Marigolds: use, beneficial properties and contraindications

In Europe, marigolds came from America.

The plant was initially used as an ornamental, then, recognizing its beneficial properties, was used in the treatment of various ailments.

The chemical composition of marigolds

In the marigold composition, the main component is the essential oil. This substance of dark honey with a spicy smell contains elements such as myrcene, citral, D-terpinene, D-pinene, n-cymol, sabinen, linalool, limonene and otsimen, which is the main component. Most of the oil is in the inflorescences and flowers of marigolds, a little less - in the leaves. Carotene, vitamins A and E, alkaloids, flavonoids, lutein and phytoactive elements are present in the plant parts.

The plant, along with nutrients, draws copper and gold elements from the soil; we use elements successfully when preparing medicines.

The benefits of marigolds for the human body

Marigolds show their beneficial properties in many cases. The plant helps with problems with the pancreas. Marigolds have a therapeutic effect in diabetes. Using the means prepared on its basis, they restore the function of the body, relieve various inflammations. An effective remedy is marigolds for depression and nervous disorders. The plant helps to strengthen the nervous system and improves the functioning of brain cells.

Marigold is used as an immunomodulatory agent. The plant successfully fights against colds, strengthens the protective functions of the body, smoothes complications after long-term diseases.

Successful treatment with marigolds of the initial stages of hypertension, can completely get rid of the problem. Preparations on the basis of marigolds clean the walls of blood vessels, preventing atherosclerosis, stroke and blockage of blood vessels; use them for bleeding, as painkillers for arthritis and rheumatism, joint pain. Marigolds relieve parasites, heal wounds and bedsores.

Use in traditional medicine: treatment with marigolds

Marigold flowers have long been featured in folk recipes from various ailments.Broths, teas, tinctures, ointments are prepared from the plant. Applied externally and internally, for inhalation and rinses, rubbing and lotions.

With a cold and sinus

In case of a cold, it is good to drink tea from marigold petals - it stimulates the body to fight against pathogenic bacteria, relieves symptoms of an impending cold, such as body aches and lethargy, headaches and pain in the eyes. The marigolds, prepared as a solution for inhalation, will help you to cure sinusitis without painful punctures. To prepare, take five flowers and 300 ml of water. In the ceramic kettle, put the flowers and pour boiling water to the tip of the container. Cover for ten minutes with a towel so that steam does not come out and the flowers are well infused. Then inhale each pair of nostril with steam from the kettle. If the nose is heavily stuffed, try to inhale with your mouth, and exhale with your nose when you clear your nose, inhale and exhale with your nostrils.

With cold and flu

For colds and flu, an infusion of marigolds is prepared. One spoonful of dried flowers is poured with boiling water (300 ml). Within half an hour the mixture is infused, then filtered. Take in combination with traditional drugs, especially if the disease is at its peak - two tablespoons three times a day.

With hardened skin on heels, elbows and knees

Marigold in folk medicine and used as an emollient for coarse skin. Prepare a means of plant flowers using sunflower oil. We fill a half-liter container with marigolds and fill it with oil to the top. Mixture insist in a dark dry place for seven days. Then filter, problem skin is lubricated twice a day. The tool is stored in the refrigerator.

With arthritis

Marigold for the treatment of arthritis can be used both fresh and dry. Fresh flowers count twenty-five, dry need four tablespoons.

Pour the flowers with a liter of boiled hot water, wrap and leave to infuse until cool.Squeeze the flowers and strain the infusion. Take two teaspoons four times a day.

With hypertension

When hypertension regulates the pressure helps decoction marigolds. For this you will need:

• Marigold flowers - 1 tsp,
• Calendula flowers - 1 tsp,
• Peppermint leaves - 1 tsp.
• Honey - 1 tsp,
• Water - 250 ml.

Mix flowers and mint, pour boiling water over it. Mix the mixture in a water bath for two or three minutes, not boiling. In the finished warm (not hot) broth add honey. Drink decoction for half an hour before meals.

With diabetes

With marigold diabetes prepare alcohol tincture of the flowers of the plant. Flowers of dark color (50 pieces) are poured with vodka (500 ml), insist in a dark place for a week. Take before meals one teaspoon three times a day.

To improve vision

People whose work is related to the voltage of view (computer technology, work on vehicles) are recommended to take fresh flowers for food, for example, in salads. To restore and improve vision take a decoction of flowers.

No more than five pieces of flowers immersed in boiling water (400 ml) and boil for five minutes. Cover, insist, drain. The resulting broth is divided into three doses, drink during the day. The course of treatment is three months, after - a break for three weeks. If necessary, repeat the course.

The benefits of marigold baths

Baths of marigolds help relieve nervous tension, improve the condition of depression. If you have had a hard day, a marigold bath will help relieve fatigue and restore emotional balance. Tortured insomnia - a bath with flowers will help you relax and sleep peacefully. Baths with marigolds improve the condition of the skin, opening the pores and cleansing them, tone up and soften the skin. If you spent all day on your feet, foot baths will relieve fatigue and burning soles. Hand baths will remove the symptoms of weathered skin, returning softness and elasticity to it.

Bath can be prepared on the basis of decoction, calculate the amount of water and flowers, prepare the broth and add to the bathroom. You can use the essential oil: three to five drops (depending on the amount of water collected) drip on sea salt and dissolve in water.

The use of marigolds in cosmetology

In cosmetology, flowers and leaves of plants, their oils, and marigolds, have been successfully used for a long time. Marigold oil, added to the face cream, refreshes and nourishes the skin, reduces irritation and inflammation on the skin. Essential oil added to insect repellents significantly increases their effectiveness. Due to the rich spicy aroma, marigold oil is used in perfumery: eau de toilette, oil perfume, scented soap, and so on. Lotion based on the plant's flowers will improve the complexion, thoroughly cleanse the skin and remove makeup residues. Prepare it like this: infusion of flowers of marigolds (5 flowers per 200 ml of boiling water) mixed with lemon juice (1 tsp.) And vodka (1 tsp.). Prepare the lotion in the evening, it will be infused overnight, and in the morning it can be applied to the skin of the face and neck, around the neckline.

In the winter, cracks in the lips are a common problem.To make a balm, take 40 ml of olive oil, two tablespoons of apricot oil and the same fresh marigold flowers. The balm should be infused for two weeks, then apply to the skin of the lips, gently rubbing. Damaged by staining or just dry and brittle hair can be restored by rinsing with the infusion of plant flowers. Per liter of boiling water, add two tablespoons of dried flowers, let it brew under the lid. Rinse with warm infusion after each shampooing. There is no strictly prescribed course of application, use as needed.

Contraindications and harm from marigolds

Marigolds have a wide range of medicinal properties, but there are also contraindications. It is not recommended to use fresh flowers as food for pregnant and lactating women. This applies to decoctions and infusions used inside.

The oil of marigolds, despite the benefits, can also bring harm. Essential oil is highly concentrated, when using should be carefully selected dosage. It is contraindicated in pregnant women with asthma, epilepsy. In the presence of eczema oil can not be used for external use.Gently apply under reduced pressure. Do not use allergies and children under 14 years old. Marigolds are useful as a medicinal, cosmetological agent. It is eaten fresh and as a spice. The plant will decorate with its sunny inflorescences any area, terrace or balcony.