Calendula: medicinal properties and contraindications, traditional medicine recipes, reviews

September 3, 2018
Medicinal plants
Svetlana Pavlova

Calendula is a herbaceous annual plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family and is a relative of chrysanthemums and asters. People call this unpretentious flower marigold. It is used to decorate garden plots and city flower beds. It should be noted that calendula flowers are considered not only a delight for the eyes, but also an excellent seasoning for many culinary dishes. They improve the taste and appearance of various salads, omelettes, soups, oils and pastries. But most importantly, this culture has a lot of healing qualities and minor restrictions on use. This article will highlight all the main medicinal properties of the calendula herb and contraindications for its use.

Places of growth and types of plants

This culture is found in every corner of the globe. The only exceptions are areas of deserts and permafrost. The plant is most widespread in Asia, Western Europe and the Mediterranean. In Russia, calendula grows everywhere except in the far regions of the Far North and highlands. There are about 20 types of calendula in total. Most of the plants are used for ornamental plantings. Medicinal marigolds are used to make a large number of drugs in both official and folk medicine.

Collection rules

This plant blooms throughout the summer, so its flowers can be collected many times. They must be picked together with the peduncle.

Important!!! The healing flower is collected in the first two days after it blooms. It is this specimen that has the greatest medicinal value.

The collection is laid out in a room with good air circulation. It is also necessary to ensure that it is not exposed to direct rays of the sun. Ready dried inflorescences should be stored in a glass container in a dark pantry. In this form, calendula can be stored for several years without losing its healing properties.

Description of calendula

Plant height is from 20 to 80 cm. The root is a taproot, from which roots branch in different directions, providing nutrition. The stems are erect, thick and ribbed. Their surface is covered with hard, short, sticky hairs. Light green leaves are densely located on branched stems. The lower ones have an alternate arrangement, obovate shape, are on a petiole, their length is 13 cm. The upper leaves are smaller, oblong. They have sparse, hard hairs.

Medicinal calendula flowers are baskets located at the tops of the stems and have a flat, bare receptacle. The inflorescences form a hemispherical, flattened shape. The petals have a linear, pointed shape and are arranged in one or two rows. The flowers on the edges are female; those in the middle can be of both sexes or asexual. The color depends on the variety and varies from light yellow to dark orange. The seeds (fruits) are light brown, curved, and often close into a ring. The plant blooms from June to mid-autumn.

Collection and preparation of medicinal raw materials

As soon as the inflorescences bloom, they need to be collected on the 2nd or 3rd day. This is the best time. It is necessary to tear off the flower baskets and cut them off along with a 3-centimeter part of the peduncle. It is necessary that the cut raw materials do not contain stem and organic impurities. To do this, it is cleared of them.

From June to August you can harvest calendula several times. Flowering lasts until frost sets in. This is because the flowers bloom unevenly (after about three to four days), and the fact that the flower stalks are cut off promotes the formation of new stems with flowers.

If the inflorescences are not cut off, the yield decreases. The seeds will begin to wither, but there will be no vigorous flowering.

The collected raw materials must be dried in dryers. The process lasts 4 hours. The temperature should be no more than 45 degrees. Some people dry it in the shade, in natural conditions.

How to determine the readiness of raw materials? If you press on the inflorescences, they should not separate. Calendula inflorescences are stored for no more than 2 years.

Growing healing marigolds

Calendula is a light-loving plant. In shady places it stretches out, lies down, and the inflorescences become small. Reproduction occurs only by seeds, self-sowing is also possible. The plant sprouts at a temperature of 8–10 degrees. In the autumn, when digging up the soil, organic, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are applied to the site. In the spring, when loosening the soil, fertilizers containing nitrogen are added. Calendula seeds, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which will be described below, are sown in open ground in the early stages.

For sowing, the smallest seeds located in the central part of the flower basket are selected. From them grow flowers containing a large number of double inflorescences. Planting is done in furrows, the depth of which is 2-4 cm. Care consists of timely weeding, watering and loosening the soil.

Growing and care

Calendula officinalis is a cold-resistant plant that can tolerate short-term frosts and sudden temperature fluctuations. The flowering period of the grass is July-October. For normal plant growth, the ambient temperature during the day should not be below 8-10 degrees, and at night 4-6 degrees.

Heat and dry soil are the reasons for a sharp reduction in the duration of flowering and a decrease in the yield of double inflorescences. During the budding period, it is important to ensure that the plant develops in cool conditions with high humidity.

Calendula is a light-loving crop, so it is recommended to plant it in open, sunny places with free air circulation. Reducing the light intensity helps to increase the height of the plant and lengthen its flowering period.

The best soil for cultivating marigolds is fertile black soil, and they can grow on sandy, swampy and forest soil.

Before planting medicinal herbs, you should first prepare the site. For these reasons, they dig it up and add superphosphate (40 g), granulated superphosphate (30 g), manure (3 kg), ammonium nitrate (10 g) per 1 square meter to the soil. m. It is recommended to sow in early April. As a rule, calendula seeds are buried directly into the soil by 2-3 cm, keeping a distance of 40 cm between the grooves. If desired, you can grow seedlings, which will eventually be transplanted into the soil. Grass roots are easily restored.

Remember, marigolds contain organic acids, saponins and resins that help improve soil health, so planting the plant will benefit the site and the crops growing on it. Interestingly, the shoots-roots and flowers of calendula emit a tart odor that repels the Colorado potato beetle, so to harvest a good harvest of solstice potatoes, they are planted in close proximity to the tuberous crop of the nightshade family.

Biochemical composition of the plant

Medicinal calendula contains a large number of substances that accelerate metabolic processes and regulate the functioning of body systems. These include:

Plant sterols are naturally occurring substances that can reduce bad cholesterol.
Carotenoids are fat-soluble plant pigments. They are isomers of carotene, which is converted in the liver into vitamin A, which helps normalize vision and has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin.
Flavonoids are natural substances endowed with antioxidant properties. They have antihistamine, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Flavonoids help relieve spasms of smooth muscles, produce gastric juice and bile.
Essential oils have a specific smell and taste and help destroy pathogenic microflora.
Coumarins have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Microelements – iron, fluorine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, selenium. As well as vitamins E and C. These substances strengthen the immune system and have a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels and the functioning of the heart.

