Calendula - The Healer

Calendula:  The healer

 Constituents of Calendula Flower:

Calendula flower, also known as pot marigold, contains a variety of constituents that contribute to its numerous benefits for the skin. These include:

1. Flavonoids: These powerful antioxidants help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to premature aging (Preethi & Kuttan, 2009).

2. Carotenoids: These pigments give calendula its bright orange color and also possess antioxidant properties, which can protect the skin from oxidative stress (Gazim et al., 2008).

3. Triterpenoids: These anti-inflammatory compounds can help reduce inflammation and redness on the skin, making calendula beneficial for individuals with sensitive or irritated skin (Ferreira et al., 2013).

Processing of Calendula Flower:

Calendula flower can be processed in various ways to extract its beneficial compounds. The most common methods include:

1. Infusion: Calendula flower can be infused in oil or water to extract its beneficial compounds. The resulting infusion can be used in skincare products such as creams, lotions, and serums (Zitterl-Eglseer et al., 2009).

2. Extract: Calendula extract can be obtained using solvents like alcohol, glycerin, or water. This extract can be added to skincare products to provide its benefits (Kędzia et al., 2008).

Uses of Calendula Flower in Skincare:

Calendula flower has various uses in skincare, including:

1. Anti-inflammatory: Calendula possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and redness on the skin, making it beneficial for people with sensitive or irritated skin (Preethi & Kuttan, 2009).

2. Antioxidant: Calendula is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, making it beneficial for people who want to prevent premature aging (Gazim et al., 2008).

3. Wound healing: Calendula has demonstrated wound healing properties, making it beneficial for people with cuts, scrapes, or other minor injuries (Khairnar et al., 2013).

4. Moisturizing: Calendula is also moisturizing and can help keep the skin hydrated and healthy (Eghdampour et al., 2013).

Benefits of Calendula Flower in Skincare:

1. Soothes skin irritations: Calendula can help soothe and calm irritated skin, making it beneficial for people with eczema, psoriasis, or other inflammatory skin conditions (Panahi et al., 2012).

2. Promotes wound healing: Calendula can help speed up the healing process of wounds, cuts, and scrapes due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties (Khairnar et al., 2013).

3. Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Calendula's antioxidant properties can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to premature aging (Gazim et al., 2008).

4. Hydrates the skin: Calendula can help keep the skin hydrated, improving its overall health and appearance (Eghdampour et al., 2013).

References:

Eghdampour, F., Jahdi, F., Kheyrkhah, M., Taghizadeh, M., Naghizadeh, S., & Hagani, H. (2013). The impact of Aloe vera and Calendula on perineal healing after episiotomy in primiparous women: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Caring Sciences, 2(4), 279–286.

Ferreira, F. M., Del Mastro, N. L., & Nazareno, M. A. (2013). Response of phenolic compounds and triterpenoids in pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and organic nitrogen sources. Australian Journal of Crop Science, 7(12), 1773–1779.

Gazim, Z. C., Rezende, C. M., Fraga, S. R., Svidzinski, T. I., & Cortez, D. A. (2008). Antifungal activity of the essential oil from Calendula officinalis L. (asteraceae) growing in Brazil. Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, 39(1), 61–63.

Kędzia, B., Hołderna-Kędzia, E., & Bączek, K. (2008). Estimation of the Calendula officinalis L. (calendula) flowers' extract analgesic effect. Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, 65(6), 693–698.

Khairnar, M. S., Pawar, B., Marawar, P. P., & Mani, A. (2013). Evaluation of Calendula officinalis as an anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis agent. Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology, 17(6), 741–747.

Panahi, Y., Sharif, M. R., Sharif, A., Beiraghdar, F., Zahiri, Z., Amirchoopani, G., ... & Sahebkar, A. (2012). A randomized comparative trial on the therapeutic efficacy of topical aloe vera and Calendula officinalis on diaper dermatitis in children. The Scientific World Journal, 2012, 810234.

Preethi, K. C., & Kuttan, G. (2009). Wound healing activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis. Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, 20(1), 73–79.

Zitterl-Eglseer, K., Reznicek, G., Jurenitsch, J., Novak, J., Zitterl, W., & Franz, C. (2009). Determination of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in tea samples and herbal drugs: a contribution to risk assessment. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 121(3), 385-390.