(Calendula officinalis L.)An annual herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family (Compositae), up to 75 cm high, with a strong peculiar smell. Root branched, taproot. Stem erect, simple or slightly branched, densely leafy. The leaves are alternate, covered with hairs, the lower ones are spatulate, the upper ones are oblong or lanceolate. Flowers in inflorescences – baskets, marginal – reed, female; median – tubular, orange or yellow, bisexual, barren. The fruit is a bent achene without a tuft; the outer surface is covered with tubercles and sharp spines. Blooms from June to October, fruits ripen in July-September. The period of flowering and seed ripening is very extended due to the large number of shoots of higher orders. Propagated by seeds. Cultivated as a medicinal and ornamental plant, sometimes runs wild. The plant is not demanding on heat, moisture, soil, but photophilous. It grows wild in Southern Europe, Western Asia and the Middle East. Calendula was bred in large quantities in the 15th century in France. Marigold (marigold) was the favorite flower of the Queen of Navarre, Margaret of Valois. And now in Paris in the Luxembourg Gardens there is a statue of the queen with a calendula flower in her hands. As a medicinal plant, calendula was already known in Ancient Greece. It is known from written sources that in the 12th century the plant was used to treat purulent wounds, and in the 17th century – peptic ulcers, scrofulosis, furunculosis. And now in Paris in the Luxembourg Gardens there is a statue of the queen with a calendula flower in her hands. As a medicinal plant, calendula was already known in Ancient Greece. It is known from written sources that in the 12th century the plant was used to treat purulent wounds, and in the 17th century – peptic ulcers, scrofulosis, furunculosis. And now in Paris in the Luxembourg Gardens there is a statue of the queen with a calendula flower in her hands. As a medicinal plant, calendula was already known in Ancient Greece. It is known from written sources that in the 12th century the plant was used to treat purulent wounds, and in the 17th century – peptic ulcers, scrofulosis, furunculosis.
COLLECTION AND DRYING OF RAW MATERIALS
Harvest freshly blossomed inflorescences (Flores Calendulae) in the opening phase in which at least half of the reed flowers. During the summer they make 10-20 fees. With systematic frequent harvesting, new inflorescences are formed, and flowering continues until frost, from which the yield increases. Delay in the collection leads to seed set, reduced flowering intensity and deterioration of seed quality. During the flowering period of calendula, its inflorescences open after 3 days, in the future – after 4-5 days or less. Baskets are cut at the very base of the peduncle. Dry for no more than 4 hours in air dryers at a temperature of 40-45°C, spreading in a thin layer. Drying is considered complete if, when pressed on the inflorescences, they disintegrate. The shelf life of raw materials is 2 years. The smell of raw materials is weak, fragrant, the taste is bitter with a feeling of sliminess. Raw materials are exported.
PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
The main properties of galenic forms and herbal products from calendula officinalis are anti-inflammatory, wound healing, bactericidal, antispasmodic and choleretic. Relaxing the smooth muscle structures of organs such as the stomach, intestines and liver, calendula at the same time stimulates secretory activity, which helps to increase bile formation and bile secretion and increase the secretory activity of the stomach. The best results are observed when using calendula together with chamomile and yarrow. As a result of the action of a complex product from these plants, the biliary function of the liver improves, bile stasis in the gallbladder is eliminated. Calendula preparations accelerate the processes of tissue regeneration, accelerate growth and improve the quality of granulations, contribute to faster epithelialization and the formation of a more tender scar. When used internally, they exhibit their anti-inflammatory activity, promote the regeneration of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines, and the healing of ulcers and erosions. The mechanism of the protective action of calendula products consists of a decrease in the aggressiveness of gastric juice and an increase in the resistance of the gastric mucosa. Calendula, providing a sedative, mild hypotensive effect, contributes to the normalization of cardiac activity and reduces swelling. In folk medicine, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, sedative, antitoxic, antispasmodic, diuretic, antimitotic properties of calendula officinalis are noted. contribute to the regeneration of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines, the healing of ulcers and erosions. The mechanism of the protective action of calendula products consists of a decrease in the aggressiveness of gastric juice and an increase in the resistance of the gastric mucosa. Calendula, providing a sedative, mild hypotensive effect, contributes to the normalization of cardiac activity and reduces swelling. In folk medicine, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, sedative, antitoxic, antispasmodic, diuretic, antimitotic properties of calendula officinalis are noted. contribute to the regeneration of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines, the healing of ulcers and erosions. The mechanism of the protective action of calendula products consists of a decrease in the aggressiveness of gastric juice and an increase in the resistance of the gastric mucosa. Calendula, providing a sedative, mild hypotensive effect, contributes to the normalization of cardiac activity and reduces swelling. In folk medicine, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, sedative, antitoxic, antispasmodic, diuretic, antimitotic properties of calendula officinalis are noted.