Calendula - description of the plant and appearance

The height of calendula can be 50 cm or even more. It blooms from June to September. The fruits begin to ripen in October. It will survive in any climate, despite the fact that it is a cultivated plant.

It is grown for different purposes. For example, to use in treatment, or for beauty, since the appearance of calendula is very beautiful.

The inflorescences are used to make ointments, tinctures, and decoctions. The most successful option is to take newly opened flowers. They will contain the largest possible number of useful components.

During the period of seed ripening, calendula gradually begins to lose its medicinal properties. This is why it is so important that the flowers are collected in a timely manner.

When the baskets are periodically torn off, new flowers ripen and grow in their place. The flowers bloom until early October. So, while the marigolds, which have medicinal properties, are blooming, they are collected and prepared.

A lot depends on the correct drying process. This must be done outside. Usually they put paper. Raw materials are laid out on it in a thin layer. The shelf life of flowers is 2 years. If they are dried according to the rules, they will not lose their healing properties.

Chemical composition of calendula

Bioactive components in marigolds are found in large quantities. Calendula is used both as a medicinal crop and as a food supplement. It has found its use in cosmetology and cooking (as a food coloring). Medicines are made from calendula flowers.

The chemical composition includes the presence of:

Carotenoids. Pigments that help the body produce vitamin A.
Alcohols and sterols. Substances - cholesterol substitutes. This prevents atherosclerotic plaques from appearing in the vessels.
Flavonoids. They have a good analgesic effect. Helps remove toxins and harmful substances from the human body. Do not allow inflammatory processes to develop. And the mucous membranes of the stomach are helped to recover.
Triterpenoids. Due to the fact that these substances are contained in medicinal marigolds, they have a strong anti-inflammatory effect and help activate the functioning of the nervous system.
Essential oils. They help eliminate pathogenic microflora.

The plant contains many different microelements. We are talking about iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, calcium. These substances are effective in the treatment of heart and vascular diseases, caries. Improves the body's resistance to disease.

Useful properties of the plant

The strong medicinal properties of marigolds and contraindications, which are very minor, allow it to be used for internal and external use. The flowers and leaves of the plant have the following properties:

anti-inflammatory;
antimicrobial – help destroy bacteria, viruses and fungi;
stimulate the secretion of gastric juice and the production of bile;
diuretic;
sweatshop;
wound healing;
slow down the development of tumor cells;
restore damaged tissues;
help cleanse the body of toxins;
have a moisturizing effect.

Chemical composition

Basically, calendula flowers are used for treatment. They have the highest content of useful substances.

Carotenoids. Natural organic pigments that have the ability to neutralize free radicals. Of these, provitamins A, the precursors of vitamin A, are especially prominent.
Flavonoids. They belong to plant compounds that act on the body as a diuretic, choleretic, healing and antispasmodic agent.
Sterols. Steroid derivatives that can neutralize the harmful effects of cholesterol, as well as lower its level in the blood.
Coumarins. They exhibit particular activity in antispasmodic and antitumor effects.
Triterpenoids. Acid-containing organic compounds. They create an anti-inflammatory effect, reduce the amount of cholesterol, and improve the function of nerve impulses.
Salicylic acid. A strong substance that has the following properties: antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic.
Essential oils. Help the body fight harmful microorganisms.

Also, the medicinal composition of the inflorescences is rich in microelements:

Iron, calcium. Improves blood quality.
Zinc. Helps improve the functioning of the immune system.
Potassium, magnesium. Adjusts heart rhythm.
Molybdenum. Participates in the preservation of tooth enamel.
Copper. Stops various inflammations.

Other parts of the plant such as stems and leaves are also used to prepare medicines. They contain tannins, as well as phytoncides, which have antibacterial properties. Fatty oils are made from marigold seeds.

Indications for the use of medicinal plants

Considering the minor contraindications and medicinal properties of calendula flowers, preparations based on it are quite widely used and are used for diseases:

Upper respiratory tract - for colds, flu, sore throat, ARVI and bronchitis. Carry out procedures for rinsing the mouth and throat using infusions, alcohol tinctures and decoctions, which help relieve swelling and inflammation and speed up recovery from bacterial, viral and fungal infections.
Skin damage - having an antiseptic and wound-healing effect, calendula accelerates the healing of wounds, various abrasions, pimples, acne, burns, as well as purulent formations: fistulas, boils, carbuncles.
Digestive organs - the medicinal properties of marigolds, such as wound healing and antispasmodic, help cure stomach ulcers, gastritis, and inflammation of the gallbladder.
Liver – in the treatment of cirrhosis and hepatitis, calendula is used to cleanse the liver, as it has a choleretic effect.
Cardiovascular system - reduces blood pressure, strengthens the heart muscle, normalizes heart rate, thanks to its general strengthening and anti-cholesterol effects.
Female genital organs - calendula helps in the treatment of uterine bleeding, inflammatory processes in the genital organs, cervical erosion, if problems arise during menopause, and normalization of the menstrual cycle.
Malignant neoplasms - used as an additional drug to reduce the growth of cancer cells.
Dental problems – caries, bleeding gums.

Medicinal herbal teas with calendula

More and more herbal teas are gaining popularity, and, instead of regular black or green tea, many people prefer to make a drink from various herbal infusions that suit their taste. If you choose the right medicinal plant, combine it with other medicinal herbs and prepare an infusion or decoction, this can enhance and accelerate the healing effect. The main thing is to know for which diseases, without ignoring existing ones, you can combine herbs for medicinal purposes:

Calendula, medicinal chamomile, yarrow
It is known that these three plants have similar capabilities for providing a therapeutic effect on a number of diseases, have antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory effects, have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, produce wound healing effects and etc.
Calendula, sage
Calendula and sage, thanks to the same biochemical nutrients, have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties, help normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, have a calming effect, etc.
Calendula, St. John's wort
Both of these herbs, having rich internal components, have antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties, promote rapid healing of wounds and cuts, calm the nervous system, etc.
Calendula, meadowsweet (meadowsweet), mint
Together, these sweet-smelling herbs, thanks to the large number of essential oils, strengthen the nervous system, improve the psycho-emotional state and mood, and have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. In small quantities, calendula can also be used along with other herbs in the form of an everyday herbal tea. It will give the drink a pleasant aroma and bright color. And the healing properties of this amazing plant are outlined above.

