Do you know calendula tea?

Also known as bem-me-quer, calendula is a medicinal plant used in popular culture for skin treatments, especially inflammation and burns. However its benefits go far beyond these issues.

According to some studies, calendula acts in the protection of the liver and helps strengthen the immune system. In addition, it can be a powerful ally in the fight against diabetes, since it helps keep blood sugar levels regulated.

The plant can be bought in natural products stores and, therefore, can be present in the routine of all people with relative ease. If you want to know more about how to use calendula and enjoy its benefits, continue reading the article!

Understanding more about calendula tea

Marigold is a medicinal plant used in the form of tea and other compounds, as it is present in the formulation of a number of natural products. However, as there are several types of marigold, you need to know which one should be used for each purpose. See more about these issues below!

Origin and history of the marigold plant

The word marigold has a Latin origin and means "first of each month". It belongs to the Astaraceae family, which is the same family of flowers such as the sunflower and the daisy. It is a native plant of Central Africa that was spread worldwide due to European colonization. In Brazil, its arrival happened around the XVIII century.

Currently, there are about 30 different types of marigold around the world, and each one acts in a distinct way on the body. In addition to being used for medicinal treatments, these plants are also powerful insecticides because of their scent.

Characteristics of calendula

Although there are some variations, in general, marigolds are plants that reach 60 cm in height, which favors their cultivation in pots and apartments. Thus, they are plants of easy management and that depend on little humidity to survive, since they absorb the nutrients from the soil, even without the presence of water.

When talking about its leaves, it is worth noting that they reach 20 cm in length, which can be considered quite a lot when thinking about the maximum height of the marigold. The flowers are grouped in inflorescences similar to those of the sunflower, and the color varies between yellow and orange.

What is calendula tea used for?

Calendula tea serves several distinct purposes. One of the most popular is skin healing, proven by studies. However, it also acts in the protection of the liver against injuries caused by drugs and combats skin inflammation, being widely used in the treatment of infected wounds.

In addition, it is a powerful ally against diabetes, since the flowers of the plant help regulate blood sugar levels. It is also worth mentioning its performance in strengthening the immune system due to the presence of antioxidants. Some studies indicate that calendula is able to increase the activation of lymphocytes.

Properties of the marigold plant

Marigold has significant anti-inflammatory properties, and its main use is linked to this feature. However, it is also a powerful antifungal and antiviral, as it acts on the immune system and prevents diseases such as colds. Due to these characteristics, it is also a good natural antiallergic.

In addition, the plant has a calming effect that makes it great for relieving the symptoms caused by PMS. Also in this sense, calendula is also able to regulate the menstrual cycle.

Benefits of calendula tea

Marigold tea can be used for several purposes and has benefits such as fighting infection and inflammation. It also acts in the healing process, making it faster. It is worth mentioning its ability to strengthen the immune system. These and other benefits of the drink will be commented below. Check it out!

It has diuretic action

Due to its diuretic action, calendula helps in the treatment of urinary tract infections, which also happens thanks to its antimicrobial properties, capable of eliminating the bacteria responsible for causing this type of condition.

In addition to fighting infections, calendula also helps in cleaning the urinary tract, since the urine will be eliminated with greater regularity from the consumption of tea. Another positive point is that, due to this effect, it also combats fluid retention, helping to deflate.

Assists in healing

Marigold tea has the ability to aid in the healing process of the skin, and this is the main reason why the plant has become known. The effect in question has been proven by several different studies, done on the basis of burns, cuts and wounds.

It is possible to state that the anti-inflammatory action of calendula is linked to its soothing and antimicrobial properties, which prevents the development of microorganisms. In addition, the plant also acts to reduce swelling in the injured site, providing a sense of relief from pain.

Fights infections and inflammations

The benefits of calendula for the skin are among the most studied. Besides stimulating the healing process, it also fights infections and skin inflammations due to its antimicrobial action, which eliminates bacteria, fungi and other types of parasites.

Therefore, one way to use the tea to get these kinds of benefits and apply it cold on the infected area to make a cleanse. That way, absorption becomes faster, and other benefits, such as the calming effect of the plant, can be taken advantage of.

Acts in the treatment of inflammation of the mucous membranes

Marigold tea has a powerful anti-inflammatory action and therefore has properties that can decrease inflammation of the mucous membranes.

In addition, it also takes on soothing and healing actions that can help ease inflammation that appears in the mouth, such as the well-known aphtha and gingivitis. When it comes to mucous membranes, calendula is also used for stomach problems, but there are no studies that prove this feat.

Strengthens the immune system

Due to its main components, calendula has a strong antioxidant action, which makes it very positive to strengthen the immune system and prevent opportunistic and other diseases such as colds and flu.

It is able to completely eliminate free radicals due to these distinct properties, ensuring that the immune system is protected. Other components that act in this sense are part of calendula, such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which act directly in strengthening the immune system.

Acts in the protection of the liver

Marigold is an excellent protection for the liver and can be very positive for people who suffer from problems in this organ. Some studies suggest that the use of this plant, in this case, its alcoholic extract, can protect liver cells in the face of injuries that have been caused previously, mainly by medications and other situations.

Therefore, calendula also brings amazing properties to ease and even prevent liver problems from recurring in people's lives.

Helps control blood sugar levels

Marigold flowers are highly beneficial for health, because they have some elements in its composition that help people who suffer from problems related to excess sugar in the blood, such as diabetes, which affects thousands of people worldwide.

