Calendula - cultivation and care, medicinal properties and contraindications. Potato salad with calendula. Use in cooking

Calendula is also called marigold, and the plant can be found in the Mediterranean, Volga region, Ukraine, Krasnodar region, Belarus and Moldova. Calendula, medicinal properties and contraindications are used as a solution internal problems in health and externally, which we will talk about in this material.

Beneficial features

The explanation of the beneficial properties of calendula is very simple - it is filled with a lot of important human body components, which include carotenoids and substances that synthesize vitamin A, sterols and alcohols with a cholesterol structure. As well as triterpenoids and flavonoids, essential oils and coumarins with mineral elements, as well as many vitamins.

Not only the flowers, but also the foliage and roots have medicinal properties of calendula. The former help lower cholesterol levels, relieve inflammation, speed up wound healing, relieve stomach and intestinal spasms, remove toxins and other unnecessary substances, produce bile and get rid of urinary problems, and they also protect against viral infections.

If we talk about the leaves of the plant, they are rich in vitamin C and salicylic acid, which is successfully used by culinary specialists.

The healing qualities extend:

1. For all kinds of skin ailments.
2. For eye diseases.
3. For stomach problems gallbladder and urinary.
4. For colds, as well as sore throat, stomatitis and diathesis.
5. For cardiovascular problems, headaches and insomnia.
6. For lack of vitamins and dystrophy.

Marigolds can help as a aid in the treatment of various tumors.

The plant has a tonic, anti-inflammatory, astringent and antiviral effect, cleansing the blood and calming nervous system, as well as effectively strengthening hair and improving appearance skin.

What diseases does it help with?

Indications for the use of calendula in various forms include the following diseases:

• acne, burns, wounds and cracks, fungi on the skin and warts, pigmentation and boils;
• gastrointestinal ulcer and gastritis with gallbladder pathologies;
• gynecological inflammation and erosion, thrush and menopausal symptoms;
• stress, neuroses and sleep problems;
• cough and sore throat;

Important: calendula alone, without antibiotics and sulfonamides, cannot cure, for example, a sore throat.

• high blood pressure and heart disease;
• headaches and teeth pain.

Calendula officinalis is an annual plant from the Asteraceae family. This flower is popularly called marigold, guess, heart, pharmacy marigold or crocos.

The plant has a number of medicinal properties. The value of calendula is due to its abundance useful components in its composition. It is thanks to its healing power received a flower wide application in pharmaceuticals, medicine and cosmetology. About what properties this miracle plant has, and how to use it correctly in medicinal purposes, we will consider further.

Chemical composition

A huge number of beneficial properties of calendula officinalis are due to its rich chemical composition. Almost all parts of the plant are valuable: its inflorescences, leaves and roots. However, most often the inflorescences of the plant are used for treatment purposes. They contain the maximum amount of valuable nutrients:

• Vitamins – C, A;
• Microelements: manganese, copper, zinc, molybdenum, aluminum, chromium, selenium, silicon, boron, iodine;
• Macroelements - potassium, calcium, magnesium;
• Organic acids - salicylic, pentadencinic and malic;
• Essential oils;
• Flavonoids;
• Carotenoids;
• Proteins;
• Saponins;
• Phintocides;
• Paraffin carbohydrates, etc.

This is only a small part of the components that make up the medicinal plant. The leaves, roots and seeds of calendula also contain many elements beneficial to our body. For example, green leaves contain a lot of ascorbic acid and salicylic acid. In traditional medicine recipes you can find the use of this part of the plant for cooking. medicinal decoctions and infusions.

Beneficial features

Calendula officinalis has a mass medicinal properties. This makes it possible to use this plant for the treatment and prevention of various diseases of our body.

The plant has bactericidal and antiviral effects. It is effectively used to treat diseases caused by staphylococci and streptococci. Traditional medicine uses the flowers of the plant in the fight against herpes and some colds.

Due to its properties, calendula has various medicinal effects:

• antiviral,
• antipyretic,
• anti-inflammatory,
• antispasmodic,
• healing.

Calendula flowers are used as an expectorant and antipyretic during colds, flu and sore throats. Decoctions prepared from the plant and medicinal teas helps relieve sore throat, nasal congestion and elevated temperature.