Contraindications to the use of calendula

For internal use, no absolute contraindications have been identified for medicinal calendula, but in some cases it must be used with caution and under the supervision of a physician. These include:

Hypotension - people with low blood pressure should not take medications with calendula. They stimulate its further decline.
Pregnancy period.
Combined use with sedative drugs - valerian, motherwort. The effect intensifies.
Heart and vascular diseases.
Allergic reactions to asteraceous plants such as daisies and daisies.
Cholelithiasis.
Children under twelve years of age.

Any practicing physician can provide justification for the use of calendula herb, medicinal properties and contraindications, since this plant is a pharmacopoeial plant and the requirements for the quality of medicinal raw materials are set out in the corresponding article of the State Pharmacopoeia.

Recipes for treatment at home

Calendula medicinal properties and contraindications for pancreatitis

How calendula affects the body during pancreatitis. The pancreas is treated using calendula if it is necessary to normalize bile secretion, or when it is necessary to treat concomitant problems of the digestive system. We are talking about hepatitis, cholecystitis, gastritis, peptic ulcer, colitis and other diseases.

The components that make up the plant help relieve spasms that occur in the bile ducts. They do not allow stagnation to form and prevent the release of bile into the gland tissue. As a result, the load on this organ is reduced and the risk that pancreatitis will worsen is reduced.

If you take this choleretic plant, the formation of stones is excluded and cholelithiasis will not develop. And it, as a rule, is a provocateur of inflammation of the pancreas.

Official medicine has recognized the effectiveness of calendula treatment for diseases such as pacreatitis and cholecystitis.

In addition to the fact that the plant has a choleretic effect, it also has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. Relieves pain symptoms. Properties include bactericidal, regenerating and sedative effects.

During treatment with calendula, gastric secretory activity increases. With the help of the plant they get rid of diarrhea and various dyspepsia. Most of the reviews about the use of this plant in the treatment of pancreatitis are positive.

For pancreatitis, calendula has the following effects:

choleretic;
antispasmodic;
anti-inflammatory;
bactericidal;
increasing the secretory activity of the stomach;
normalizing digestion;
regenerating;
sedative.

How to take calendula for pancreatitis

The doctor should prescribe the use of calendula during the period when the disease is in remission. It is not recommended to use this medicinal plant during an acute course of the disease, or during an attack of pancreatitis.

How to brew calendula correctly

To prepare a decoction of marigold flowers, you will need enamel dishes. Pour out the raw materials (one tablespoon). Pour boiling water (200 ml). Cover the top with a lid. Place in a water bath for 15 minutes. Let it cool. Strain.

Bring with boiled water to a volume of 200 ml. Consume half an hour before breakfast, lunch and dinner, 1 glass. The treatment course is from 1 to 2 months.

How to prepare an infusion

Pour raw materials into a thermos (one tablespoon). Boiling water (200 ml) is poured on top. Let it brew for an hour. Strain. Take half an hour before meals, before three meals, a third or a quarter of a glass. The course of treatment is from 30 to 60 days.

How to make calendula tincture

In many folk recipes, the advice is to take a tincture made with alcohol or vodka to treat diseases such as pancreatitis, cholecystitis and other diseases of the digestive system. But doctors do not recommend using these drugs.

This is due to the fact that for such diseases you cannot use any products containing alcohol. Otherwise, when taking these medications, the disease may worsen and the patient’s well-being may worsen.

Benefits of calendula for women

In gynecology, the medicinal properties of calendula are well known. Therefore it is often used. If there are cosmetic defects and for appearance care, a woman can successfully use calendula products.

If you have oily skin, sebum will be released in smaller quantities, and the pores will narrow.
If the skin is dry, products with calendula will help - they will remove irritation.
If you have acne or pimples, you need to use calendula tincture with alcohol. Pimples are burned “pointwise”. If the skin is dry, the tincture must be diluted with water. It is advisable to take your time and apply the tincture only to the problem area.
During adolescence and when the skin is oily, to prevent acne from appearing, you need to wipe your face with calendula tincture in water. The second option is to make ice cubes from it. Before applying lotion or cream to the skin, you can add a little water infusion.
This problem can be solved with the help of cucumber lotion. You can make it yourself at home.
To make the skin lighter, squeeze the juice from fresh flowers and rub the pigmentation twice a day.
To remove wrinkles, an infusion of herbs (high concentration) is considered an effective remedy. They wipe problem areas twice a day.
To get rid of dandruff, use a vodka tincture of marigolds mixed in equal proportions with castor oil. You need to rub the product into your hair.

Calendula for the treatment of gynecological diseases

Once upon a time, in ancient times, calendula was called “Mary’s gold.” There is such a version that the name was given in honor of the Holy Virgin, since she could treat women from gynecological diseases. There is a deal of truth in it.

The plant has proven its effectiveness in treating fibroids, cysts, restoring the menstrual cycle, relieving pain during menstruation, and reducing bleeding.
When breast lumps or tumors occur, calendula is used in treatment. The plant has become popular because of its ability to help combat infertility.
If erosion. In recent years, doctors have been saying that erosion is not some kind of deviation in a woman’s health. When the case is advanced, of course, treatment is necessary. You need to douche, I use an infusion of flowers. To make the result more effective, it makes sense to add propolis (10%) to the infusion in a 1:1 ratio.
For trichomoniasis. You need to douche daily, 14 days in a row. To make an infusion, take 1 tablespoon of: wormwood, calendula, bird cherry, sage, chamomile. Brew one tablespoon for one glass of boiling water.

The effectiveness of calendula when douching

The doctor may prescribe a calendula solution for douching if the vaginal microflora does not correspond to the norm, and for diseases:

trichomonas colpitis;
candidiasis;
if there is cervical erosion;
delay of menstruation, if the cause is an inflammatory process.

In gynecology, calendula, if douched with it, can relieve itching and burning. With its help, they get rid of pathogenic microorganisms.

If you use it purely, you can achieve the opposite effect. Despite the fact that calendula has healing properties in gynecology, it can wash away natural lubrication and harm beneficial microflora.

If you douche constantly, your vagina will become dry and irritated. There is a loss of its protective functions. That is why experts recommend carrying out the procedure within 5 days. Not longer.

