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Ringelblumensalbe- application and benefits
contents
- Caution: risk of confusion
- Characteristics of calendula:
- herbs portrait
- Ingredients and effect
- Application and dosage
- Make marigold ointment yourself
- side effects
Caution: risk of confusion
The marigold has innumerable epithets, which, especially when it comes to the collection of marigolds for a home-made ointment, can also lead to confusion. For example, terms such as buttercup, sunbeam, solstice or marigold are also in use for other flower plants, which usually represent a separate genus of plants. The nickname Yolk Flower is particularly misleading and dangerous, but it easily causes confusion with the also yellow-flowering, but poisonous Marsh Marigold.
The marigold - and thus also the marigold ointment - offers with its ingredients a variety of applications. (Image: Marén Wischnewski / fotolia.com) Characteristics of calendula:
Scientific name: Calendula
Family: Compositae (Asteraceae)
Folk names:
- buttercup,
- Calendula,
- marigold,
- gold flower,
- Ingelblum,
- Marigold,
- Dawn,
- rain flower,
- cattle flower,
- Marigold Rose,
- Ringula,
- Sneezeweed,
- solstice,
- marigold,
- dead flower,
- warts herb,
- Weckbröseln
- and usury flower.
Occurrence: Europe, Mediterranean
Application areas:
- Skin diseases / skin problems,
- vascular disease,
- joint pain,
- Inner unrest,
- indigestion,
- Injuries and wound healing disorders.
Used plant parts: Leaves, flowers, stems
herbs portrait
Where the marigold originally came from is still a mystery. It is believed that she once came from the Mediterranean to Central Europe. Since then, the seeds, which we usually flower for a year, defy the cold winters, which is why, once sown, it sprouts relatively reliably every year at their open-air sites. It can be recognized by its striking yellow-orange tongue flowers. And even the unusually sickle-shaped seeds, which emerge from the flowers of the medicinal plant, are easy to identify. Their slightly curled to curled shape was the reason why the mother of all herbalists, Hildegard von Bingen, christened the marigold "Ringula", while the sunny radiant flowers contributed to nicknames such as gold flower, dawn or sun bride.
The sunny temper of the marigold is also evident in their preferred site conditions. The location should be sunny, warm and never stunned. Otherwise, the lanceolate leaves of the calendula tend to quickly become diseases such as mildew. In addition, marigolds are most prone to nutrient-rich and loose clay or gravel soils, which have a slight lime content.
Despite these special demands, the marigolds are relatively easy to grow here, which has allowed them to spread over a large area in Europe over the centuries. Widely used by us and therefore most commonly used as a medicinal plant:
- the Calendula arvensis (Calendula arvensis)
- and the Common marigold / garden marigold (Calendula officinalis).
In addition to the field marigold the garden marigold is widely used in Europe. (Image: Pixelmixel / fotolia.com) Calendula was in the superstition of the Middle Ages as a magical plant and love oracle. For example, like the Daisy, she was used to perform the famous "He loves me, he does not love me" oracle. The flower was picked for this purpose but only secretly, because the picking of the marigolds conjured up the popular belief also thunderstorms. In general, Calendula was often used as a flower oracle for weather forecasts. Since their flowers align with the position of the sun, it was assumed that a particularly beautiful day was approaching when the marigold blossoms were already open at six o'clock in the morning. On the other hand, if the flowers remained closed after seven o'clock in the morning, a rainy day was more likely.
"Sun Bride is a herb that has thick but not large leaves and a lemon yellow flower that closes at sunset and opens at sunrise. She is cold and wet. Grated, it helps to bite poisonous animals when you put them on the wound. Its juice helps with blockages of the spleen and liver.
(Albertus Magnus, German scholar from the 13th century)
The use of calendula as a magic plant even went so far as to become an important ingredient in love-ointments. Above all, young ladies were happy to prepare with her a corresponding ointment of vinegar, honey, marigold blossoms and other summer herbs, when they loved their beloved or loved ones. The ointment was then applied to the skin in the evening before going to bed, in the hope that it would make the lover appear in the dream and perhaps even in real life.
Even more important were ointments from calendula, however, in folk medicine. Already in ancient times discovered the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians, as well as the Arabs and Indians the manifold healing potential of calendula. The healing powers of the calendula are very similar to the arnica that is also used in skin complaints, but they are far more effective than these. The salutary effect of the marigold ointment on skin damage even goes so far as to do excellent work on existing wounds and lesions. And although calendula supplements are world-famous for this effect, this is not the only application of the healing flower. From digestive and respiratory complaints to joint, vascular and nervous disorders her healing effects are attributed to all sorts of health complaints. Even classic gynecological conditions should respond positively to the ingredients of calendula. Overall, the herb is indicated for the following uses:
- respiratory symptoms such as asthma, cough or mucosal inflammation.