The anti-inflammatory properties of calendula allow the plant to be used for certain diseases genitourinary system, and dental practice to eliminate symptoms of pyorrhea, gingivitis and dystrophic forms of periodontal disease.

The healing properties of calendula are also involved in gynecology. Infusions from the flowers of the plant can be used to treat such women's problems, such as thrush, erosion, cystitis, as well as the appearance of various inflammatory and excretory elements.

Calendula officinalis increases the body's protective functions.

Calendula is endowed with antispasmodic and choleretic properties. This makes it possible to use it for the treatment of hepatitis and cholecystitis, as well as for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

The medicinal plant is used to eliminate various damages skin. It has an antiseptic, wound-healing and restorative effect. Calendula is recommended for the treatment of acne, psoriasis, seborrhea, as well as household injuries - burns, scratches and cuts.

Calendula is used to treat internal organs. The plant is also used to reduce high blood pressure and stabilize hypertension. It improves the functioning of the heart muscle and has a positive effect on blood vessels.

The healing properties of marigolds do not end there. The plant is effective means treatment and prevention of a number of diseases.

Indications for use of calendula:

• Skin diseases (dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, acne, pimples);
• Colds, flu, sore throat;
• Headache;
• Diseases of cardio-vascular system, ;
• Some diseases of the genitourinary system;
• Diseases gastrointestinal tract;
• Eye diseases (blepharitis, conjunctivitis);
• Diathesis;
• Avitaminosis;
• Insomnia;
• Dystrophy, etc.

Traditional medicine recipes with calendula

Calendula officinalis has found widespread use in alternative medicine. The plant is used to treat many pathologies. All parts of the plant are used for medicinal purposes - flowers, leaves, roots. Traditional medicine abounds different ways preparing calendula. Decoctions, tinctures, medicinal oil, teas and infusions.

Calendula can be used as medicine V various types: as tincture, decoction, oil and even ointment. At the right recipe and the method of preparation, it will not lose its medicinal properties and will help against a variety of diseases.

Alcohol tincture

For alcohol infusion ki from calendula you will need 30-40 g of dried or fresh flowers of the plant. Pour them into a glass container and fill in 110 ml medical alcohol. Let the solution sit for 8-10 hours in a dark place. After the time has elapsed, the tincture will be ready. Indications for use: cuts, burns, purulent inflammation, wounds and other damage to the skin. If there are wounds, it is recommended to dissolve 1 tsp. tinctures in 100 ml of water. Rinse the wound with the resulting solution and apply streptocide.

Water infusion from inflorescences

Take a tablespoon of dried marigolds and pour 250 ml of boiling water over it. Next, let it brew for an hour and a half. After time, the infusion must be filtered. Indications for use: flu, sore throat, gastritis, ulcerative lesions gastric mucosa. The infusion can be used to gargle. This remedy has an expectorant effect, promoting the removal of sputum.

Calendula flower oil

To prepare the oil, you will need the inflorescences of the plant and unrefined, cold-pressed oil. Most the best option – olive oil. At 2 tbsp. l. dried marigolds you need to take one glass of oil. The components are mixed in a glass container and left for 7-8 weeks. The jar needs to be shaken out periodically. When the oil is ready, it must be filtered and poured into an airtight container. The oil can be taken internally and externally. For external use

Healing ointment

Take one glass of dried inflorescences of the plant and grind them to a powder. Then, in a regular enamel pan, heat 200-250 grams pork fat. When the lard is melted, add chopped calendula to it and mix well. Let the prepared mixture brew for a day. After this, add 20 grams to the bulk beeswax and heat it up. Ready mixture strain and store in the refrigerator.

You can try a different ointment recipe. For this, 1 tsp. Grind the marigolds to a powdery consistency. Then add 1 tbsp to it. l. pharmaceutical Vaseline. Mix and store the finished ointment in the refrigerator. Indications for use: non-healing wounds, cracks, burns, allergic reactions, itching, excessive dry skin, etc.

The use of calendula for various diseases

You can use products with calendula when various diseases. In order for the medicine to have the desired effect, it is necessary to observe all the nuances of its preparation, because a variety of dosages and components are suitable for each disease.