How to make a calendula solution for douching

You will need: two teaspoons of dried calendula flowers and two glasses of water.

How to cook: Boil water. Pour it into a jar. Place dried flowers there. Close the lid tightly. You need to let the broth brew for 90 minutes. Strain through a cloth (or gauze).

How to use: The decoction is diluted with clean water. In a 1:1 ratio. Result: Inflammation will be stopped. Fungal bacteria are destroyed. The microflora in the vagina will be normalized.

There is another option for preparing a solution for douching.

Ingredients: one tablespoon of dried calendula flowers and half a glass of alcohol (70%).

How to cook: Dried flowers are poured with alcohol. Leave in a dark room for 2 weeks. Through gauze (or dense material) you need to thoroughly strain the solution.

How to use: For one glass of boiled water (warm) you will need one teaspoon of solution. The resulting product should be douched.

Result: With the help of calendula tincture with alcohol, anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effects are achieved in gynecology. The product can relieve irritation and itching.

Use of calendula in official medicine

A large number of pharmaceutical preparations are produced from calendula, each of which is endowed with certain properties of the plant that affect the body. The following dosage forms containing calendula are used in traditional medicine:

Tincture is a transparent, yellow-colored liquid containing 70% alcohol, and is a universal medicine used internally and externally. It is used as a choleretic agent, for the treatment of hypertension, for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, gall bladder and liver. The tincture is prescribed for gargling and mouthwash for sore throat, gingivitis, and thrush. It has proven itself excellent in the treatment of cuts, bruises, and frostbite. In gynecology, douching is used for cervical erosions and colpitis, and in proctology, therapeutic enemas are used.
Oil – has antiseptic properties. Doctors recommend using it for burns, cuts, ulcers, insect bites, cracked nipples in women during breastfeeding. The oil has the beneficial properties of calendula and has no contraindications for use. It can be used for any skin type, including those with severe sensitivity, as well as for newborns. The oil is added to creams for the care of the face, hands and feet. For external use only.
Ointment - release form - glass jars containing 40 g of a yellow substance. Recommended for use for eczema, cuts, cracks, burns, varicose veins, bacterial and fungal skin infections.
Cream - in addition to calendula, contains soybean oil, echinacea and mallow extract, allantoin and tocopherol. This effective remedy has a minimum of contraindications. The healing properties of marigold flowers and their calming effect make it possible to use the cream to care for the delicate dermis of babies. In addition, the drug helps improve capillary blood circulation, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, and has an analgesic effect. It softens and vitaminizes dry skin, restores firmness and elasticity, and is also used for vaginal itching and irritation.

How to prepare calendula ointment at home - recipe

With the help of marigolds, the healing properties of which have been known since ancient times, wounds with pus are treated. You can successfully treat fistulas, ulcers, and scratches with this plant.

Oil is ideal for children's skin. You can see that a large number of creams for children contain calendula flowers.

Ointment recipe: To prepare the ointment, the flowers (50 g) are ground to a powdery state. Mix with fresh rendered lard (200 g). If it’s not there, it’s with fat.

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Place the mixture in a water bath to obtain a homogeneous mass. The ointment should be stored in the refrigerator. This recipe is effective when you need to heal old wounds.

If your baby has diaper rash, the ointment is perfect for ridding baby’s skin of it. If you have an allergic rash, it is also used.

The beneficial components of the product will relieve itching and tension. When it comes to external use, there are no contraindications. Even if there are wet and deep wounds on the body, there will be no harm from using the ointment.

Preparation and storage

To use calendula for medicinal purposes, in most cases, calendula flowers are used, much less often the leaves. The plant blooms profusely from June until frost and the opening of flowers occurs every three to five days, which must be completely removed. This method prevents the formation of seeds and promotes generous flowering. The procurement of raw materials is done during the entire flowering period in dry weather.

The healing and medicinal properties of calendula, the contraindications for the use of which are minor, gain maximum strength by 12 o'clock. Therefore, at this time, the inflorescences are picked, in which the tubular flowers have partially opened, and the reed flowers are located in a horizontal position. You can leave a peduncle up to three centimeters long at the basket. Over the summer, up to 20 collections are made. To dry, the flowers are scattered in one layer in a shady place under a canopy on a tarpaulin, burlap or sheets of paper, turning them over periodically. An attic space is well suited for this purpose. The finished inflorescences fall apart. For storage use wooden, tin or glass closed containers. The shelf life of raw materials is one year.

Botanical description

Content:

Botanical description
Chemical composition
Indications and contraindications
Tincture of calendula
Calendula oil
Calendula ointment
Folk recipes
Use in cooking
Growing and care
Conclusion

Calendula is an annual plant with a tap root, erect and branched stem. This is a heat-loving, unpretentious plant, reaching 75 cm in height. The leaves are slightly pubescent, oblong in shape. A characteristic feature of calendula that distinguishes it from other medicinal plants is the orange or bright yellow color of the flower petals, the calyxes of which reach 4 cm in diameter.

The flowering period of calendula is from June to October. The baskets are collected in dry weather. Flowers are dried immediately after they are picked. To do this, the raw materials are distributed in a thin layer on a table in a room with good ventilation (in attics or outside under awnings). It is not recommended to use electric dryers, since under the influence of high temperatures the grass partially loses its beneficial properties.

How to tell if calendula has dried out or not

Press the inflorescence with your fingers; when the basket breaks into petals, the raw material is considered ready for packaging. Dried marigold flowers are stored in wooden boxes, cardboard boxes or glass containers for up to 2 years. However, experienced herbalists insist that preparations of medicinal raw materials should be updated annually.

Calendula for women: medicinal properties and contraindications

In the Middle Ages, calendula was called the flower of the Virgin Mary because of its beneficial qualities used in the treatment of female diseases. Crushed leaves and flowers were used for malignant breast tumors, fibroids and ovarian cysts. Since ancient times, infusions from the flowers of the plant were drunk for menstrual irregularities, to reduce bleeding and alleviate conditions during menstruation. This amazing plant is somewhat reminiscent of female sex hormones and, like them, relieves hot flashes during menopause. However, it is better to avoid using products prepared with calendula during pregnancy; it is wiser to use it before the baby is conceived. It should be noted that herbal mixtures, which include marigold flowers, are used to treat:

thrush;
urogenital chlamydia;
cervical erosion;
inflammation of the appendages;
uterine fibroids;
mastopathy.