- gynecological problems such as menstrual pain, PMS symptoms, menopausal symptoms or disturbed cycle.
- vascular disease such as varicose veins, spider veins, swollen lymphatics, open legs or thrombosis.
- skin diseases such as acne, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, dry skin or warts.
- Nerve suffering and mental stress such as anxiety disorders, sleep disorders and restlessness.
- indigestion such as bile problems, liver weakness, stomach problems, intestinal complaints or stomach ulcers.
- wound treatment such as bruises, bruises, bruises, cuts and abrasions, burns, wound healing disorders or strains.
- other complaints such as inflammation in the mouth, ear infections, worm infections or toothache.
"The saff of marigolds has put into the ears / shall kill the worms in it. On the days of weariness of the teeth, one should take a good part of the sap in mouth, or keep it for a while, / shall soon behave the cobbler. "
(Tabernaemontanus, German physician and pharmacist from the 16th century.)
Marigold tea helps with indigestion, but also with nervous and mental stress. (Image: kolesnikovserg / fotolia.com) Ingredients and effect
The fact that the marigold or the marigold ointment has such a good and versatile effect is no coincidence. Because in the plant is a veritable wealth of medicinal ingredients. Fortunately, these rarely cause side effects, which is why Ringellblumensalbe is available over the counter from the pharmacy. It should also be missing in any well-stocked medicine chest, so that in case of emergency, for example, in smaller household accidents that result in bruising or bruising, is quickly at hand. The most important ingredients of calendula include:
- bitters,
- flavonoids,
- phytohormones,
- phytosterols
- and saponins.
bitters
The bitter substances in calendula are primarily attributed to their good effect on indigestion, because they stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes and bile and gastric juice. In addition, the natural substances are attributed to an anticonvulsant (spasmolytic) and immune-enhancing effect. This can be helpful not only for stomach or intestinal cramps, but also for cramps in menstrual disorders. For this purpose marigold should be best used as a tea herb. In addition, the bitter substances in the marigold ointment have a significant healing potential, as they additionally
- antimicrobially,
- anti-inflammatory,
- blood circulation
- and immune boosting
Act. For skin inflammation, circulatory disorders and the disinfection of wounds, such properties are of course more than desirable.
flavonoids
Flavonoids are a particular group of phytochemicals described that give plants and in particular their flowers their color. The name derives from the Latin word flavus for "yellow", since the coloring properties of flavonoids were first discovered on plants such as the dyer oak, which were used in ancient times often for yellowing of textiles. Also in the flowers of calendula stuck such yellow plant dyes. One of them is quercetin. This applies in addition to its coloring properties as
- antioxidant,
- cholesterol-lowering,
- blood circulation,
- anti-inflammatory,
- protect blood vessels
- and immune boosting.
With bruises Marigold ointment helps. That's why it should be available in the medicine chest. (Image: Dan Race / fotolia.com) In addition, several independent studies have come to the conclusion that quercetin has a cancer-inhibiting effect, which is why the flavonoid now plays an important role in cancer therapy. So it is not surprising that marigold ointment is recommended even for skin cancer.
Another flavonoid in the calendula is isorhamnetin. It is much less known than quercetin, but also has some interesting curative effects. Especially in the treatment of psychologically or emotionally motivated diseases such as
- depressions,
- melancholy,
- Depression,
- mood swings,
- Displeasure and listlessness
Isorhamnetin is relevant as a mood-enhancing and drive-enhancing agent. Furthermore, the immunostarching potential of the flavonoid is also very remarkable. Isorhamnetin therefore already proposed a Chinese study for the prevention and treatment of autoimmune diseases.
The carotenoids contained in it also contribute to the orange-yellow color as well as the cell protective effect of calendula. Better known as provitamin A are attributed to this dye similar healing effects as quercetin and isorhamnetin, with just injuries such as
- bruises,
- burns,
- abrasions
- and badly healing wounds
exceptionally well to respond to treatment with carotenoids. This is because the dyes are unlikely to aid the body in cell regeneration. Namely, they improve the signal conduction between the body cells and thus accelerate their regenerative processes. This even goes so far that even wrinkles and degenerated cancer cells hardly withstand the regeneration zeal of carotenoids.
