Calendula officinalis (common marigold) - a herb with a great power

Common marigold is a well-known, annual ornamental plant. It blooms from June to September and it has tiny, yellow or orange flowers. However, its appearance is not everything. This inconspicuous flower is also one of the most popular herbs used in inflammation.

Herbal raw material are dried flowers. They are harvested, when flowers bloom and dried in natural conditions, at 35-45 degrees. Room for drying should be airy and shaded. Marigold flowers contain essential oil, triterpenoid saponins, glycosides, carotenoids, flavonoids, and bitter compounds, mucous, organic acids, phytosterols.

With all these substances marigold cures many diseases, it is perfect in gastric and duodenal ulcers, and also in gall bladder disease, because it has cholagogic properties. It is spasmolytic, it can be successfully used for menstrual pains. It has sedative properties, it reduces high heart rate and blood pressure. It can prevent cancer, because it can absorb toxic compounds. Marigold is recommended during recovery from cancer treatment and after stomach or intestine operations.

Tea with marigold:
Pour a glass of boiled/boiling water to 1 teaspoon of dried flowers. Infuse about 10 minutes, under cover, then filter it. Drink 2-3 times a day.

External application:
Pour a glass of boiling water to 1 tablespoon of dried elements and infuse it for about 20 minutes, under cover. After cooling, wash the skin topically. Infusion of marigold can be used to rinse hair. It strengthen hair, regenerates soothes the scalp and it has anti-dandruff properties.