For insomnia you need 2 tbsp. l. Infuse marigolds in 100 ml of alcohol. The product must infuse for 14 days. The prepared tincture is taken 20 drops twice a day. This method can also be used as an additional sedative or added to tea.

For sore throat, sore throat and flu You will need one tablespoon of dried marigolds. Pour the inflorescences into a cup and pour boiling water over them. We insist for 40 minutes. Gargle with the prepared infusion once every two hours. In addition, it is recommended to take 1 tbsp orally. l. solution diluted with water 3-4 times a day.

For dizziness This infusion will help: 10 g of calendula flowers are steamed in a glass of boiling water. Cover with a lid and let sit for an hour. The finished infusion is taken 20-30 ml three times a day, half an hour after meals.

For arrhythmia you need 2 tsp. plants pour 0.5 l hot water. Cover the container with a lid and let it brew for 1.5 hours. After this, filter and take 100 ml 2-3 times a day.

For uterine fibroids it is necessary to use an alcohol infusion, the recipe for which is indicated above. The tincture is diluted with water in the proportion of 13 drops per 400 ml of water. The components are mixed, and the finished solution is consumed daily, 25 drops. Accept healing agent necessary before main meals.

In cosmetology medicinal calendula used quite often. Beneficial features marigolds have long been used in the cosmetics industry. The plant extract can be found in the composition of many modern cosmeceuticals. The plant is used in some lotions, creams, tonics, serums, shampoos, gels, etc. Some skin care products can be prepared at home.

Rejuvenating mask: chop 1 tbsp. l. dry marigolds and 1 tbsp. l. oatmeal to a powdery consistency. Add a little lemon juice, 1 tbsp. l. water and a few drops of avocado oil and wheat germ oil. Mix everything and apply to the face and décolleté for 20 minutes. After the time has passed, wash it off.

Anti-inflammatory facial lotion: 15-20 g of dried calendula inflorescences must be poured with 200 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for 20 minutes, then filter. Wipe your face with the prepared infusion morning and evening, using it as a lotion.

Healing ointment for acne and various rashes: grind 2 tsp into powder. calendula flowers. Mix them with 1 tbsp. l. baby cream To enhance the effect, you can add 1 tsp to the ointment. zinc The consistency should be uniform. Store the ointment in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use the prepared product to lubricate those areas of the skin where there are pimples and pustular rashes.

Nourishing mask for dry skin type: 3 tbsp. l. pour dried marigolds with 100 ml of boiling water. Cover the container with a lid and leave to infuse dark place. After 40 minutes, pour out the infusion, and add 2 tablespoons of honey to the remaining cake. Mix everything and apply to the skin for 15-20 minutes. Then wash it off warm water.

Decoction for strengthening hair: you will need 50-60 g of fresh or dried plant flowers. They need to be poured with one liter of boiling water and boiled in a water bath for 10 minutes. It is recommended to rinse your hair with the cooled, filtered broth after washing. Repeat the procedure 1-2 times a week.

Anti-freckle lightening treatment age spots: take fresh flowers calendulas, squeeze the juice out of them. 1 tbsp. l. Mix the finished juice in equal proportions with lemon juice. Apply the prepared product to problem areas twice a day until the pigmentation disappears.

Contraindications

Despite the abundance of beneficial properties, the plant has a number of contraindications. Main contraindications to the use of calendula:

• Pregnancy and lactation.
• Reception hormonal drugs.
• Increased acidity stomach.
• Reduced heartbeat and low blood pressure.
• Tendency to have an allergic reaction to pollen.
• Presence of kidney stones. Gallstone disease is a very important contraindication. Eating choleretic decoctions or teas can cause stones to shift, leading to blockage of the bile duct.

It is very important to follow the dosage. Exceeding the norm can cause various adverse reactions: nausea, vomiting. If taken externally, it can cause dry skin and the appearance of microcracks.

However, despite possible side effects, calendula remains important and indispensable in cosmetology and folk medicine component. Calendula will help with illnesses, wounds, problems with internal organs and even eliminate external defects. The benefits of this plant for humans are incomparable!

