Calendula oil benefits are numerous, making it a must-have in your home remedies kit. This herbal oil is derived from the Calendula officinalis plant, also known as pot marigold. Its bright orange and yellow flowers have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties, and the oil extracted from these flowers is a popular remedy for various skin conditions. In this article, we will explore the benefits of calendula oil for skin, hair, and overall health, and how you can incorporate it into your daily routine. Keep reading to learn more about the incredible benefits of calendula oil.
Calendula got its name originally from the Romans, who realized that the flowers bloomed on the first of the month. The first day of the month in the Roman calendar was called calend. Thus, the name was given as Calendula.
Calendula has been used for thousands of years. The flower has both medicinal and culinary uses. Let’s look a little closer at some of the Calendula Oil benefits for your health and body. I won’t be looking at culinary uses, but the common name of pot marigold was endowed on the flower because it was used in the past to decorate other dishes and as a thickener for soups and stews.
Calendula oil contains Vitamins A, B, D, and E. It also contains beta-carotene, which gives vegetables yellow, orange, or red coloring. The body converts beta-carotene to Vitamin A.
What is Calendula Oil?
Calendula oil is a highly valued oil extracted from the flowers of the calendula plant, also known as marigold. The oil is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products due to its numerous skin benefits. The plant is native to southwestern Asia and western Europe but has since been introduced to various parts of the world. The extraction process typically involves macerating the flower heads in a carrier oil, such as olive or sunflower oil, for several weeks. The oil is then filtered and ready for use.
Calendula oil is rich in various beneficial compounds, including triterpenoids, flavonoids, and carotenoids. These compounds give the oil its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, making it a popular choice for treating a variety of skin conditions. Calendula oil is known to soothe dry and irritated skin, reduce the appearance of scars, and promote skin regeneration. It is also believed to help reduce pain and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis and sprains.
In addition to its skin benefits, calendula oil has also been used in traditional medicine to treat various internal conditions, such as digestive issues, menstrual cramps, and fever. It is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system, making it useful in treating anxiety and insomnia.
When using calendula oil, it is important to choose a high-quality, organic oil to ensure maximum benefits. The oil can be applied directly to the skin, or added to creams, lotions, or other skincare products. It can also be used in massage oils or added to bathwater for a soothing and relaxing experience.
How is Calendula Oil Made?
The oil is extracted through a process called maceration, which involves soaking the plant material in a carrier oil until the oil has been infused with the plant’s active compounds.
To make calendula oil, you will need to gather fresh calendula flowers that are in full bloom. You can grow your own calendula flowers or purchase them from a reputable herb supplier. Once you have the flowers, you will need to dry them thoroughly to remove any excess moisture. This can be done by laying them out in a single layer on a clean towel and leaving them to air dry for several days.
Once the flowers are dry, you can begin the maceration process. To do this, place the dried calendula flowers in a clean, dry glass jar and cover them with a carrier oil such as olive oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil. Be sure to use a high-quality carrier oil that is free of additives and preservatives. The flowers should be completely covered by the oil, and there should be at least an inch of oil above the top of the flowers.
Seal the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark place for four to six weeks. During this time, the active compounds in the flowers will infuse into the oil, creating a potent herbal oil with a bright yellow color and a slightly floral scent. Shake the jar every day to help distribute the plant material and ensure that the oil is fully infused.
After four to six weeks, strain the oil through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the plant material. Store the oil in a clean, dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid, and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The oil should last for up to a year if stored properly.
Making calendula oil at home is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to harness the powerful healing properties of this amazing herb. Whether you use it to soothe irritated skin, reduce inflammation, or support overall health and wellness, calendula oil is a versatile and beneficial herbal oil that is worth adding to your natural health toolkit.
Calendula Oil Benefits
Calendula Oil Benefits for Fighting Germs
The constituents contained in Calendula flowers exhibit antimicrobial benefits. This is especially true when using Sunflower Oil to create the infused oil. The oil is used in antiseptic over-the-counter products for topical application. It has also been shown as an effective antifungal in laboratory studies. Using it on minor wounds may help prevent infection and help with healing.