When breastfeeding, taking into account the contraindications for the child and the medicinal properties of calendula for women, the preparations can be used only for external use.

Tincture of calendula

This is a universal remedy designed to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and restore the skin in case of bacterial and viral lesions. You can make it yourself or buy it at a pharmacy. Homemade calendula tincture is usually less concentrated than store-bought ones. Interestingly, alcohol enhances the beneficial properties of the herb (disinfectant and bactericidal).

Use of calendula tincture:

Sore throat, stomatitis, gum inflammation. Ulcers on the oral mucosa are cauterized using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. To gargle, 5 ml of tincture is diluted in 150 ml of water.
Hypertension. Calendula lowers blood pressure. To achieve a positive effect, 30 drops of tincture are dissolved in 50 g of heated boiled water. The course of treatment is a month. During this period, the medicine is taken three times a day.
Acne. To remove acne, wipe the face with alcohol tincture of calendula once a day. In addition, you can prepare a medicinal lotion based on it. “Drying” tonic ingredients: water (30 ml), glycerin (3 ml), marigold tincture (50 ml), boric acid solution (15 ml).
Diseases of the digestive system. To improve appetite, speed up metabolism, relieve spasms and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, the tincture is taken once a day, starting with 20 drops. Over time, the dosage is adjusted to 5 ml and consumed twice a day. The course of treatment is 4 weeks.
Cervical erosion. To relieve tissue swelling and treat vaginal ulcers, prepare a douching solution based on the calculation of 5 ml of calendula tincture per 200 ml of water.
Skin damage (burns, abrasions, wounds). To wash cuts and speed up their healing, crokis tincture (5 ml) is diluted with water (250 ml). Use topically, do not blot with a napkin.

Method for preparing homemade calendula tincture: pour the flowers of the plant (20 g) with alcohol or vodka (100 ml), leave for a week. The finished product cannot be used in its pure form. Before use, it is diluted with water, maintaining a ratio of 1:20.

The use of calendula in cosmetology

To eliminate cosmetic defects of facial skin, calendula has found its place in the modern beauty industry. It is successfully used for masks and compresses, which help improve the color and tone of the facial skin, making it soft and velvety. It is used:

For acne - in this case, an infusion of plant flowers has an effective effect. It helps tighten pores on oily skin, which reduces the amount of sebum secretion and acne.
For rejuvenation - regeneration of skin cells and a positive effect on metabolic processes - one of the beneficial properties of marigolds. Contraindications that do not have a significant impact on well-being allow daily use of the tincture to give the dermis youth and freshness.
For whitening, use juice from calendula leaves, mixed in equal proportions with lemon juice, red currants and olive oil. Wipe the face as a tonic after sleep and in the evening when age spots and freckles appear.
From ultraviolet rays - use the oil of the plant's flowers. It protects against sunburn, restores water balance, softens and moisturizes the skin. To do this, apply a few drops of oil and rub in with light circular movements before going outside.

Pharmaceutical medicinal preparations from marigolds

Calendula (marigold) flowers are used to prepare healing infusions for external and internal use. It all depends on what kind of disease.

Calendula tincture is used to help cuts and wounds heal quickly.

If a person has a sore throat, it is advisable to gargle with calendula, which is diluted with water. To have a choleretic effect, the drops are taken orally.

Caleflon is a tablet made from marigold flowers.

Used: for gastritis, ulcers of the duodenum and stomach. For inflammation of the gallbladder or biliary tract. The product has a positive effect on recovery processes.

Calendula ointment (homeopathic) contains petroleum jelly and calendula tincture.

It is used when there are diaper rashes, cracks on the heels and other areas of the skin. Has an anti-inflammatory effect.

The composition of Dr. Theiss Ointment consists of corn cob oil, lard, and medicinal marigold flower extract.

The product effectively fights streptococci and staphylococci, removes inflammation. When there are wounds and burns, it helps wounds heal faster.

Calendula for hair care

A wonderful plant with minimal contraindications and medicinal properties, calendula is also used in hair care. It helps accelerate hair growth, restores damaged ends, and gives hair strength and beauty. When using oils, infusions, decoctions and tinctures, intense nutrition enters the hair follicle and healing of the scalp occurs. Calendula preparations are added to masks, massaged with them, and rinsed with hair. Gentle massaging improves blood circulation, supplying the hair follicles with oxygen. A good effect is obtained by using calendula together with herbal preparations, which include nettle, hop cones, chamomile flowers, and burdock roots. All fees can be purchased at the pharmacy or prepared independently.

Frequent treatment of hair with calendula is not advisable. It is enough to use it three times a week for a month. After this, it is advisable to take a break. In some cases, the use of masks and rinses causes itching and discomfort - this is a contraindication and the healing properties of calendula cease to act. In this case, you should stop the procedures and consult a doctor.

Use in cooking

Calendula has a pleasant smell and a rich orange color, so it is often used as a seasoning for vegetable salads, cereals, first and second courses, puddings and dumplings. When fresh, it is an excellent side dish for fish and meat products. Calendula is used to make tonic and refreshing drinks. In addition, it is used as a natural food coloring. To do this, the flowers of the plant are dried, crushed into powder and added to sauces and soups. To color the dough, the dry color is boiled in milk, on the basis of which it is kneaded. Dry calendula powder is added to butter to give the product a pleasant, tart taste. The resulting composition is used to make sandwiches.

Based on calendula, liqueur and syrup are prepared, used in the confectionery industry. To prepare an alcohol tincture, dried marigolds are mixed with dry mint based on a ratio of 2:4. The herbal mixture is poured into 1 liter of water and boiled for half an hour. Cool the broth to 40 degrees, add honey to taste, then pour in vodka (1 l). Store the liqueur in the refrigerator. It is used to prepare desserts or consumed on its own as an alcoholic drink. Pairs well with cold appetizers and meat.

Calendula syrup can be used as a medicine (use 15 ml 3 times a day) or added to dishes instead of sauce. It helps with ulcerative lesions of the gastric mucosa, liver dysfunction, relieves irritation, headaches, shortness of breath, swelling, restores memory, improves sleep, normalizes breathing and heart rate.

