Calendula oil

Calendula Officinalis or pot marigold is a genus of Asteraceae family. It is a rigid, coarse multi-branched annual plant. This flower is native to South-western Asia and the Mediterranean. The common name "marigold" refers to the Virgin Mary, to which it is related in the 17th century.

The plant has ray florets and solitary Flower heads. The diameter varies from 2-4 inches and is of pale yellow colour.

OIL

It has a Spicy sweet aroma and a thin texture. The colour of the oil varies from yellow to Amber.

Extraction

Calendula oil is steam distilled from the petals of the flower. Also maceration extraction method is used in which the flowers are drenched in hot oil so that their cell membranes got ruptured and then the hot oil soaks up the essence.

Chemical composition

It mainly constitutes the sesquiterpene alcohol of α-cadinol. Also, it has flavonoids, triterpenic alcohol, saponins and sterols.

Uses

1. Anti-inflammatory:- it is very effective in treating distended and inflamed tissue. Due to high triterpenoid content it is best remedy for treatment of skin dryness and haemorrhoid. It also treats the spider veins, varicose veins, leg ulcers, and chilblains.

2. Anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties: - It is used to treat dermatitis, wounds, insect bites and acne. Due to tissue regenerative effect, it is useful for treating first degree burns, scald, athletes' foot, ringworm an diaper rash. It is known for countering Staphylococcus aureus, a familiar microbe that infects scuff, burn, and cut.

3. Anal fissures:-it is known for treating the anal tears, if it is being applied to the effective area it reduces the pain research suggests that that applying calendula to the affected area may reduce pain in people with anal tears if they are not getting better with nifedipine.

4. Anti-neoplastic:-It is being proved that celndula oil contains rich content of saponin, which is known for its in-vitro cyto-toxicity, that means it is effective in inhibiting the growth of neoplasm a tumour.