Calendula CALENDULA – an annual decorative plant from the Asteraceae family with bright orange or yellow flowers, which attracts bees and other pollinating insects, contributing to increased crop yield in gardens and vegetable plots. The plant is distinguished by high resistance to diseases and pests, as well as good tolerance to adverse conditions, making it suitable for both open beds and closed cultivation. Due to its beauty and simple care, calendula is often used in flower beds and landscape design, where it can bloom even until the first frost.
Calendula has a rich chemical composition: the flowers contain carotenoids (carotene, rubixanthin, lycopene), flavonoids, essential oils, and trace elements – zinc, copper, molybdenum, selenium. These substances give the plants antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Petals and inflorescences of calendula are used in folk medicine for preparing tinctures, decoctions and ointments, which help treat inflammation of the throat, mouth, eyes, as well as wounds, burns and skin diseases.
In cosmetology, calendula is valued for its soothing effect on skin and hair. Oils, extracts and alcoholic tinctures are used in creams, lotions and tonics for caring for oily and sensitive skin, as well as for treating acne, irritation and itching. When used correctly, calendula can contribute to improved sleep, reduced blood pressure and maintained general health, however its use is contraindicated in pregnancy, hypotension and some cardiovascular conditions.
