Calendula oil, derived from the calendula officinalis flower, is a natural supplement that has been gaining popularity for its numerous health benefits. In this article, we’ll delve into the properties and uses of calendula oil, exploring its potential as a skin solution, digestive aid, and anti-inflammatory agent.
What is Calendula?
Calendula officinalis is a member of the composite family, which also includes daisies and sunflowers. Its beneficial properties can be exploited through various methods, including:
- Essential oil of calendula
- Infused calendula oil
- Tincture mother of calendula
- Macerations of calendula
- Calendula tea
Identifying Wild Calendula
Not everyone is aware that calendula is edible and grows wild in large areas throughout Italy. To learn how to identify wild calendula and use it in cooking to maximize its benefits, we invite you to read the article on Wild Calendula.
Wild calendula, in reality, is not the “officinalis” species cultivated primarily for ornamental purposes but rather the Calendula arvensis species, which also produces beneficial active compounds but with smaller flowers and less desirable.
The Properties of Calendula Oil
Calendula oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamin A, which contribute to its soothing and healing properties. The calendula contains triterpenes, flavonoids, polysaccharides, carotenoids, phytosterols, mucilages, and salicylic acid. These active principles make the calendula a true tonic for overall health.
Calendula oil is highly prized by women worldwide for its antispasmodic properties, which are beneficial in alleviating menstrual cramps. Due to the abundant presence of mucilages, it exercises a calming effect on both internal and external mucous membranes (hence many creams containing calendula). For internal use, the calendula is recommended in cases of colitis, gastritis, or other gastrointestinal disturbances.
Calendula Oil and Dermatitis Atopica
Calendula oil boasts marked anti-inflammatory properties, making it a suitable choice for treating eczema and dermatitis atopica. The active compounds present in the calendula oil help to “calm down” skin irritations.
When applied to the skin, calendula oil has an antiseptic, cicatrizing, refreshing (useful in cases of dermatitis atopica that cause itching), emollient, and dermopatic effects. For the same reasons, this oil can also serve as a natural remedy for skin irritations, redness, or superficial wounds.
Homemade Calendula Oil
Unlike tintures made with solvents, calendula oil is produced through a completely natural process. An infusion during which closed flowers release all active principles into another vegetable oil takes place.
It’s therefore more suitable to use the term “calendula oil” rather than “calendula oil” when referring to the product.
To make calendula oil at home, a maceration period of 40 days is used. In industrial settings, an additional mechanical stimulation is applied to extract the active compounds contained in the vegetable cells of the calendula.
Because of this, the commercial product contains higher concentrations of active principles than homemade products.
Where to Buy Calendula Oil?
You can find calendula oil at herbalist shops or online. For more information, please visit our official Amazon page: “Calendula Oil Pure 100%.” We recommend this product because it has a high quality-to-price ratio. A 100 ml bottle costs only €7.50 and includes free shipping.
If you prefer to make calendula oil at home, you can leave 100 grams of dried calendula flowers in 1 liter of sweet almond oil. The sweet almond oil penetrates the skin easily, exerting an emollient and hydrating effect that complements the action of calendula. For more information: Sweet Almond Oil.
Additional Resources
Acid Salicylic Properties and Creams