About 10 g (5 tablespoons) of marigold flowers are placed in an enamel bowl, pour 200 ml (1 glass) of hot boiled water, close the lid and leave in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes, cool at room temperature for 45 minutes, filter, and squeeze out the remaining raw materials. The volume of the resulting infusion is adjusted to 200 ml with boiled water.

For rinsing the mouth and throat, use warm 1/2 - 1 glass of infusion 3-5 times a day. Take 1-2 tablespoons orally 2-3 times a day before meals. It is recommended to shake the infusion before use.

Characteristic

Description

Pieces of receptacle, reed flowers, tubular flowers, involucre leaves and their fragments, unripe fruits and their pieces passing through a sieve with 5 mm holes. Pieces of the receptacle are bare, often with preserved remains of the involucre along the edge; ligulate flowers are three-toothed at the apex, usually with a torn tubular base; five-toothed tubular flowers, often unopened (in the form of buds); densely pubescent involucre leaves grey-green color, narrow lanceolate with a lighter stripe along the edge and a slightly protruding main vein. The color of the reed flowers is reddish orange, orange, bright yellow or pale yellow; tubular flowers – light yellow, yellow; involucre leaves – grayish-green; unripe fruits - green, grayish-green, yellowish-green, yellowish-brown and brown; receptacle – light gray, greenish or brownish gray. The smell is weak. The taste of the water extract is salty-bitter.

pharmachologic effect

Indications for use

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, when taken orally - childhood(up to 12 years old), acute gastritis, peptic ulcer stomach and duodenum during an exacerbation, calculous cholecystitis.

Side effect

Storage conditions

Best before date

2 years. Do not use after the expiration date.

Conditions for dispensing from pharmacies

Over the counter.

Manufacturer

LLC Firm "Health"

Marigolds instructions for use

Filter packages

2 filter bags are placed in a glass or enamel container, pour 100 ml
(1/2 cup) boiling water, cover and leave for 30 minutes. The filter bags are wrung out, and the volume of the resulting infusion is adjusted to 100 ml with boiled water.

For rinsing the mouth and throat, use warm 1/2 - 1 glass of infusion 3-5 times a day. Take 1-2 tablespoons orally 2-3 times a day before meals. It is recommended to shake the infusion before use.

Characteristic

Marigold flowers contain carotenoids, flavonoids, tannins, triterpene compounds and other biologically active substances.

Description

A heterogeneous mixture of flower heads with remnants of peduncles, tubular flowers of orange-yellow, yellow or golden-orange, reed flowers of orange, orange-red, orange-yellow or yellow color, occasionally pieces of unripe fruit. The smell is weak. The taste of the water extract is salty-bitter.

Pharmacotherapeutic group

Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent of plant origin.

pharmachologic effect

An infusion of marigold flowers has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and choleretic effects.

Indications for use

Locally, an infusion of marigold flowers is used for rinsing when inflammatory diseases oral cavity (gingivitis, stomatitis, periodontitis) as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It is used orally in adults as a choleretic agent.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, when taken orally - children's age (up to 12 years), acute gastritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum during an exacerbation, calculous cholecystitis.

Use during pregnancy and lactation

Oral use is possible after consultation with your doctor.

Side effect

Allergic reactions are possible. When taken orally: bitterness in the mouth, heartburn, abdominal pain.

Storage conditions

In a dry place, protected from light. Store the finished infusion in a cool place for no more than 2 days. Keep out of the reach of children.

People call calendula marigolds. Obviously, hinting at what its seeds look like: sort of hooked claws with jagged edges. Calendula combines both medicinal and decorative functions. She will at the same time decorate your area with her bright colors and improve your health.

Appearance

Calendula is a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. Height ranges from 10 to 85 cm, depending on the species. The stem (simple or branched) and oval leaves of calendula are slightly covered with fluff. Flowers - baskets of bright orange or yellowish color. The basket itself is formed by a two-row of long petals, shaped like chamomile petals. The core of the flower is the same shade as the petals, or a dark brownish-red color.

The root of marigolds is taproot. By autumn, the seeds on the calendula ripen, which, like the petals, form 2-3 rows. What is noteworthy is that the seeds located in the middle of the basket differ in shape from those located outside; they are more hooked.