APPLICATIONS IN MEDICINE
flowers. Infusion, tincture (inside) – for gastritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, colitis, enterocolitis, liver disease, spleen disease; with hypertension, heart disease, accompanied by palpitations, shortness of breath, edema; with neoplasms as a symptomatic remedy; externally (in the form of rinses) – for diseases of the oral cavity (thrush in babies), for inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, tonsillitis; in the form of enemas – in the treatment of proctitis and paraproctitis; in the form of douches – with cervical erosion, trichomonas colpitis, etc. Tincture, infusion, ointment – as an anti-inflammatory and wound healing agent for bruises, abrasions, minor wounds, bedsores, gangrene, fistulas, burns, frostbite, boils, acne. The plant is used in homeopathy. In folk medicine, a decoction of inflorescences – for liver diseases; to prevent miscarriages in pregnant women after a bruise; with uterine bleeding, female diseases, fever, colds; wash their wounds; used for diathesis and childhood eczema. Juice (inside) – with angina pectoris, hypertension, atherosclerosis, neuroses and menopause; for the treatment of gastritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, colitis, enterocolitis; externally (in the form of rinses) – with a cold; in the form of enemas – with proctitis, anal fissures, inflammation of the rectum; in the form of douching – with erosion of the cervix, whites, trichomonas colpitis. In Brazil, marigold flowers are used as an adjunct in the treatment of malignant tumors. In German folk medicine – for wounds, bruises, ulcers, furunculosis, varicose veins; in Polish – with liver diseases. In Korean medicine, decoction and alcohol tincture are used for burns (in the form of plasters), bruises, hemorrhoidal cracks (in the form of enemas), furunculosis and large abscesses. Infusion and tincture – for stomatitis and pyorrhea as a disinfectant, also for douching with uterine fistulas, cervical erosion and trichomonas colpitis (2% tincture). Infusion and tincture are also used in Korean medicine as an anti-inflammatory and choleretic agent for gastric and duodenal ulcers, hepatitis and inflammation of the bile ducts, as well as for high blood pressure and a number of heart diseases. A mixture of petal powder and nicotinic acid – as a symptomatic remedy for inoperable stomach cancer, and a mixture with iron oxide as an anti-anemic agent.
DOSAGE FORMS, METHOD OF APPLICATION AND DOSES
Tincture of calendula (Tinctura Calendulae). Alcoholic (70% alcohol) tincture (1:10) of flowers and flower baskets. Clear yellow liquid. To use, dilute 1 teaspoon in a glass of water. As a choleretic agent, take 10-20 drops per dose. Infusion of calendula flowers (Infusum florum Calendulae): 20 g (2 tablespoons) of raw materials are placed in an enamel bowl, pour 200 ml of hot boiled water, cover with a lid and heat in boiling water (on water bath) with frequent stirring for 15 minutes, cooled for 45 minutes at room temperature, filtered, the remaining raw material is squeezed out. The volume of the resulting infusion is adjusted with boiled water to 200 ml. The prepared infusion is stored in a cool place for no more than 2 days. Take in a warm form, 1-2 tablespoons 2-3 times every day. In the form of enemas (1 teaspoon of infusion for 1/4 cup of water) – for proctitis. Infusion of marigolds in a mixture with an equal volume of a 3% solution of boric acid is injected into the fistula channel, which contributes to its resorption. Ointment “Calendula” (Unguentum Calendulae) consists of 20 g of calendula tincture and 90 g of a yellowish emulsion (water / petroleum jelly). Produced in glass jars of 40 g. Store in a cool place. Used for burns, cuts, cracks in the lips, nipples, bruises, eczema, etc. Caleflon (Caleflonum) – purified extract from calendula flowers. Available in tablets of 0.1 g, light brown (to dark brown) color with a slight specific odor. Take 0.1-0.2 g 3 times every day after meals. The course of treatment is 3-6 weeks. It is prescribed as an anti-inflammatory and stimulating reparative process in gastric and duodenal ulcers, in chronic gastritis and enteritis. The drug can be administered together with antispasmodic drugs. When taking the product, a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, burning in the epigastric region is likely. With severe side effects, the product is canceled. ♦ Calendula juice: squeezed out of flower baskets and reed flowers of plants. Take 20-40 drops with a tablespoon of honey per glass of milk 2-3 times every day before meals. Externally used in a dilution of 1:2 or 1:3.