Cooking principle:

pour 50 g of marigolds into 500 ml of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes;
strain the calendula infusion;
add 500 g sugar;
put the liquid on the fire until the granules are completely dissolved;
cool and store in glass containers.

Calendula syrup is used in cooking to make desserts. It is poured over ready-made fruit pies, pancakes, and pancakes.

Use of calendula in folk medicine

The benefits of marigolds are so great that they are used in the treatment of many diseases in both official and alternative medicine, cosmetics and cooking. They are used for all ages from infants to the elderly. The raw material is so accessible that you can grow it in any quantity at your summer cottage and independently prepare a lot of medicines for all ailments. Here are some accessible and healthy recipes:

Anti-pressure tincture. You will need 10 g of dried flowers and half a glass of 70% alcohol or moonshine. Leave for two weeks, squeeze out and take 30 drops three times a day.
Decoction for the stomach. It is better to use it instead of alcohol tincture for a gentle effect on the stomach and reduce contraindications. The beneficial properties of marigold flowers and their beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal mucosa will help cope with inflammatory processes and stomach ulcers. Boil 10 g of raw materials for three minutes in a glass of boiling water. Use two tablespoons three times a day.
Oil for erosion. Insert a tampon soaked in oil into the vagina for 2-3 hours before going to bed. This should not be done during pregnancy, immediately after an abortion or childbirth.
Tea has antiseptic, antibacterial, diuretic, diaphoretic and restorative effects. For brewing, use a teaspoon of dried flowers per cup of boiling water. Although pregnancy is a contraindication, the medicinal properties of calendula flowers alleviate a woman’s condition, which makes it possible to use tea for toxicosis during the 1st and 2nd trimester.
Mask for oily skin. Mix a large spoon of oatmeal and two warm infusions. Keep the mask on for a third of an hour. Relieves inflammation, normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

Folk recipes

The pharmacological activity of marigolds is due to the carotenoids and flavonoids that make up the plant. When applied topically, they have an antiseptic effect, exhibit an antiviral effect, suppressing the activity of the herpes virus, influenza type A-2, Frunze strain, type A, PR-8 strain.

Traditional recipes:

For blepharitis, conjunctivitis, barley. Soak cotton swabs in calendula tincture, place the compress on the eyes for 10 minutes, then rinse with water. In addition, this procedure can reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes and relieve irritation.
From thrush. To prepare a solution for douching, boil 50 g of marigold inflorescences in 400 ml of water for 15 minutes, leave to infuse for 2 hours, and filter. The tincture is used externally, the course of treatment is 5 days, the frequency is 3 times a day.
From herpes. The marigold flowers are crushed and the resulting juice is applied to the affected area three times a day. Carry out the procedure until the ulcers disappear.
From cracks in hemorrhoids. Calendula ointment is applied to hemorrhoidal cones 3 times a day. As a rule, painful sensations go away after 2 days of regular use of the product.
From pancreatitis. To relieve inflammation of the pancreas, a herbal mixture is prepared, the infusion of which is consumed three times a day before meals. Ingredients: peppermint, field chamomile, calendula, plantain, corn silk. All components are taken in equal quantities. A tablespoon (15 g) of the collection is poured with hot water (800 ml), left for 1 hour, and filtered. Before use, calendula decoction is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:4.
For rhinitis. Calendula tincture in alcohol is mixed with corn oil in a ratio of 1: 7. The resulting preparation is instilled in each nostril, 3 drops.
From gastritis. Ingredients: chamomile, yarrow, calendula. Take 15 g of flowers from each plant, pour 200 ml of boiling water, leave in a thermos for one night, and filter in the morning. To soothe the gastric mucosa, take the tincture 1/3 cup (70 ml) 3 times a day before meals. The course of treatment is 3 weeks.
For hypertension. To normalize blood pressure, take 40 drops of marigold tincture 3 times a day. If desired, the solution can be diluted with water.

Decoctions and infusions with calendula should not be consumed by women during pregnancy, as they can cause miscarriage. In addition, the plant is contraindicated for people suffering from hypotension, bradycardia, or decreased heart rate, as they can aggravate the course of the disease.

Reviews of calendula preparations

There are a lot of positive reviews on the Internet about the use of preparations prepared on the basis of calendula:

Many speak well of the excellent ointment, which quickly helps heal ulcers, pimples, cracks and scratches. Some people add rosehip flowers to their marigolds. Everything is poured with olive oil, the container is kept in the sun for three days and put away in a dark place for two weeks. After filtration, the product is used for any damage to the skin.
There are also positive reviews about the use of suppositories made using calendula and hard fat for the treatment of hemorrhoids. They eliminate pain and discomfort. Only individual intolerance is a contraindication. The healing properties of marigold flowers and their calm, non-irritating effect have a good effect.
There are many good reviews about calendula tincture. Its wide range of uses makes it indispensable for many diseases: relieving blood pressure, gargling and mouthwash, stimulating the digestive system, treating the genitourinary system and many other ailments.

In addition, the female half of the population actively advises everyone to use tonics, herbal ice, and various masks with marigolds. The products are also used to restore hair health.

Calendula for children

Rare herbs can be used for children; calendula is an exception. However, until the child is two years old, it can only be used as a decoction for external use. Bathing with calendula decoction will help relieve skin rashes (heat rash, diathesis), eliminate redness, diaper rash and itchy skin. Getting rid of these ailments will help calm the nervous system and make the baby calmer and improve his sleep. In consultation with a pediatrician and with his permission, calendula can be used for a disease such as rickets, which develops when there is insufficient vitamin D in the body, and also as a disinfectant, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and skin regenerating agent.

Beautiful calendula flowers are used not only for medicinal purposes; in culinary processes, its bright petals are added to vegetable and fruit salads, soups and even when making homemade baked goods. Dishes prepared with calendula acquire a special colorful color, stimulate appetite and improve mood.

We draw your attention to the fact that it is advisable to eliminate any problem at three levels: physical, energetic and spiritual. The recipes contained in the article are not a guarantee of recovery. The information provided should be considered as capable of helping based on the experience of traditional and modern medicine, the multifaceted action of herbal remedies, but not as a guarantee.

