis and even speed up the healing of skin burns.
To enjoy all the benefits of the plant’s flowers, which is also called golden daisy, wonder, virreina or ‘you love me, you love me’, you can use them in baths and compresses or in the form of tea.
To complete, the extracts of this plant can be used by almost everyone, as it does not contain toxic compounds. Amazing, isn’t it? Read on to find out everything science says about the benefits of this miraculous flower!
Table of Contents
What is marigold for?
Treat and prevent acne.
Did you know that making compresses with calendula tea prevents acne ? Well, the petals of this flower are rich in phytochemicals that are excellent in combating this problem, which can affect people of any age.
This action is related to the antibacterial property of the flower. Her extract proved to be effective in preventing the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, which live on the skin and are the main causes of the dreaded pimples.
The extracts still manage to reduce inflammation, which is the process that gives rise to the problem.
Because of this, using the herb reduces the redness and accumulation of pus, improving the appearance of the skin, speeds up the healing process of the injured area, reduces the risk of complications from the lesions and even relieves pain.
Adding flowers to skin care can prevent acne from occurring in a 100% natural and uncomplicated way.
Accelerate burn healing.
Another example of the external use of the golden daisy is in the treatment of burns.
This benefit is derived from the ability of some phytochemicals found in the flower to stimulate vascularization of injured areas, by increasing blood flow and sending essential cells for the healing process .
In addition, calendula helps the proliferation of fibroblasts , structures that produce muscle fibers, and collagen, a type of protein that gives the skin elasticity and firmness.
These properties accelerate the tissue re-epithelialization process, which is when new tissue grows and replaces the injured one.
All of this contributes to a significant improvement in burns and, best of all, no identified side effects .
Relieve psoriasis symptoms
Calendula tea also helps relieve the symptoms of psoriasis, a skin condition that can cause itchiness, scaling, redness, and blemishes.
What happens is that this disease is caused by a chronic inflammatory process, which causes the cells that form the skin to accumulate and cause an irritation and this drink inhibits the process.
It works by preventing the body from starting the process of inflammation.
To better understand:
The inflammatory process happens when the body feels threatened by something and starts sending more blood and antibodies to the place where it thinks the problem is, which in the case of psoriasis is in the skin.
With this, the defense cells begin to accumulate, causing the various symptoms of this disease and the marigold helps to prevent this from happening.
Strengthen immunity and protect against disease
This herb is not just for external use. Drinking tea regularly strengthens immunity as its phytochemicals favor the production and release of lymphocytes , white blood cells, in the body.
The flower stimulates the action of Natural Killer cells (natural killers or NK), which are capable of destroying invaders and even cancer cells.
The plant also has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, especially against microorganisms that cause intestinal, skin or gynecological infections.
These results credit the infusion acting as a complement to conventional treatments and accelerating the fight against various infectious diseases.
Soothe and reduce anxiety
You know that nervousness that hits you before some important task? Drinking a cup of herb tea can help with this, calming the mind.
This use of marigold is derived from the presence of phytochemicals that act as natural anxiolytics . This is because some compounds found in the flower act on the central nervous system to reduce excitation and motor activity.
In this way, it provides quick relief from anxiety and stress, which can serve to improve the quality of sleep when the infusion is taken at night.
Relieve menstrual cramps
The tea or the tincture of calendula are used to bring relief from menstrual cramps. Effect that happens because the flower has anti-spasmodic properties.
It works by relaxing the muscles, especially the uterus, which prevents sudden movements that cause severe pain. The result is that drinking tea brings quick relief from cramps and not just menstrual but also abdominal cramps.
How to use marigold?
Calendula is a medicinal plant that can be used in many ways. According to the Ministry of Health, the flowers are used to prepare infusions, tinctures and extracts, which can be drunk or used on the skin.
The first method, infusion , is very simple. Just add 1 teaspoon of flowers in 1 cup of boiling water and let it rest for 10 minutes, then strain and drink up to 3 times a day .
For the tincture you can take 20 to 40 drops for every cup of water , 3 times a day. The extract must be used externally. That is, applying to the skin.
The golden daisy can also be eaten, see?! Flowers are an ingredient in salads or candy, as well as being a popular type of edible decoration.
Are there contraindications?
Calendula is considered to be of low toxicity, so it can be used by almost everyone.
But beware, due to the ability to relax the uterus, the herb should not be consumed by pregnant women , as it increases the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. In addition, breastfeeding women should avoid use because of the risk of poisoning the baby due to the phytochemicals that pass through the milk.
An alert! People who are allergic to plants from the same family as marigolds , such as chamomile, chrysanthemum or daisy, may also be sensitive to it.
Where to find and tips on how to grow the flower
You can find the extract, tincture or dried marigold flowers for tea preparation in natural and herbal products stores for prices ranging between R$20 and R$50. But if you don’t find it in your area, you can grow the herb in the garden. Check out some tips on how to do this!
First, the golden daisy must be planted, through seedlings or seeds, in well-drained soil rich in organic matter (humus).
In order to be able to develop, the plant also needs to receive at least four hours of sun every day and it is not necessary to water frequently as it prefers drier climates.
My name is Ellie Lauderdale, MD and I am USA based professional Nutritionist .
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and board certified specialist in sports dietetics who is trained in integrative medicine. I have worked with hundreds of clients, from those suffering with chronic disease to professional and olympian athletes. My goal is to help optimize you from the inside so that you can feel, perform, and look your best on the outside.