Kinds

There are few types of calendula, about twenty. The most common are calendula field and calendula officinalis:

• Field calendula (Calendula Arvensis). This is an annual. Its height is from 10 to 30 cm.
• Calendula officinalis (Calendula officinalis). Annual plant. The height of this representative of the flora is from 20 to 75 cm. The stems and leaves are light green in color and covered with small hairs, and they are sticky on the shoots. The flower basket, 5-6 cm in diameter, is formed by petals in one row. Their color is yellow or orange. Calendula officinalis can withstand cold temperatures down to -5°C.

Where does it grow?

Calendula can be found in Mediterranean countries, Western Europe and Western Asia.

Calendula is very popular in India, and its flowers are used to make traditional wreaths and necklaces for the holidays.

Method of making spices

To prepare the spice, calendula must first be dried and then simply ground to a powder.

Calendula flowers are collected during the period when the plant begins to bloom. You must not be late with collection. Otherwise, you will receive raw materials that will not have a full range of medicinal and useful qualities. If about 50% of the flowers on the plant have bloomed, then the time for harvest has come. After 3-4 days, the marigolds will bloom again. Since the plant blooms until autumn, raw materials can be harvested for a long time.

Step-by-step procurement process:

1. It is recommended to pick flowers in the morning, but make sure there is no dew on the bushes.
2. The flower is torn off along with the peduncle. Next, the raw materials are laid out in a thin layer and dried in the shade. It is advisable that the drying room is well ventilated.
3. The raw material should be stirred periodically, otherwise it may simply rot.
4. The state of readiness is checked by pressing on the inflorescence. If it crumbles, you can transfer the flowers to paper or fabric bags.

The beneficial properties of the plant in this form last for 2 years. After this period, calendula loses its medicinal properties. Therefore, it is recommended to harvest the plant in such volumes that you can use it throughout the year.

When storing, make sure that the raw materials are not exposed to moisture.

Peculiarities

• The flowering period of calendula is quite long: from June to October.
• The value of a plant is determined by the intensity of the color of the flowers. The richer the “orangeness”, the more valuable substances the calendula contains.
• Flowers mainly have medicinal properties. Stems and leaves are used less frequently, and the root is practically not used as a medicinal raw material.

Characteristics

• Calendula has a peculiar bitter-herbaceous aroma with a hint of astringency.
• Marigolds reproduce using seeds. In general, the plant is unpretentious and loves a lot of light.
• The abundance of pollen and nectar attracts bees and butterflies.

Nutritional value and calorie content

Marigold flowers contain only 15 calories.

The nutritional value 100 grams of dried calendula petals:

• Proteins – 3 g (12 kcal).
• Fats – 0 g.
• Carbohydrates – 0.2 g (1 kcal).

You can learn more about the beneficial properties of calendula from next video:

Calendula is very rich in various chemical compounds that make this plant beneficial. The marigolds contain:

• Carotenoids, about 3%. It is these substances that give the plant its bright, rich orange color.
• Sterols - 18% of this substance is found in the leaves of the plant).
• Flavonoids protect the plant from exposure to ultraviolet rays.
• Resins and tannins.
• Essential oil (due to its content, calendula has antibiotic properties).
• Coumarins, relieve inflammation.
• Enzymes and organic acids.
• Alkaloids.
• Vitamin C.
• Macroelements - K, Ca, Mg, Fe.
• Microelements - Mn, Cu, Zn, Co, Mo, Al, Cr, Se, Ni, Sr, Pb, I, B.

Rich composition of useful chemical compounds determines the extensive use of calendula in folk medicine

Beneficial features

Marigold flowers:

• Relieves inflammation and pain.
• They have disinfecting properties.
• Used in the treatment of high blood pressure.
• They have diuretic properties.

Infusions and decoctions are used:

• In the treatment of rheumatism.
• Hypertension.
• Externally in the treatment of calluses and ulcers.

There are many recipes based on calendula: for liver diseases, impotence, dermatological problems and other diseases

Harm

• Calendula has the property of lowering blood pressure. In this regard, it can be harmful to people with low blood pressure.
• If you have heart problems and blood vessels Before you self-medicate, be sure to consult your doctor.
• Marigolds should not be used in combination with other herbs that have sedative properties.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and lactation period.
• Low blood pressure.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract during exacerbation.
• Children's age 12 years. Further, calendula-based preparations are used in small dosages.
• Individual intolerance to the components that make up the plant.