Reviews

On the recommendation of a close friend, I added calendula tea to my diet. This remedy perfectly normalizes intestinal function and reduces the effects of stress on the body. After the course of treatment, I noticed an improvement in my general emotional state and felt good spirits and a surge of strength. I'm very pleased with the effect. I plan to repeat the course in a month.

Alevtina, 43 years old, Volgograd

Recently I discovered that my hair is rapidly thinning. On the recommendation of a doctor, I purchased tablets for baldness, which contain calendula. A wonderful remedy stopped the unpleasant process. I think we need to try the traditional method of treatment using calendula.

Mikhail, 40 years old, Moscow

High blood pressure and periodic heart pain often bothered me. Medicines containing calendula are my constant companions. This product helps me feel better.

Evdokia, 50 years old, Krasnoyarsk

Not long ago I discovered varicose veins. The doctor advised me to prepare calendula ointment at home. It turned out to be not at all difficult to do, and I can be completely confident in the quality of the product. Using this product, I noticed improvements within a week. The ointment brings the desired effect. I will continue to use it.

Anastasia, 37 years old, Cherepovets

Natalia

Author

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In rare cases, calendula harms the body. The benefits of its use are irreplaceable. The effectiveness of using this plant in medicine has been scientifically proven. Medicines containing calendula are prescribed by doctors to treat various diseases. Infusions, decoctions, ointments, oils and teas based on it are actively used for treatment using folk methods. Growing it is not difficult, and natural remedies for beauty and treatment will be in demand for a long time. Health to you and your loved ones!

Growing Calendula

It begins to bloom two months after the seeds germinate and blooms until the end of October. Seeds collected from flowers sprout miraculously within five years.

Lighting

For the lushness of the bushes and the brightness of the flowers, calendula should be planted in well-lit places. But the plant grows with diffused light and in semi-shady places. It is not advisable to plant in very dark areas, as powdery mildew may “stick” there. And if there is a lack of color, the petals will be of pale shades.

Watering and pruning

In dry weather, abundant watering is required. It is needed when sprouts begin to appear on the stem. And when the flower grows up, short-term heat is no longer scary. To ensure that calendula blooms until the end of October, prune the blooming flowers. This is necessary for two reasons:

collect flowers for further drying
Frequent pruning makes new flowers appear sooner

The inflorescences are cut in clear weather early in the morning, after the petals have dried after dew. When collecting flowers, already ripe seeds are also collected so that they do not scatter throughout the ground on their own. To do this, choose baskets with incomplete ripening; they will ripen when dried.

Description of the plant with photo

Calendula is a herbaceous, annual plant of the Asteraceae family. It has a specific, persistent smell. Its height reaches 75 cm. The stem is straight, sometimes slightly branched. Multiple leaves are covered with hairs. The root is branched. The flowers are yellow-orange and collected in large baskets with a diameter of 5-8 cm.

The flowering period begins in June and ends with the first frosts. Such a long flowering period is due to the large number of shoots. The fruits are a curved achene, which is arranged in 2 or 3 rows. The fruit ripens in July. Reproduction occurs using seeds.

When to harvest

Traditional methods of treatment use the part of the calendula that grows above the ground. The flowers of the plant contain a large number of useful substances. Collect inflorescences and grass from June until the first frost. With the onset of frost, calendula loses its beneficial properties.

The best days for collecting are warm and clear. The plant is harvested in the middle of the day. To do this, choose strong baskets that have completely blossomed. You must first prepare a tray or container with a low side for storage. Flowers with a peduncle of about 3 cm are cut with pruners, sharp scissors or carefully torn off. After this, only those flowers that are fully opened, not spoiled and in which there are no insects are placed in a wide tray. Flower collection continues until the tray is 4-5 cm full. After this, the calendula is dried. The baskets should be prepared for drying no later than 4 hours later.

Leaves and stems do not have to be collected only at midday. This can be done throughout the day. Only those shoots that are not damaged by insects and diseases have medicinal value and benefit. The more leaves a plant has, the higher its value. It must be clean. The stems are carefully cut with a knife or pruning shears. Then they are placed in a container that has been prepared in advance. The drying location must also be selected in advance. Rain should never wet the grass.

Plants that grow in environmentally friendly places have the greatest benefits. It is dangerous and unhealthy to collect calendula along roads, cemeteries, near manufacturing plants, railways, chemical storage facilities and landfills.

After collecting the plant, you need to take care of its proper drying. The drying room must be equipped with ventilation. A veranda or attic is suitable for this. Calendula should be dried in a warm, dry place. Direct exposure to the sun should be avoided.

The best way is natural drying. Inflorescences or leaves are laid out on clean sheets of paper or grids. Newspaper sheets are not suitable for this. The printing ink on them is toxic.

If the buds are dried on a sheet of paper, then during the first 3 days they need to be turned over at least once a day. The plant dries in the air for about 1.5 weeks.

It happens that the weather is not conducive to drying naturally. Then it is convenient to use specialized dryers. Please note that the dryer must be equipped with a thermostat. Otherwise, it will not be possible to preserve the beneficial properties of the product. The inflorescences or leaves are placed on the grill and the dryer is started. The temperature should be 40°C.

A gas stove is not suitable for these purposes. The temperature should not be higher than 40°C.

Determining whether a plant is dried or not is not difficult. Calendula flowers or leaves are squeezed. If they break into large flowers, then they are well dried. If, when you squeeze the grass, a fine powder remains in your hand, then the plant is overdried.

How to store raw materials

The raw materials should be collected and dried correctly. The basic principles for storing the drug are as follows:

humidity in the room should not be more than 75%;
It is unacceptable to store calendula at temperatures above 20 °C;
the room should be well ventilated.

The best option for storing raw materials is paper bags or small canvas bags. The storage location should be away from direct exposure to the sun. Care should be taken that dried calendula is not placed next to other herbs. Especially if the herbs have a specific persistent smell.

Following all storage rules, calendula inflorescences, leaves and stems will retain their healing properties for 2 years.

Important ! You can make juice from freshly collected raw materials. The collected leaves or flowers are squeezed using a juicer or meat grinder. The resulting juice is filtered and sterilized using a water bath.

To extend the shelf life, an alcohol tincture is made. Store the medicinal product in the refrigerator. By observing the subtleties of the storage process, you can obtain an effective healing agent.

