Calendula, also known as marigold, has bright yellow-orange flowers with tightly packed petals resembling a bowl or cup, hence its name. Long used for ornamental purposes, its bright fragrance and cheerful appearance make it easily noticeable in any corner of the garden.
Beyond its beauty, calendula also possesses various skincare and medicinal properties: it can be used medicinally to treat various ailments; furthermore, it has skincare benefits such as relieving eczema and allergic skin conditions, and promoting wound healing.
Magical Golden Daisies
The marigold is the flower that announced the Virgin Mary's pregnancy, hence its flower language is "salvation," radiating a gentle and all-encompassing radiance. In India, the marigold is revered as a sacred flower and used to decorate temples.
Legend has it that it also has the power to predict the weather: if a marigold blooms before 7 a.m., the day will surely be sunny; otherwise, it will rain.
The marigold originates from southern Europe and the Mediterranean coast, and thrives in mild, cool climates. Qingzhou, Shandong, with its mild climate and distinct seasons, is ideal for marigold cultivation and is widely planted there.
Calendula can be used to make tea, offering various health benefits: drinking calendula tea during a cold can help reduce fever and cool the body; it also has antispasmodic and blood circulation-promoting effects.
Calendula essential oil can soothe the central nervous system, effectively relieving mental tension and insomnia; furthermore, it greatly benefits women's health, improving menstrual cramps and irregular periods.
Calendula extract is commonly used in oral care products to reduce inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa and improve oral health problems such as gingivitis. A six-month study of 240 patients with gingivitis found that those using calendula mouthwash experienced a 46% reduction in inflammation.
Beauty benefits of calendula
Calendula extract has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and natural antioxidant effects, especially effective against Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, and can effectively soothe and repair skin that is prone to redness and sensitivity.
Calendula's antifungal and antibacterial properties make it highly effective in treating skin wounds and relieving skin inflammation. It can be used for wound healing, treating rashes, and treating skin ulcers.
Calendula contains various antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, helping to protect the skin from free radical damage and reducing the occurrence of skin inflammation.
Calendula extract also boasts excellent moisturizing and firming effects on the skin. Numerous studies have confirmed that calendula extract can moisturize the skin, increase its moisture content, reduce dryness, and keep the skin supple and hydrated.
Experiments have shown that volunteers who applied a topical ointment containing calendula extract to their cheeks experienced significant improvements in hydration and firmer skin after eight weeks.
Calendula extract is a star ingredient in natural, multi-functional skincare, combining anti-inflammatory, repairing, antioxidant, and moisturizing properties, making it especially suitable for fragile, sensitive, and damaged skin. Its long history of medicinal use and modern scientific validation make it a top choice for those seeking gentle, safe, and highly effective formulas.
