Marigolds: full of antioxidants and healing

Most of know Marigolds, also known as Calendula, as bright and yellow annual plants that thrive throughout the United States, Europe, Western Asia. But did you know that the flower has many natural healing powers too?

As an anti-fungal agent, marigold preparations can treat athlete's foot, ringworm, and candida. As a tincture, it also helps heal cold sores. Calendula oil is used as an anti-inflammatory, an anti-tumor agent, and a remedy for healing wounds.

One of the health benefits of marigolds is that it is used in the treatment of minor burns when used in the form of ointments or a tincture. On account of the anti-inflammatory properties of marigold it is also used in the treatment of allergic reactions, eczema and bruising. In oil form it can be used in the treatment for plantar lesions that tend to occur on the feet.

Another one of the benefits of the flower is that it is very beneficial in getting rid of an oily complexion naturally. In this treatment, fresh flowers need to be soaked in warm water and then applied to the skin at least once a day and allowed to remain for 10 minutes before washing it off.

Marigolds are also known to have plenty of health benefits on account of their high content of antioxidants. These antioxidants are known to be effective in combating the damage that may b caused by free radicals which are typically the by-products of environmental factors such as pollution or cigarette smoke or even normal body functions. The lycopene present in marigold is also known to lower the risk of heart disease and prostrate cancer. The antioxidants present in marigolds are also known to protect the eyes from  degeneration and cataracts.

Some studies show that the leaves of the marigold can be beneficial in minimizing the number of tumors in the case of breast cancer, as well as in the prevention of the development of new cancer cells. Besides breast cancer, Marigolds are also known to be effective against colon, leukemia and melanoma cancer cells.

One of the medicinal uses of marigolds is that it promotes the growth of both new blood vessels as well as new skin tissue and hence it is used in the healing of wounds such as burns, scrapes as well as irritated skin.

When consumed internally , marigolds are also known to help against digestive inflammation in the form of duodenal or gastric ulcers on account of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Marigold tea is also known to be effective against painful mouth and stomach ulcers as well as colitis. Marigolds are effective in this aspect because they tend to stimulate the lymphatic system and thereby minimize the swelling as well as cleanse the body of toxins which may be contributing to the ulcers.

Marigold is also used in the form of an ointment for women who are suffering from breast cancer to minimize the dermatitis  that is usually caused by chemotherapy.

Precautions/ Side Effects/ Warnings:
Some of the side effects of marigold may include allergic reactions, medication interactions, and even adverse hormonal effects. Make sure to always check with your doctor first before using it or any new therapy.

To learn more about natural healing, check out www.basichealthpub.com.