Anti-inflammatory Benefits
Calendula oil is a potent and effective anti-inflammatory. It is believed that the flavonoids contained in Calendula provide these benefits. These anti-inflammatory benefits make it a potent weapon for the treatment of minor skin wounds and inflammation. It has been used to treat diaper rash for babies, hemorrhoids, itchy rashes, and painful outbreaks. It can also help decrease pro-inflammatory compounds present in the body. Used as a tea, it can be taken internally for inflammatory conditions within the body. Used locally on minor wounds, it can help reduce inflammation in the wound to speed healing.
Calendula Oil Benefits Promote Wound Healing
Calendula oil helps to increase blood flow and decrease inflammation in wounds, helping them heal faster. The increased oxygen to the tissues from increased blood flow helps with new tissue generation and wound closure in hard-to-heal wounds. Used internally by making the flowers into tea, it is used in the natural treatment of ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Used infused into a carrier oil externally, it can help slow-to-heal wounds heal and can also help with skin hydration and elasticity.
Calming For Muscle Spasms
It can be used to relieve muscle spasms both internally and externally. When taken as a tea, it has been found that an important calendula oil benefit is in helping to decrease PMS symptoms from the spasms occurring in the uterus. For this reason, it should not be taken by those who are pregnant, as it might increase menstruation and cause miscarriage. Since the effects have not been studied on infants, nursing mothers should probably avoid using it as well. It has been found that it might also alleviate hot flashes when used internally in tea.
Calendula Oil Benefits for Oral Health
Calendula extract has been used extensively in oral care products you can buy over the counter. Since it has effective antimicrobial properties, as well as being anti-inflammatory, it is used to kill germs as well as relieve gingivitis and gum disease. Mix this oil with virgin coconut oil for a potent oral health treatment called oil pulling.
Calendula Helps Fight Cancer
The anti-inflammatory properties of Calendula can help fight cancer activity, and it also helps activate the lymphocytes within the body’s immune system. This can help to fight other invaders, like viruses and bacteria. It has also been found to be more effective than some topical treatments widely recommended for treating the discomfort and swelling from radiation during therapy for breast cancer.
Conclusion
As you can see, Calendula oil benefits for your body and skin continue to be discovered. You can make your own Calendula infused oil at home, or you can buy infused Calendula Oil. However you decide to use it, Calendula oil has benefits you may want to take advantage of today.
Be sure and check out our list of articles to discover a wealth of information on other wild edible and medicinal plants.
FAQs:
Q: What is calendula oil good for?
A: Calendula oil is known for its healing properties and is commonly used for skin conditions such as wounds, burns, and rashes. It also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making it useful for treating various skin issues.
Q: Can you use calendula oil directly on the skin?
A: Yes, calendula oil is safe to use directly on the skin. It is gentle and can be used on sensitive skin as well.
Q: Is calendula oil good for your face?
A: Yes, calendula oil is good for the face. It can help soothe and hydrate the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote skin regeneration.
Q: What are the side effects of calendula oil?
A: Calendula oil is generally safe to use, but some people may experience allergic reactions such as redness, itching, or rash. It is recommended to perform a patch test before using it on a larger area of skin.
Q: Is calendula oil good for wrinkles?
A: Calendula oil can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can help protect the skin from damage and promote skin elasticity.
Q: Does calendula oil lighten skin?
A: Calendula oil does not have skin-lightening properties. However, it can help improve the overall appearance of the skin and promote a healthy glow.
Q: How do you use calendula oil for hair growth?
A: Calendula oil can be used as a scalp treatment to promote hair growth. It can be applied directly to the scalp and massaged in, or added to a shampoo or conditioner.
Q: What are the benefits of calendula for the scalp?
A: Calendula can help soothe and heal the scalp, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy hair growth. It can also help alleviate dandruff and other scalp conditions.
Q: Does calendula oil grow hair?
A: While calendula oil can help promote a healthy scalp and hair growth, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that it directly promotes hair growth.
Q: Does calendula help acne?
A: Yes, calendula can help reduce inflammation and promote healing, making it a useful ingredient for treating acne-prone skin.
Q: Does calendula oil reduce inflammation?
A: Yes, calendula oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation and redness in the skin.
Q: Is calendula good for arthritis pain?
A: Calendula has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. However, more research is needed in this area.
Q: Does calendula oil help with pain?
A: Calendula oil has been traditionally used for pain relief, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. It may help reduce pain and inflammation when applied topically.