5 Health Benefits Of Calendula Flowers

Bright orange and yellow calendula flowers, also known as pot marigolds, add beauty to any garden. They are also popular in the medicinal world, due to their many impressive health benefits.

In fact, calendula is an age-old antifungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, wound-healing ally. The petals of these cheerful flowers offer many medicinal properties and are used extensively in natural cosmetics, herbal ointments, diaper creams, teas, and tinctures.

* Heals Minor Wounds and Cuts

- Crush a few fresh calendula flowers to extract the juice. Apply it on the wound or cut 2 or 3 times daily for a few days.

- Alternatively, apply an over-the-counter calendula cream or lotion to the affected area several times a day to promote healing.

* Soothes Skin Infections

- Crush 1 or 2 calendula flowers into a paste. Apply this paste on the affected area and allow it to dry.

* Improves Oral Health

- Put 1 to 2 teaspoons of dry calendula petals into 1 cup of boiling water.

- Cover and let it steep for 10 minutes.

- Strain it and allow it to cool.

- Use it as mouthwash once daily.

* Reduces Muscle Cramping

- When suffering from cramping, drink 1 to 2 cups of calendula tea. To make the tea, let 1 to 2 teaspoons of dry calendula petals steep in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain it and enjoy the soothing tea.

- Another option is to use calendula oil to massage the affected area.

* Treats Pink Eye

- Put 2 teaspoons of dried calendula flowers in a cup of hot water.

- Cover and let it steep for 10 minutes.

- Allow it to cool, then strain the solution using a cheesecloth.

- Use the mixture to wash your eyes several times throughout the day.