In this case, it acts directly on the decrease of sugar levels in the blood and has components that seem to increase the sensitivity of the body to insulin. Thus, sugar levels can be controlled, preventing people who already have diabetes from worsening the disease or eventually developing it.

Protects heart health

When consumed in adequate properties and in the correct way, calendula can bring various benefits to life in general. For people who suffer from heart disease or who want to avoid these being common problems in your life, the use of tea and other products of this plant is highly indicated in its proper daily quantities and always respecting the indications.

Some of the elements present in the composition of calendula tea have positive actions, which help control cholesterol in the body and end up reflecting directly on the health of the heart. The consumption of this plant, whether in tea format or other ways, will ensure much more health for your heart.

Relieves PMS symptoms

PMS is one of the most uncomfortable times for women, and every month it causes devastating effects, such as cramps and bloating.

In this sense, calendula tea can give relief from the dreaded cramps and help to avoid excess fluid retention, something common to happen in these periods of the month. It has a very high capacity to eliminate the fluids that are in excess in the body and that cause this feeling of swelling.

Recipe for calendula tea

Preparing calendula tea is very simple. It requires few ingredients and super quick preparation that can be done by anyone. This is only one of the ways that the tea can be used, because there are other ways to ingest calendula.

In general, the most used parts for these processes are the leaves and dried flowers of the plant. Below, see how the preparation of calendula tea is done!

Ingredients

To prepare calendula tea, you need few ingredients, which can be found in spice or tea shops and other natural products stores. The plant, in general, is found dried, so it is the most common way to make tea.

Check out the ingredients:

- 2 tablespoons of marigold flowers;

- 1 cup boiling water.

How to do

To start your tea, boil the water in the indicated amount of 1 cup. If you want more tea for the day, increase in proportion to the flowers that will be used.

After boiling the water, place the flowers inside the hot water and let this mixture rest for about 5 minutes. This process is necessary for the flowers to release all their nutrients and compounds in the water. After this time, remove the flowers and consume the tea still hot.

Further information about marigold tea

Calendula can be used in many ways, because there are natural products that have this plant as a base. It is important to know all the information about this powerful plant, because it can ensure much more quality of life and health for your days.

Some care should also be taken regarding its consumption, so that it does not end up becoming much more harmful than beneficial, if done incorrectly. See some more tips on how to use calendula in your life!

Tips for making your calendula tea

For some people, the taste of calendula tea may not be pleasant, so you can add some other elements in it to make it more palatable.

If you prefer, use other ingredients such as lemon and spices to give it a more pleasant taste. You can also sweeten it with honey to make it stay healthier. If it is possible, do not use sugar in this case. Sweeteners can also be a good option for people who have diabetes.

Herbs and plants that go well with calendula tea

Marigold is part of the daisy family. Its taste may not be pleasant for some people at first. Therefore, it can be combined with other common herbs that are more pleasing to most palates.

In this case, as both have similar properties, combine calendula tea with some chamomile, and you will have an even more powerful tea. Other herbs, such as fennel, are also suitable to combine with calendula. Their flavor is very similar and, besides this fact, they have some properties that can enhance the effects.

How often can calendula tea be taken?

As much as it is a natural product that brings health benefits, it is important to ingest calendula tea respecting the daily amounts so that it is positive for your health.

It is recommended to drink only two cups a day, one in the morning and one in the evening. If you notice any negative effects, stop using calendula tea immediately. The use of larger quantities of the plant should only be done if there is some kind of medical indication that ensures that this can be done. Otherwise, respect the limits of use.

Other ways to consume marigold

Besides tea, calendula can also be used in other different ways, since there are several natural products that take this plant in its composition.

A form that has also been widespread is the calendula poultice, in which its leaves and flowers are crushed and used over wounds or acne, with the aid of a clean cloth or gauze. It is also common for calendula to be used for gargling, with a rougher and warmer tea.

Possible side effects of calendula tea

Even though it is a common plant, calendula, for some people, can present adverse and unexpected effects. In this case, it is common for people to have allergies on the skin, which take on a red color, with swelling and even itching.

In this case, the use of calendula should be stopped immediately, and the affected site should be washed with cold water to remove all the substance used that may be causing the allergic reaction.

This is a measure used in the case of calendula plaster, which can be used for acne or even to be able to help wounds to be healed. In the case of the teas, note if there are any kind of physical alterations as well, such as diarrhea, for example, as they may indicate that the tea is not causing a positive effect.

Contraindications to calendula tea

There is not much evidence that calendula has specific contraindications. But, so far, studies indicate that pregnant women and children under 6 years of age should not use the tea and other products that are originated from this plant. These groups should use the plant only if there is a medical recommendation.

Therefore, whenever you are going to use some new product or teas, observe the effects of these and analyze if they are indicated for the group to which you belong. It is also important to consult a doctor whenever you have any doubts regarding the use of something to prevent problems from occurring along the process.

Marigold tea has many benefits!

With so many benefits, calendula is a plant that can bring many positive effects to your life. After understanding all its actions and what it can benefit, it becomes much easier to realize its relevance and importance.

But it is necessary to emphasize that if you notice any uncomfortable effects, such as allergies or other problems, stop using the plant immediately. If it was a medical recommendation, seek help from the professional who indicated it.

In a general, calendula serves as a great ally for your life, especially in cases of bruises and acnes. Therefore, consider inserting this plant in your days through its tea and notice the difference in your health after some time of use!