Application

In cooking

• Many chefs flavor their masterpieces with calendula flowers, adding them to first and second courses, desserts, and salads.
• Vegetables and calendula are the perfect combination. Cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, potatoes - all these vegetables can be safely used in tandem with calendula.
• Calendula is a useful component in the preparation of various drinks that keep our body in good shape.
• You can serve calendula with meat and fish. fresh. It will add a unique and pleasant taste to side dishes.
• Calendula is used as an additive in sauces.
• Cheesemakers use calendula as a natural food coloring.
• If crushed calendula is mixed with butter, it will turn out wonderful and useful basis for sandwiches.
• You can make it from calendula healthy liqueur. To do this, mix calendula and mint (dry raw materials) in a ratio of 2:4). This dry mixture should be poured with a liter of water and put on low heat. From the moment it boils, cook for about half an hour. Then cool, flavor with honey to your taste and add a liter of vodka.

In medicine

A remedy mainly inflorescences; leaves and stems are used less frequently.

• Calendula is used as a choleretic agent.
• Calendula heals wounds and disinfects cuts better than iodine.
• Traditional medicine has used marigold infusions since ancient times. They were simmered in clay pots in ovens. The infusion was prepared quickly and retained its medicinal properties.

Calendula infusions are used for skin problems

Calendula oil - strong antibacterial agent which contributes fast healing wounds, scars and acne

Decoction

• Calendula decoction is useful for rheumatic symptoms and increased blood pressure. To prepare it you will need 3 tbsp. spoons of dried inflorescences and 2 glasses of water. This mixture is boiled over low heat for 3-4 minutes. The decoction should sit for about an hour. Drink ¼-1/3 cup of the strained liquid 3 times a day.
• The use of calendula along with sulfonamides will speed up the recovery of a patient with tonsillitis.
• You can gargle with a decoction of calendula (for sore throat) and oral cavity(for gum disease). To prepare the infusion, you need to take 1 teaspoon of dried flowers and 1 glass of boiling water. Brew like tea. Use the solution warm.
• Calendula decoction can relieve allergic reactions. For prevention seasonal allergies, consume one tablespoon of decoction 3 times a day.

Do not take calendula decoctions with other medicinal herbs which have sedative properties. The calming effect can be very strong.

In cosmetology

• It is useful to wipe the skin of the face with calendula infusion. Dried marigold flowers should be poured with boiling water and left for a quarter of an hour. You can use it as a tonic, or you can freeze it and rub it with ice cubes. In both the first and second cases this is useful.
• To prepare an elixir that fights wrinkles, pour a glass of boiling water over a tablespoon of dried flowers. This way we will get more concentrated solution, which will refresh the skin, give it tone, tighten and reduce fine wrinkles.
• Fresh raw calendula is an excellent remedy for whitening skin and eliminating freckles and age spots. Flowers and leaves are scrolled through a meat grinder. This makes it easier to squeeze out the juice. Treat problem areas of the skin with juice 3 times a day.
• To rinse your hair, you can prepare a decoction with marigold flowers, hop cones and burdock root; it must be crushed before use.

At home

If you plant calendula between cabbage beds, cabbage butterflies will not lay larvae in your plantings. The smell of marigolds will repel these pests.

Varieties

If we take plant growth as the basis for the classification of marigolds, we can distinguish short (below 30 cm), medium height (30-45 cm) and very tall (45-85 cm) representatives.

Flowers can be ordinary, simple or with an abundance of petals, i.e. terry.

Growing

It is very easy to grow calendula in your garden. The seeds of the plant are sown directly into compost soil. The planting depth is about 1 cm.

If you want marigolds to delight you with their flowering already in May, then sow the seedlings in January. And with the onset of warm weather without frost, transplant it into open ground to the designated place.

Caring for calendula is very simple. If you do not need marigold seeds, then the inflorescences that have already faded can be cut off. This will give the plant an aesthetic appearance and, in addition, will provoke wild flowering.

