As arnica (Arnica montana L.) is the sun of our mountains, marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) is that of our gardens. Its name, which evokes the problems, comes from Old French and actually means “who follows the sun”. This “day beauty” with an orange-yellow head, belongs to the Asteraceae family, like its mountain cousin. As for the marigold (Calendula arvensis L.), smaller but no less effective than it, it is a wild species that grows in meadows and fields.
Formerly referred to as the “saffron of the poor”, it has long been used as a tincture and a condiment. In the Middle Ages, it was one of the plants listed in the chapter house of Villis, a text dating back to the time of Charlemagne and recommending its cultivation in the gardens of the monasteries. The solar color of this beautiful flower reveals the presence of carotenoids, which can be transformed into vitamin A, and flavonoids. Whether orally or locally, calendula offers very diverse therapeutic properties. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, anti-infective and antioxidant at the same time. For skin care, an oily macerate is used (see preparation below). This quintessential “anti” plant is easy to grow: it loves the sun! It is therefore interesting to have it always on hand, on your balcony or in your garden.
Precautions for use
Always seek advice from your doctor in case of pregnancy, offeeding with milk or treatment. Ditto for young children.
Before using an essential oil, place a drop in the crook of the elbow. If no redness appears after 30 to 45 minutes, it is appropriate.
Avoid any contact between an essential oil and the eyes.
For each preparation, follow the protocols described: quantity, duration of treatment, etc.
Calm heartburn
This soothing herbal infusion relieves gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining).
Recipe
Take 15 g of calendula flower heads,
15 g of peppermint leaves,
20 g of lemon balm leaves and 30 g of matricaria flower heads. To mix together.
Put 3 tablespoons of the mixture in 1 liter of simmering water, then
let steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
How to use it?
Drink 2 to 4 cups of infusion per day after meals for 3 weeks.
Alleviate PMS
A mixture of hydroalcoholic extracts (obtained by maceration of plants) with antispasmodic properties to relieve pain before menstruation.
Recipe
Pour 1 ml of EH (hydroalcoholic extract) of calendula, 1 ml of EH of lady’s mantle (or lion’s foot) and 1 ml of EH of chamomile in a large glass of water.
How to use it?
Drink this preparation, 3 times a day, for 5 days: 3 days before the rules and during the first 2 days.
Treating baby’s diaper rash
For soften red buttocks and irritated by contact with diapers.
Recipe
Put a dab of gelaloe vera in a glass. Add 1 teaspoon of oily calendula macerate. To mix together. Add 1 drop of essential oil (essential oil) of officinal lavender. To mix together.
How to use it?
Gently apply this preparation on the baby’s bottom at the time of the change, for 4 days maximum.
Read also: Aloe vera gentle on the skin
Grandmother’s remedies to relieve diaper rash
Soothing psoriasis
A cocktail of essential oils against itching due to psoriasis (inflammatory skin disease).
Recipe
In a very clean 30 ml brown glass bottle, pour 20 drops of essential oil (EO) of myrrh, 20 drops of EO of matricaria, 20 drops of EO of officinal lavender and 10 drops of EO of spikenard.
Fill the bottle, halfway, with oily calendula macerate and complete the volume with argan vegetable oil.
How to use it?
Apply the preparation to the area to be relieved: elbows, knees …
Protect the skin during radiotherapy
In prevention of dermatitis, skin reactions to radiation sessions.
Recipe
Put oily calendula macerate in the palm of your hand, then add 2 drops of tea tree essential oil.
How to use it?
Massage the mixture on the targeted area before the session (avoiding marks). It is best to talk to the doctor first.
Prepare an oily macerate
Place calendula flower heads in a glass jar.
Fill it three quarters with vegetable oil. Close and surround with opaque paper.
Place the jar in the sun and let macerate for 21 days.
Stir regularly, adding oil if necessary, then filter.
Store for 6 to 12 months in a warm place.
Read also:
Treat minor skin ailments with calendula
Palmarosa, the cleansing oil
