The mother tincture of calendula, obtained from the flowers of Calendula officinalis, has a soothing and healing action for the tissues and antispasmodic on menstrual pain. Let’s find out better.
Properties of calendula mother tincture
The flowers of Calendula Officinalis contain triterpenes, flavonoids, polysaccharides, carotenes, phytosterols, essential oil, mucilage, salicylic acid and bitter substances. These active ingredients give Calendula an anti inflammatory, antiseptic, healing, refreshing, emollient and dermopathic action.
Its mother tincture of calendula is therefore used internally, for its estrogenic action, in dysfunctions of the female genital system, as it favors and regulates the hormonal cycle; while for its antispasmodic property, it calms menstrual and abdominal pains, increases scarce menstruation and decreases abundant ones.
Furthermore, the hydroalcoholic extract of the plant has anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties, especially at the level of the oropharyngeal mucosa, given the presence of mucilages. For this reason it is indicated in case of colitis, gastritis, ulcers and any inflammation affecting the internal tissues.
For external use, the mother tincture of calendula soothes and heals skin lesions (including sores), insect bites, sunburn, wounds, redness and irritation of the skin, mouth ulcers and gingivitis. It is used successfully to heal birth points and breast fissures of the nursing mother.
Description of the plant
Marigold is an annual herbaceous plant, which grows spontaneously in fields and especially in grassy places throughout Italy, mainly in the southern regions. It often adorns graves in cemeteries, so it is also known as “grass of the dead“.
It can also be grown in gardens. It has a tap root, branched stem (50 cm) and covered with hair. The leaves are thick, lanceolate with an entire or slightly toothed margin.
The flowers are flower heads with variable color from yellow to orange and appear in spring summer. The rubbed plant gives off a pleasant aroma.
How to prepare the mother tincture of calendula
The “drug” (part used) corresponds to the fresh flowers, collected in April – June and in September – November. The fresh plant is used, as it loses most of its properties when dried.
The mother tincture of calendula is prepared with a drug: solvent weight ratio of 1:10 and an alcohol content of 55% vol.
Usage
The mother tinctures have no contraindications other than those of the plant itself, diluted in a little water they can be administered to everyone, the alcohol contained in them is thus diluted, so it is harmless.
Internal use 30 – 40 drops, 2 – 3 times a day. The maximum recommended daily dosage is 180 drops.
External use: it is recommended to use it diluted in water 15-30 drops to prepare compresses with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and healing action.
