In this age of abundant chemical use, why not try a natural healing agent that soothes the body and is not harmful to you or the environment? Herbalists often use calendula for insect bites, cuts, and other skin irritations. It’s a great way to heal your skin and make it smooth.
In this post, I’ll explain to you why calendula is considered to be one of the most healing and anti-inflammatory herbs. You’ll also learn how to use it for bug bites, minor wounds and other skin problems.
About calendula
Calendula officinalis is the botanical name for a dainty orange or yellow flower commonly called pot marigold or calendula. The flower has been used for healing for generations.
Calendula petals are steamed to release the fragrant essential oils which provide soothing healing for many ailments.
The healing properties of calendula
According to Dr. Axe, Calendula is one of the most healing, antiviral, anti-inflammatory herbs on the planet.
This herb has high amounts of flavonoids.
What are flavonoids?
They are plant-based antioxidants that protect cells from free radicals. If you haven’t heard of free radicals, they are unstable molecules that damage our cells.
This is why calendula is often used to fight inflammation, bacteria and viruses.
The skin benefits of using calendula oil
Traditionally, calendula oil has been used for constipation and abdominal discomfort. But the primary advantages of using calendula oil remain skin health benefits.
Calendula oil is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. These properties make it perfect for use on skin problems, according to the Aromatherapy Bible (source).
Some of the benefits of using calendula oil on the skin are:
moisturizing
First of all, calendula oil is very moisturizing. If you have dry or chapped skin, calendula oil is of great aid for split, irritated dry skin.
It not only soothes the skin but reduces the inflammation and pain associated with severely dry skin.
anti-inflammatory
Calendula possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity. As a result, it’s an effective remedy for inflammation associated with skin issues. Indeed this herb can help with diaper rash, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and more (source).
Antimicrobial & antiseptic
The antimicrobial activity is due to the essential oil content in calendula. Calendula shows antiseptic effects against different pathogenic bacteria, even antibiotic-resistant strains! (source)
This is why calendula is used in antiseptic topical creams for cuts, wounds and skin rashes.
Calendula for cuts & wounds
Calendula helps speed healing of minor rashes, cuts, and wounds. This is due to its antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities.
Did you know that this herb helps increase blood flow and oxygen to the affected area? It’s an effective remedy for cuts and wounds because it helps the body grow new tissue.
The best way to use calendula for minor cuts & wounds is to use a calendula salve. Apply it several times a day. Caution: do not apply calendula to an open wound without consulting your doctor first.
Calendula for insect bites
According to Herb Wisdom, the cheerful, lowly calendula plant uses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to reduce the swelling of insect bites. In addition, it heals any irritation they may have been caused to the skin (source).
How to use calendula for insect bites? Apply a calendula ointment
on bites several times a day. Also, you can make your own insect bite balm with calendula!
Here’s a very easy recipe from HelloGlow to soothe bug bites:
- Coconut oil – 2 tablespoons (HelloGow uses avocado oil, but I prefer using coconut oil for bug bites)
- Shea butter – 2 tablespoons
- Beeswax – 1 ounce
- Calendula oil – ¼ teaspoon
- Lavender oil – 5 drops
- Tea trea oil – 5 drops
In a small pan, melt beeswax and coconut oil. Add shea butter and stir well. Remove from heat and stir in calendula and the essential oils. Pour into a small jar.
Calendula for various skin irritations
Calendula oil also relieves and soothes rashes such as diaper rashes, allergic rashes, jock itch, eczema, psoriasis, athlete’s foot and ringworm.
Calendula oil also has been traditionally used to treat chilblains, leg ulcers, spider veins and varicose veins.
If you have bruised or sprained muscles, calendula oil massaged into those muscles will reduce swelling and inflammation!
Many calendula creams, such as Boiron Calendula Cream, provide effective relief for these health issues. Instead of using a calendula cream, you can also make your own calendula oil from fresh calendula. Watch the video below:
Calendula benefits summary
Calendula has been used for generations to soothe tissue irritations inside the body and on the skin.
Indeed the soothing essential oil has been used for many years to calm many types of skin irritations. Herbalists use calendula for insect bites, wounds, cuts, abrasions and rashes.
There are even studies that indicate that calendula oil may be beneficial for those undergoing certain types of cancer treatments, though these claims are still under investigation (source).
If you have skin rashes, insect bites that blister, a baby with diaper rash or any other type of skin soreness, calendula oil may be just the ointment you need. It will soothe your skin and help it feel better quickly.
This oil is handy to have around the house and for camping and fishing trips to the great outdoors, too.
Have you ever used calendula for insect bites or other skin problems? If you have personal experience with calendula oil’s amazing healing properties, please comment below. We would love to hear what you have to say.
Calendula is generally considered safe to use on your skin. However, it can trigger side effects or interact with other herbal remedies or drugs. Please always consult your doctor before taking herbs. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid taking calendula.
- Sources
- Disclaimer
Article by
J. Beck
Sources for this article include:
- https://aromatherapybible.com/calendula/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19374166
- https://www.centerchem.com/Products/DownloadFile.aspx?FileID=6565
- https://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-marigold.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1513589/
DISCLAIMER
The information provided on Optiderma.com is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified practitioner.
If you are allergic to the foods, herbs, essential oils, any remedies listed here, you must of course avoid them. For example, consuming food that you’re sensitive to will only cause more (not reduce!) inflammation.
Please consult a practitioner (such as Naturopath, Homeopath, Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Dermatologist, ...) to follow the most appropriate treatment to heal your skin. All legal mentions »
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