Health Benefits of Calendula for the Skin

Calendula is one of the most important soothing and healing medicinal herbs. Calendula leaves are very beneficial for common ailments and Calendula has lots of benefits for the skin. It is also referred to as Pot Marigold. Its botanical name is Calendula officinalis. Calendula leaves and petals both are an important parts of the plant.

Calendula petals can be added to salads, stews, and soups. Petals can give color to dishes such as rice, puddings and fish recipes, etc. they can also be used in facial cleansers. Calendula pale green, fresh and tender leaves can also be added to salads and raw vegetable mixture. Leaves of Calendula are an excellent wound healer. During American Civil War, Calendula leaves were used as a treatment for open wounds.

Calendula Benefits for Skin

Below are some of the top and effective benefits for skin due to the use of Calendula and Calendula oil –

• Skin Related Problems – Calendula helps in skin related problems such as inflamed skin, cuts, bruises and wounds. Calendula oil has anti-inflammatory properties due to which it helps in cure of skin diseases like dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. Calendula oil helps in reducing the inflammation caused due to these skin diseases
• Scars on Skin – Due to use of Calendula oil on skin the collagen levels increases and formation of scars is less likely if the oil is used regularly
• Dry Skin – Calendula oil is one of the best natural moisturizer for dry skin. Due to excessive dry skin, the skin is often chapped, split or crack. Calendula oil heals the cracked and chapped area and makes it less painful
• Acne – Calendula has the properties which help in the cure of acne and reduces the formation of scars due to acne and makes skin clear and smooth
• Surgical Scars – Calendula oil increases the collagen levels and due to this scars left behind by a surgery could be minimized
• Skin Cleansers – Calendula is one of the best alternative for your regular skin cleansers. The difference is that it does not has any side effects such as irritation or burning sensation. Calendula could be mixed with other herbs or oil to make a complete skin cleansers
• Tired Feet – Calendula oil can be used to massage tired feet and it gives fast relief or it could be applied on swollen feet to reduce the swelling. It is also very effective in the treatment of athletes’ foot
• Diaper Rash – Calendula oil can be applied on diaper rash for fast relief
• Beauty Treatment – Calendula rinse made by unsweetened tea gives out highlights in brunette and blonde hair. Calendula is also used in creams which reduces facial scars and enhances skin appearance and overall beauty

One can use calendula for its benefits for skin are immense and it can be grown easily in your kitchen garden.

Health Benefits of Calendula Leaves

Calendula leaves can be used in tea for following benefits –

• Induces sweating
• Promotes menstruation
• Relieves stomach cramps
• Increases urination
• Relief from fevers and flu
• Remedy for indigestion and stomach aches
• External Ointment – Calendula leaves can be made into powder form or an ointment and applied externally for various skin ailments including- scrapes, cuts, burns, abrasions, blisters, scars, rashes, acne, athlete’s foot, psoriasis, eczema and chicken pox outbreaks etc
• External Use – External uses powder can also be made by drying Calendula flowers, which is then grounded and mixed with cornstarch

Medical Benefits of Calendula

Some of the top medical benefits of calendula are as below –

• Remedy for problems affecting cardiovascular system
• Excellent remedy for problems such as varicose veins
• Treatment for ulcerative conditions and various digestive disorders
• It is also an excellent liver tonic.
• It has beneficial effect on reproductive functioning in women