Calendula: health and beauty benefits

Calendula, also known as marigold, is a plant with many medicinal and cosmetic properties. Native to the Mediterranean region, this plant belongs to the Asteraceae family and has been used for centuries by many traditional cultures for its therapeutic properties. Today, it is mainly used as a food supplement for its health and beauty benefits. In this article, we'll find out more about the origin of calendula, its beneficial properties and how to use it as a dietary supplement.

Origin and description of calendula

Calendula is an annual plant, averaging 30-60 cm in height. Its leaves are long, narrow and have slightly serrated edges. It produces yellow, orange or red flowers with a brown centre. Its name "calendula" actually comes from the Latin word "calendae" meaning "first day of the month" and refers to the Roman calendar, which traditionally marked the start of each month with this flower.

This plant is native to the Mediterranean region but can also be found in Europe and Asia. It generally grows in rich, well-drained soil, and can be easily cultivated in a garden. Its flowers have a pleasant fragrance and are often used in the manufacture of cosmetics, ointments and essential oils.

The benefits of calendula as a dietary supplement

Calendula has been used for centuries for its powerful anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antifungal properties. But it also has other health benefits when taken as a dietary supplement:

• An ally for digestion Calendula has soothing properties for the digestive system and can help relieve symptoms of indigestion, gastritis and colitis. It can also stimulate the appetite and relieve constipation.
• An immune system booster Calendula: thanks to its richness in flavonoids and vitamins A and C, calendula boosts immunity and helps the body fight infection and disease.
• An ally for the skin Calendula: used as a dietary supplement, calendula can help reduce redness, inflammation and skin irritation. It is also used to treat acne, eczema and minor burns.
• A hormone regulator It can also be beneficial for women thanks to its hormone-regulating properties. It can relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and regulate the menstrual cycle.

How to use calendula as a dietary supplement

Calendula is available in various forms: oil, cream, tincture or infusion. Concentration and dosage may vary depending on the form chosen. It is advisable to consult a health professional before starting a course of calendula as a dietary supplement, in order to determine the best dosage for your particular case.

In general, calendula powder capsules are the form most commonly used as a dietary supplement. On average, the recommended dose is 3 to 6 capsules a day, to be taken with a meal. It is also possible to make an infusion, by steeping 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried flowers in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes, and drinking this infusion 2 to 3 times a day.

Precautions for use

Although calendula is considered to be a safe plant, certain precautions should be taken when using it as a dietary supplement. People suffering from allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should avoid taking calendula. It is also advisable not to take large quantities of this plant during pregnancy or when breast-feeding.

In some cases, calendula can also interact with certain medicines, particularly those used to thin the blood and those used to treat high blood pressure. It is therefore important to always consult a health professional before starting a course of calendula as a dietary supplement.

In conclusion

Calendula is a plant with multiple health and beauty benefits. As well as its soothing properties for the skin, it can be used as a dietary supplement to boost the immune system, relieve digestive problems and regulate hormones. However, it is important to always consult a health professional before starting a course of calendula as a dietary supplement, and to observe the precautions for use.

We hope this article has provided you with some useful information and helped you discover the virtues of this exceptional plant. Don't hesitate to share your experiences with calendula in the comments section!