♦ Calendula ointment: mix 10 g of powdered flowers with 50 g of petroleum jelly. When taking the product, a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, burning in the epigastric region is likely. With severe side effects, the product is canceled. ♦ Calendula juice: squeezed out of flower baskets and reed flowers of plants. Take 20-40 drops with a tablespoon of honey per glass of milk 2-3 times every day before meals. Externally used in a dilution of 1:2 or 1:3.♦ Calendula ointment: mix 10 g of powdered flowers with 50 g of petroleum jelly. When taking the product, a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, burning in the epigastric region is likely. With severe side effects, the product is canceled. ♦ Calendula juice: squeezed out of flower baskets and reed flowers of plants. Take 20-40 drops with a tablespoon of honey per glass of milk 2-3 times every day before meals. Externally used in a dilution of 1:2 or 1:3.♦ Calendula ointment: mix 10 g of powdered flowers with 50 g of petroleum jelly.
APPLICATIONS IN OTHER FIELDS
Flowers are used in the food industry in the production of margarine, butter, cheese and other products for coloring and flavoring. It is widely used in cosmetics, is part of various creams. Yellow dye is obtained from the flowers. There is evidence that it is worth planting calendula on a plot with roses – and they will no longer be damaged by nematodes. Cultivated. In Ukraine, the average yield is 10 q/ha. With good agricultural technology, the yield of air-dry inflorescences reaches 12-18 q/ha.
ELEMENTS OF AGROTECHNICAL CULTIVATION
Medicinal calendula is demanding on soil fertility, so it is placed in crop rotation after well-fertilized tilled crops. It is not recommended to grow it in one place for several years in a row, as it greatly depletes the soil. The plot is dug up in the fall and 3-4 kg of manure, 40 g of superphosphate and 10 g of ammonium nitrate per 1 m 2 are applied . In the absence of manure, 15 g of ammonium nitrate, 10 g of potassium salt and 60 g of superphosphate are added to the same area. Seeds are sown during the sowing period of early spring crops with row spacing of 50-60 cm, to a depth of 2-3 cm. Simultaneously with sowing seeds, 30-40 g of granulated superphosphate per 1 m 2 are applied to the soil. Seeds germinate at a temperature of 20-30°C. Shoots are found in 6-12 days after sowing, calendula begins to bloom in 38-50 days, ripens in 60-75 days. Care consists of 2-3 loosening of row spacing, depending on soil compaction. As the plants grow and close in the aisles, the processing stops. Feeding during the growing season is not required. Abundant flowering is achieved by constant and complete removal of inflorescences. Plants develop best in an open, well-lit area.
TASTY TIPS
Seasoning from calendula.
Dry marigold flower baskets in the air, then dry in the oven, grind in a wooden mortar, sift and use for seasoning soups at the rate of 1 teaspoon of powder for 1 serving of soup.
Vegetable salad with calendula.
Fresh cucumbers (100 g) peeled and cut into slices. Washed green onions (50 g) and calendula flower baskets (50 g) chop. Mix everything with sour cream, add salt and dill (to taste). Decorate the salad with slices of hard-boiled egg.
Meat soup with calendula.
Put prepared fresh cabbage (200 g) and potatoes (200 g) into boiling meat broth (800 ml) and cook for 10 minutes. Then add browned carrots (100 g), onions (25 g), fresh tomatoes (200 g) and chopped fresh calendula flower baskets (30 g). Cook until ready. Season cabbage soup with sour cream.
Pouring with calendula and mint.
Boil dried calendula (10 g) and mint (5 g) in water (200 ml), strain, add sugar (to taste). Mix decoction with vodka. Refrigerate before serving.
Calendula drink.
Boil dried calendula (50 g) in water (2 l) for 30 minutes, leave in a sealed container to infuse for 12 hours, strain through a sieve or gauze, add viburnum juice (500 ml) and honey (200 g). Mix and bottle. Store in a cool place.