Calendula does not like lack of moisture, so it needs regular watering. The soil should not dry out.

If you want to “feed” your pet, please note that this process should be carried out after the plant has bloomed.

Calendula loves not shaded, but illuminated areas. Therefore, plant it where it will be exposed to direct sun rays. If these conditions are met, calendula will bloom profusely and for a long time.

• In the Middle Ages, marigold flowers were added to soups to “color” the broth. The same coloring property was used by culinary specialists in the manufacture confectionery. The petals of the plant were added to the milk that was used to prepare the dough and they were boiled in it for some time. Calendula has a very interesting feature: It does not dissolve in water, so milk was used.
• Doctors of the Middle Ages recommended admiring calendula flowers when poor eyesight. There was a generally accepted belief that looking at a calendula flower would instantly lift one's spirits.
• Very beautiful name The ancient Romans gave it to calendula. They noted that the flower of the plant always turns its head towards the sun, and in cloudy weather does not open its buds at all. In this regard, it was called the sun dial, the bride of summer, the flower of the sun.
• During pagan times, calendula symbolized constancy in love. That's why young men gave it to their love objects.
• There is a legend about how the calendula flower appeared on earth. In ancient times, poor peasants had a weak child. He didn't get any healthier over the years, so they called him Hungry. Having become a young man, Zamorysh left his father's house in search of happiness. There was no news of him for a long time. And then suddenly a wonderful healer appeared in the area, who used herbs to save people from various ailments and illnesses. It was rumored that he was very similar to Zamorysh. And so it turned out. Vorozheya also practiced healing magic. But her treatment could not compare with the treatment of the new healer. Envy and anger pushed Vorozheya to murder. She brought the cup of poisoned wine to the doctor. When the healer realized that he was dying, he asked the people who came to him to cut off a nail from his hand and bury it under Vorozheya’s window. People fulfilled the last wish of the doctor. A calendula grew under Vorozheya’s window. They called it marigold. The flower continued to heal people and bring goodness, like the one to whom the sown nail belonged.
• Calendula is one of the most popular flowers that has found its use in love rituals. In order for a loved one to remain faithful to his soulmate, such a ritual was performed. The soil from the footprint where he had stepped was dug out. Then it was placed in a flower pot. A calendula flower had to be planted in this soil. Sorcerers and healers believed that calendula is practically universal remedy from all diseases. In addition, marigolds were credited with the ability to fight witchcraft and love spells.

Every spring, a well-known plant with beautiful yellow-orange flowers appears in our flower beds. It is called calendula, or marigold. Marigolds got their nickname from the shape of their fruit, which resembles a claw. And the name “calendula” most likely comes from the word calendar. The flowers of this plant tend to close at night and open their petals again in the morning, as if celebrating a new day.

This miracle came to us from the Mediterranean, where in ancient times it was called “Mary’s Gold.” The marigold flower is known all over the world and is revered and respected everywhere. In England it can be found in wedding bouquets as a symbol of fidelity and constancy. Here it is called a “summer wedding couple.” In China, marigolds are the “flower of ten thousand years,” and in India, marigolds are woven into garlands to decorate statues of saints.

What does a marigold flower look like?

Calendula is an annual herbaceous plant. Quite large, the height of the bush can reach 50-60 cm. The bushes are branched, erect, light green in color. The entire plant is covered with small glandular hairs that emit a specific odor. Leaves are lanceolate, sparsely toothed; lower ones, narrowed into a petiole, lanceolate-ovate. The inflorescences are baskets, ranging in color from yellow to bright orange. The flowers are large, apical. The plant blooms from June almost until cold weather. It bears fruit in July.

It is practically not found in the wild on the territory of our country, only in cultivation.

What are the benefits of calendula?

The leaves of the plant contain many acids and vitamin C, but its flowers are especially valuable. Calendula petals owe their color to the substances they contain. , similar in composition to vitamin A - carotenoids. And the brighter the orange color, the more content substances. Plants also contain:

• Essential oils;
• Phytohormones;
• Paraffin-like, proteinaceous substances;
• Resins;
• Organic acids;
• Enzymes.

Calendula is a wonderful honey plant.