The same applies to dysfunctions in the brain and photoreceptor cells, which is why carotenoids are becoming increasingly important in the treatment of eye diseases such as cataracts and diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. The diseases are based on cell-degenerative processes, which take place in the eye or brain respectively, and cause a decline of cell tissue, which so far is hardly or not at all reversible. Carotenoids therefore represent an important research topic for new treatment methods. Initial research results are already available in this regard, at least in the case of Alzheimer's. The two most important carotenoids in calendula, xanthophyll and violaxanthin, are included.
phytohormones
Phytohormones or plant hormones are plant-derived substances that are very similar in their function to the body's own hormones. In plants, phytohormones primarily control the growth and development of a plant in the various vegetation phases. In the human body, plant hormones can even take over the tasks of conventional hormones and thus eliminate hormonal disorders as well as hormone-disrupting tissue and organ dysfunctions.
A phytohormone, which is important here, especially in marigold ointment for their good effect on skin problems and injuries, is salicylic acid. It is used in plants to ward off pollutants and pathogens and is therefore an essential part of the plant immune response.
Salicylic acid can also perform similar functions in the human organism. Here, the plant hormone provides an additional strengthening especially for the protection of the skin barrier. Straight humans with chronic skin illnesses are well-known with this ingredient, because he is regarded as indispensable ingredient of countless ointments and creams against dermatological autoimmune illnesses like atopic dermatitis. Overall, salicylic acid can help with the following skin conditions:
- acne,
- dermatitis,
- skin infections,
- skin fungus,
- corns,
- eczema,
- psoriasis,
- warts suffering,
- wound bleeding
- and wound pain.
By the way: Also, the good effect of calendula in classic gynecological conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual disorders or menopausal symptoms can be explained by the hormone action of phytohormones. Apparently, these, for example in the form of phytoestrogen, can act as a replacement for sex hormones in the presence of imbalance in the hormone balance of women.
The marigold ointment counteracts the itching through its phytosterols. (Image: kwanchaichaiudom / fotolia.com) phytosterols
Closely related to the phytohormones are the phytosterols, also known as phytosterols. Behind it hides a group of vegetable fats with a likewise considerable protective function. In contrast to phytohormones like salicylic acid, this does not apply to the skin, but to the metabolism as well as the cardiovascular and vascular health. For example, phytosterols contained in the marigold have an effect
- stigmasterol,
- ß-sitosterol
- and taraxasterol
especially at elevated cholesterol levels. These are commonly used in general medicine as a trigger of vascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis and consequent heart problems such as coronary heart disease. Also, the risk of other sequelae of atherosclerosis, such as heart attacks or strokes, can be countered with phytosterols preventively.
Phytosterols also have one on the skin
- anti-inflammatory,
- juckreizmildernden,
- rewetting
- and cell-regenerative
Effect. This is particularly beneficial for dry skin and itching or itchy skin flakes associated skin diseases (atopic dermatitis and psoriasis) very beneficial.
saponins
The last important group of substances that support calendula preparations such as the calendula cream in their broad spectrum of action are saponins, such as calendula sapogenin, which occurs only in marigold. In general, saponins are also known for their cholesterol-lowering and anti-inflammatory properties. A special disinfectant aspect is added to the calendula sapogenin but because this has both antibacterial and antiviral, especially the antibacterial efficacy against classic wound, skin and mucous membrane bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Enterococcus faecalis stands out. This is the result of an international study, which also investigated the cytotoxic and thus cancer cell-killing potential of saponins.
It is often overlooked that saponins also have a stimulating and even healing effect on digestion. As they increase the permeability of the intestinal walls, they facilitate the digestive tract's absorption of nutrients from the diet. There is also one
- diuretic,
- Hormone and enzyme stimulating
- as well as mucus and secretion promoting
Effect that is suitable for stimulating the metabolism and for purification, for example in the course of a diet. Also, the sekretfördernde aspect of saponins in many respiratory diseases of importance that are associated with a congested neck or congested bronchi important.
Although the marigolds has the epithet yolk flower, it is optically easy to distinguish from the poisonous marsh marigold. (Image: Klaus Brauner / fotolia.com) Application and dosage
The marigold can be easily drawn for medicinal purposes. In addition to the site claims described at the beginning, it is important that no chemical fertilizers are applied in the culture of the medicinal plant. Once infiltrated into the site soil, the substances pass over the plant roots directly into the calendula and are inevitably absorbed by the body during medical application. It is irrelevant whether there is an internal application, for example by the taking of marigold tea, or an external application by ointments and creams of the calendula. For the skin also absorbs pollutants, which can only make skin problems worse. When making marigolds, please be sure to use only organic fertilizers, such as nettle gruel or compost.