Contraindications

The use of Calendula is contraindicated in patients for oral administration with:

Hypotension;
Bradycardia;
Pregnancy;
Calculous cholecystitis;
Individual intolerance to the plant;
Children under 12 years of age
Exacerbation of gastritis, stomach or duodenal ulcers.

You should use a mixture with motherwort or valerian with caution; the presence of Calendula enhances the sedative effect of decoctions and infusions.

Alcohol infusions should not be used internally by patients with liver or brain diseases.

Therapeutic use of Calendula for a long time is contraindicated.

Varieties of calendula

Calendula officinalis and field calendula are popular among flower growers and gardeners. Breeders work every year to develop new varieties, highlighting the beneficial qualities of the flower for medicinal purposes.

Annual field calendula

Annual field calendula grows up to 30 cm. With a straight, pubescent stem. The leaves grow alternately along the trunk. The flowers form a basket with a diameter of 1–2 centimeters. The color of the petals ranges from mustard to yellow.

Field calendula is not highly valued by gardeners and is often found among wildflowers and wildflowers. It grows wild in France, Germany and southern Europe.

Medicinal calendula

Medicinal calendula, on the contrary, is popular and is often grown in gardens. The stem is straight, with a lot of shoots growing from the internodes. The leaves are pubescent and oval-elongated. The flower has a specific aroma. The petals on the underside are matte and reed-shaped. And in the middle the petals are tubular: yellow, brown or orange.

How to cook

All parts of the plant except the root are used to prepare medicines in folk medicine. They are prepared from:

tinctures,
ointments,
decoctions;
teas and other medicinal drinks.

They are used to create:

compresses,
rinsing solutions and medicinal baths.

Infusion and decoction

Preparing an infusion of calendula is very simple.

Take 1 tbsp. raw materials;
Pour boiling water (1 cup);
Keep warm until it cools, then strain.

All the healing properties of the plant are transferred into an infusion, which is used for the following diseases:

gastritis,
hepatitis,
liver oncology,
disruption of the biliary tract,
hypertension,
mental illness,
for menstrual pain.

If you are concerned about cardiovascular diseases, add the following amount to the marigold infusion:

lemon balm,
hawthorn,
valerian.

A few spoons of cranberry juice added to the drink will enhance the healing effect.

For colds and flu, it is recommended to add a few crushed cloves of garlic to the broth.

For severe cough and diseases of the urinary system, you should drink this drink up to 3-4 times a day, 100 g.

It is recommended to take 2 tablespoons of infusion orally three times a day. But for inflammation of the urinary tract, this dose is taken every 20 minutes.

Ointment

The ointment is prepared based on flower extract. The product is endowed with bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties. The healing properties of the ointment are used for effective healing of skin wounds and various rashes.

Watch the video! Excellent DIY calendula ointment

The medicine is also able to fight microbes that activate the development of inflammatory processes on the skin. Relieves unpleasant symptoms of hemorrhoids, and also helps with varicose veins.

Recipe No. 1

100 g crushed dried flowers;
mixed with 200 g of pork fat.
the mixture is thoroughly ground and placed in a water bath;
After the formation of a homogeneous mass, it is cooled slightly and placed in a glass container.

In this form, the ointment is stored in the refrigerator.

Recipe No. 2

Another useful recipe, which includes:

3 tbsp. l dried raw materials;
pour 4 tbsp. spoons of boiling water;
The container with the mixture is wrapped and kept for 2 hours;
After filtering, add 1 tablespoon of Vaseline to the infusion and mix thoroughly.

Advice! An ointment prepared from fresh marigolds with the addition of celandine juice is effectively used to remove warts.

Oil

The use of oil from this plant provides an anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, disinfectant and restorative effect. It is prepared according to a special recipe.

The picked inflorescences are immediately placed in a glass container with 0.5 ml, leaving 2 cm to the end of the neck;
The raw materials are filled with sunflower or olive oil;
The mixture is kept in a cool place for 10 days, shaking the jar periodically.

This oil is prescribed for external use in the following cases:

Varicose ulcers;
Burnt areas of the body;
Eczema of dry origin;
Diaper rash in newborns;
Cracks in the nipples during lactation;
Skin damage (wounds, cuts);
Bedsores.

Internal use of the oil is recommended for diseases associated with the digestive system: ulcers, erosions.

Also, it is prescribed to improve the general condition of menopause, irritability and headaches. Calendula oil is used 1 tbsp. 2 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

Juice, tea

Juice is squeezed from fresh inflorescences, which is a universal medicine for eliminating the symptoms of many diseases.

It is used for colds, insect bites, inflammation and peptic ulcers, gastritis, and hypertension.

To prepare calendula juice:

freshly picked flowers need to be crushed in a blender;
collect them in cheesecloth and squeeze well;
the resulting juice must be sterilized in a water bath for 1 hour, then its storage will be significantly increased.

For some diseases, juice with honey or milk is taken orally, 1-2 tbsp. 2 times a day. In other cases, it is diluted with water and applied externally:

for gargling - 1:2,
for douching and enemas - 1:3.

When preparing medicinal marigold tea:

add the same amount of mint, chamomile or linden;
take 1 tbsp of the resulting mixture;
pour a glass of boiling water;
keep in a warm place for about 20 minutes.

Calendula tea has a positive effect on the body for any indication. It is often used for general strengthening of the body.

Alcohol tincture

Thanks to the properties of alcohol, calendula tincture retains all the healing qualities of the plant. To create the drug use:

alcohol 70% - 5 parts;
fresh calendula flowers - 1 part.

Another recipe option:

1 tbsp. flowers, pre-crushed;
1 glass of vodka.

The raw materials are poured with alcohol or vodka and left for 2 days in a cold cabinet. Now the tincture can be strained and transferred to a glass container. The medicine is stored in a dark and cool place.

Before use, the tincture should be diluted with water:

for 1 glass of water;
1 tsp facilities.

Such solutions are used for compresses on problem areas of the skin, for rinsing the throat and mouth. Also recommended for hair loss and dandruff on the head.

For diseases such as hypertension, poor quality sleep, nervous disorders, cough, poor bile excretion, alcohol tincture of calendula is used orally. Dose: 20 drops of medicine 3 times a day.