The beneficial properties of calendula are widely used in three main areas:

• Medicine;
• Cosmetology;
• Cooking.

Beneficial properties of calendula

For medical use such pharmacological properties plants:

• Anti-inflammatory;
• Wound healing;
• Bactericidal;
• Sedative;
• Choleretic, etc.

The range of diseases for which calendula can help is very wide. Here are some examples of the use of preparations from this plant:

• For gastritis, ulcers, inflammation of the oral cavity, sore throats;
• Ointments and tinctures from marigold flowers are used in the treatment of purulent wounds, dermatitis;
• Copper contained in the plant promotes repigmentation, which makes it possible to use medications in the treatment of vitiligo;
• An infusion of calendula flowers has therapeutic effect for barley, frostbite;
• Extracts and infusions are widely used in gynecology;
• Marigolds have a calming effect, normalize cardiac activity and reduce blood pressure.

Use of the plant in cosmetology

In cosmetology, calendula is used in the form of:

• Alcohol infusion for treatment acne and acne;
• Fresh juice can successfully burn warts, treat dandruff and remove freckles;
• Extracts of the plant become the main component of creams, softening the skin, helping to eliminate irritation;
• When rinsing blonde hair, calendula will not only strengthen it, but also give it a golden hue.

Use of calendula in cooking

The ability of the plant to color foods golden yellow was known back in ancient Rome. Even then, unscrupulous traders used this to falsify saffron stigmas, a very expensive raw material and valuable seasoning. Calendula is still used today as a food coloring in the preparation of cheeses, soups, butter, margarine, and pilaf. Carotenes dissolve well in fats, so to color the dough, flower petals are boiled in milk.

For some diseases, ulcers, gastritis, teas with calendula are very useful. And if you add a couple of sprigs of raspberries and mint, the drink will not only be healthy, but also very tasty.

You can prepare salads from calendula flowers, for example, with cucumbers and green onions, cook cabbage soup. Flower baskets are salted and then used as a dressing for first courses. They marinate and make drinks.

Growing calendula on the site

The marigold flower is easy to care for. Any beginner can handle it. Grows in almost any soil. During the growth period, it requires abundant watering, and adult plants can easily tolerate a slight drought. They love sunlight very much. Flower baskets tend to turn towards the sun and close after sunset. With a lack of light, they turn pale, lose color saturation, and terry varieties lose their doubleness. Plants that are constantly in the shade are susceptible to developing powdery mildew.

Reproduction

The plant is sown with seeds in early April. The optimal distance between bushes is 20-25 cm. Seedlings are easy to transplant. Marigolds bloom approximately 1.5 months after planting. And the seeds set a month after flowering. The strongest bushes should be selected for seeds and the baskets should not be torn off from them.

In other plants, after flowering ends, the inflorescences are removed, as this affects the intensity of the formation of new buds.

The flowering period of calendula is about 3 months.

Plants reproduce well by self-sowing.

Collection and storage of raw materials

Only the inflorescences are collected for medicinal purposes. Collected when the basket has opened completely, i.e. the petals lay horizontally (in non-double varieties). In double varieties, half of the reed flowers should bloom. You can collect either the entire inflorescence or just the petals separately. You need to dry it in a dark, well-ventilated area, shaking it periodically, just like. Such raw materials are not stored for long, up to a year.

What can you do yourself?

• Take 1 liter of boiling water, add 5 g of calendula flowers. Leave for 5 minutes, strain. Use as a compress for insect bites and minor burns;
• Brew 10 g of flowers in 0.5 tbsp of boiling water. Leave for 1-1.5 hours in a thermos. Strain. Take 1 tablespoon 2-3 times a day for allergies;
• Brew 10 g of flowers in a glass of boiling water. Leave for 4-6 hours, wrapped in warmth. Strain, squeeze. Gargle for sore throat. 1 tsp of decoction per glass of warm water;
• At skin diseases Grind 50 g of flowers, mix with 50 g of Vaseline. Apply a thin layer to affected areas.

Calendula, how medicinal plant has virtually no contraindications.

By growing calendula, you can not only decorate your garden plot, but also protect planted vegetable crops from pests, and also prepare useful phyto-raw materials for future use.