Marigold  is an annual plant from the Asteraceae family with yellow to bright orange color. In its wild state, it is found around the Mediterranean Sea and in Iran, but today it is spread all over the world with a fairly wide variety of about 20 species. His name in Bulgarian literally means "no vehna" (dial. "no vein").

It is a favorite flower for many gardeners, because the seeds it forms during the flowering period are preserved in winter and germinate in early spring, like weeds. Loves the bright sun and moisture in the soil. It blooms from the beginning of summer until the first snow falls. In folk tradition, marigold flowers are also used as a barometer. If early in the morning the individual leaves of the flower are evenly blossomed and parallel to the ground, it means that the day will be sunny without rain.
The first information about the use of calendula as a medicinal tool comes from Ancient Greece. Today it is already a cultivated plant, one of the most famous and most frequently used in medical and cosmetic practice mainly because of its strong action as:

  • anti-inflammatory;
  • antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral;
  • blood purifier, normalizing blood pressure;
  • antispasmodic;
  • regenerating and hydrating agent.

Calendula  contains significant amounts: essential oil, saponins, carotenoids, flavonoids, mucilaginous substances, organic acids, bitter substances, phytosterols, magnesium, manganese and vitamin C. Saponins have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects, stimulate mucus secretion, reduce swelling. Flavonoids are the reason for the beautiful yellow-orange coloring of calendula, they have an antibiotic effect by preventing inflammation, destroying microorganisms, preventing the formation of blood clots and being a strong antioxidant. On the other hand, carotenoids /also responsible for the yellow and red colors/, incl. lycopene, are one of the most powerful antioxidants, improving the function of the immune system and preventing early aging. The essential oil has a complex aroma, dissolves well in alcohol and fats, which explains the herb's widespread use in creams and tinctures. Organic acids and bitter substances stimulate the secretion of the glands of the gastrointestinal tract, bile and salivary glands.
For medicinal purposes, mainly the color is used, sometimes the green part is also included. The herb is recognized as one of the best natural remedies. Use internally and externally.
Internally is used as an infusion, recommended most often for diseases of the stomach and duodenum, intestines and bile, kidneys and urinary tract. Its bactericidal properties are very strong, so it is often recommended for bacterial infections, against streptococci, staphylococci, etc. Calendula has a sedative effect, lowers blood pressure and improves the activity of the heart muscle, purifies the blood. Russian scientists, after a long study of the properties of calendula, found that it has a strong immunostimulating effect, even stops the growth of tumors, and created calendula tablets with the name KN. Later, in American medical practice, a preparation based on calendula was created as an anti-cancer agent used postoperatively in excised malignant tumors. In Bulgarian folk medicine, calendula is recommended for cancer,
Externally the herb is used in the form of an ointment, oil or decoction. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect is well manifested in diseases of the throat and oral cavity, in conjunctivitis, as well as in gynecological washes. Calendula is widely used for skin diseases, rashes, bites, hard-to-heal wounds, scars, wrinkles. It is also recommended for varicose veins of the legs and hemorrhoids, for bedsores, burns and frostbite, for swelling and cracking of the lips. The herb increased its popularity worldwide after the publication of the book "Health from God's Pharmacy" by the Austrian herbalist Maria Treben, who recommends squeezing a drop of fresh calendula on hard-to-heal wounds, age spots or skin roughness. Calendula is widely recommended in cosmetic products for skin regeneration and hydration, especially on dry, sensitive and flaky skin. An excellent remedy for dry and exhausted hair.

  • All this diversity of useful properties and beneficial effects has led us to include calendula in our  BIO ARGENTUM cosmetic series . Its combination with the silver water, with the wonderful essential oils and herbal extracts multiply the individual properties of each individual element, so that the final effect of the general effect is much better and successful. The result is clean, nourished and healthy skin of your baby .

Here are some options for using the herb at home that you can prepare yourself:

  • Calendula infusion: 1 tbsp. a dried flower is poured with 300 ml of boiling water, covered and left to infuse for 15 minutes. Strain and drink 100 ml 3 times a day. It can also be used to rub the skin.
  • Tonic for reddened skin: 1 spoonful of calendula flower (preferably fresh), ½ cup of distilled water, ½ spoonful of lemon juice. The herb is poured with boiling water and left to infuse for 20 minutes, then strained, lemon juice added and used for rubbing in the next 1-2 days.
  • Calendula decoction: put 1 tsp in 300 ml of boiling water. dried calendula flower and let it boil for 3-5 minutes, then strain and drink 100 ml 3 times a day. It is also used to rub the skin.
  • Alcohol extract of calendula: 100 grams of calendula flower, fresh, are poured with 500 ml of alcohol/ brandy, vodka/ and left in a dark and cool place, shaking the container every day. After 14 days, the tincture is filtered and poured into a clean bottle. To be stored in a refrigerator.

Diluted with water, an alcoholic extract of calendula can be used for rinsing or compresses in various inflammatory and purulent processes and wounds, as well as for gargling - 20 drops in 100 g of water, and in case of a runny nose, it is used to rinse the nose. In the same dilution, calendula can be used for vaginal washes.
She is interested in the recipe of the famous pastor Kneipp, which has reached our days, according to which: 50 g of fresh marigold flowers, 150 g of fresh marigold leaves, 150 ml of alcohol, 5 ml of ammonia 10%, mix, mix well and leave in a covered court. After standing for 12 hours, this mixture is added to 1000 g of melted wax and left for 5-8 hours at a temperature of about 50-60 C. It is used externally.

  • Calendula oil: fresh calendula is cut and pressed well until it fills 3/4 of a glass jar, poured with olive oil. It is left for 40 days in a sunny place, after which it is filtered and used for smearing. A very good remedy against wrinkles or fresh skin scars.
  • Calendula oil: in melted refined lard - 1 cup, add 2 handfuls of fresh calendula flowers and mix well. It is left aside from the fire until the mixture hardens and is reheated, strained and poured into the vessel in which it will be stored.