The harvest time for Calendula extends from June to September. It can be harvested here both the flowers and leaves and stems of the plant, as they die later anyway and how the flowers of medicinal herbs contain active ingredients. While the flowers can also be processed fresh, for example to tea infusions or oil extracts, you should first dry the rest of the above-ground parts of plants. The drying takes place on a white linen cloth or in the herb bundle. The latter is particularly suitable for marigolds, as they can be easily harvested as a whole.
Make marigold ointment yourself
"The powder of the bark mixed with fennel-seed-juice, wine and a little oil, that all boiled bite would make it thick; therefore, take a little bit of vigor, make an ointment, and coat it with it, as well as a cold stomach, it will help. "
(Hieronymus Bock, German botanist from the 16th century)
For the own production of a marigold ointment one needs, for example, an oil extract from the dried calendula. (Image: nikolaydonetsk / fotolia.com) You can buy marigold ointment over the counter in every pharmacy and also in most drugstores. However, if you want to make your own ointment, you have different approaches to choose from.
Ointment with beeswax and oil extract:
For an ointment with calendula oil, an oil extract must first be prepared from the flowers of the plant. For this one needs:
- a large screw jar (best a jar),
- about 300 grams of dried marigold flowers,
- 600 milliliters of oil (best germ oil or sunflower oil),
- a clean linen cloth,
- a dark bottle for storage.
Put the marigold flowers into the screw jar and seal well. After that, the oil mixture has to mature in the light for about three to four weeks. For this is best a bright windowsill. Shake the calendula oil well daily so that the ingredients are distributed evenly throughout the oil. After the extraction time, the flowers are filtered off with a clean linen cloth and the oil is stored cool in a dark glass bottle for storage. For the production of the ointment then become
- 30 milliliters marigold oil
- and two grams of beeswax
needed. Put both in a glass bowl and heat the mixture in a water bath. Once the beeswax has dissolved, you can stir it until it has a uniform mass. To check whether the consistency fits, a few drops of ointment are given on a plate as a test and after cooling, passed. If necessary, some additional wax can be added. Finally, the marigold ointment is filled into an ointment jar.
Tip: For a longer shelf life it is best to add a few drops of antiranz to the ointment. Working with olive oil is especially not recommended for the oil extract, because this is very quickly rancid.
There are numerous variations for the oil variant of the marigold ointment. For example, instead of using two grams of beeswax, you can use only one gram and instead mix in four grams of lanolin or cocoa butter for improved skin care. An alternative to the oil recipe is also offered by the following variants:
Marigold ointment with coconut fat or milking fat
For this you need no oil extract, which is why this variant is made faster. Needed:
- ten grams of marigold flowers,
- 100 grams of coconut or milking fat,
- stew,
- a clean linen cloth
- and an ointment pot.
Heat the coconut oil on a low flame in a saucepan. Then add the marigold flowers and simmer the mixture gently for about ten minutes. Afterwards, the untreated ointment must rest for about three days before being heated again and then pressed through a linen cloth. Once the ointment has cooled down, you can put it like the oil ointment variant in an ointment and refrigerate in the fridge.
Traditional marigold ointment with lard
This recipe was already used in the Middle Ages and represents the most traditional variant of the marigold ointment.
Ingredients:
- five grams of marigold flowers,
- 70 grams of lard,
- a small pot,
- a linen cloth and
- an ointment pot.
The solid lard is cut in advance into the smallest possible pieces and then placed in a pot. After the lard is completely melted on low heat, add the marigold flowers. Then it is stirred until the flowers are completely covered with lard. After about 30 minutes, you can remove the ointment from the heat. Now the ointment has to draw for about a day before it is heated again and then filtered through the linen cloth. After cooling, the ointment is then painted as usual in the ointment jar.
All variants shown have a shelf life of about one year and can be used during this time up to three times a day for skin care or wound treatment.
Pollen allergy sufferers should be wary of using marigold ointment as it can cause allergic reactions. (Image: Zlatan Durakovic / fotolia.com) side effects
Care should be taken when using the Marigold Ointment especially pollen allergy sufferers. If there is an allergy to daisy family, the application can quickly lead to classic allergy symptoms such as redness, allergic rhinitis, burning eyes or even a shock. Otherwise, with appropriate dosage but no side effects are known for marigold preparations. (Ma)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)