Marigold Extract
Species name: Calendula officinalis, family: Compositae-Asteraceae
Also known as: pot marigold, calendula, garden marigold, holigold, marigold, and mary-bud
What is Marigold Extract? Marigolds are an easy to grow annual with gold-orange and yellow flowers that will bloom all summer long, making them a popular garden plant.
In Midieval folklore this plant was used as a potion and given to maidens so they could discover who they were destined to marry.
The name marigold was later associated to the Virgin Mary, and the flower is often used in Catholic events that honor her.
The marigold is common to North America and Europe.
The flowers of the marigold plant contain medicinal ingredients such as calendulin, carotenoids (as well as beta-carotene), rutin, isoquercitrin, lupeol, narcissin, sterols, amyrin and volatile oils.
They also have properties that stimulate immunity called polysaccharides.
Home Remedies using Marigold Extract:
Benefits and Uses of Marigold Extract:
On a small scale marigold in cosmetic creams lessen the appearance of wrinkles while hydrating the skin.
Marigold has also been recommended in reducing inflammation, soothing irritated tissue, treating varicose veins and capillary engorgement because of its anti-inflammatory properties as well as for congestion.
In tincture it is used topically to treat acne. It is an anti-viral and also has anti-genotoxic properties.
There is some evidence that marigold extract in an ointment or cream is effective in treating radiation dermatitis.
In studies of radiation patients the use of 4 percent topical calendula ointment resulted in fewer occurrences of radiation dermatitis (grade 2 or higher) and the pain that can be associated with it.
Marigold extract has been shown to have protective properties that guard against lipid pre-oxidation as well as negative free radical activity due to its antioxidant activity.
Extract of dried organic flowers were researched to judge their ability to hold in check the (HIV-1) human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication and were found to possess anti-HIV properties of therapeutic interest.
For use internally, calendula has been found useful for gastrointestinal disorders for its ability to protect the lining of both the stomach and intestines.
It does this by inhibiting the causes of inflammation by limiting the effects of bacteria that can cause gastritis, peptic ulcers or even stomach cancer.
Taken orally the extract has been effective for soothing stomach ulcers and their inflammation. Traditionally, it has been used for both constipation and abdominal cramps.
Marigold has many external uses all due to the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities of the orange flower petals.
These properties make the flower a popular treatment with effectiveness in treating such ailments as ear infections as good as the leading prescription drugs. This holds true for chronic conjunctivitis (pink eye) as well.
Extract in ointment form is soothing to areas of inflammation because it has the ability to attack the bacteria causing the problem.
This is true for inflammations such as hemorrhoids, insect bites, scalds, burns (including sun- burn), acne, eczema, diaper rash as well as the vaginal itching caused by tissue changes during menopause.
Gargling with calendula extract in water (tea) is known to ease sore throat pain.
Side effects of Marigold Extract:
Marigold is a relatively safe herb and as always, you should consult a professional prior to using new remedies.
This should be avoided by those who have ragweed allergies.
If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, consult your physician prior to use.
