Calendula is a plant that has long been known to mankind. Its flowers are used not only in traditional medicine, but also in pharmacology. Currently, many drugs are produced, which include plant extract. One of the most effective and affordable drugs is calendula tincture. You can buy it at any pharmacy.
Description of the drug
This tool may have both an aqueous and an alcoholic base. It is also used as an external preparation or used internally.
On the pharmaceutical market, tincture is sold in bottles with different capacities (maximum - 100 ml). Each of them is then placed in a secondary packaging made of cardboard.
When using a solution of tincture of calendula (for rinsing the throat, for example), increased precautions must be observed during work with potentially dangerous mechanisms. This is due to the fact that the action of the active component of the drug slightly reduces the rate of psychomotor reactions.
The release of funds in pharmacies is carried out without first presenting a prescription. However, before using the drug, it is recommended to consult with your doctor.
Composition and healing properties
When pathogens causing ENT diseases enter the body, the first blow takes on the throat. If the protective system of the body in time does not destroy the provoking agents, the development of the inflammatory process is launched. To stop it, doctors prescribe a gargle with a solution containing calendula tincture. The use of the drug allows you to quickly get rid of pain and other unpleasant symptoms that have arisen as a result of the vital activity of pathogens.
Tincture has the following positive effect on the body:
- Antiseptic.
- Regenerating.
- Decongestant.
- Emollient.
- Cleansing (when rinsing, pathogens are washed out, purulent plugs and masses are eliminated).
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Strengthening (against the background of the use of the solution, local immunity is enhanced).
Calendula tincture is a highly effective remedy. Improving the well-being of the patient occurs within the first day. A similar degree of effectiveness is due to the composition of the product.
It is represented by:
- Salicylates. These are substances with a pronounced antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect.
- Flavonoids. These are organic compounds with pronounced antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Essential Oils. These components help to reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure and normalize the functioning of the nervous system.
In addition, tinctures contain B vitamins, as well as A and E. These components are powerful antioxidants, they accelerate the healing process of the mucous membrane.
Indications
In diseases accompanied by inflammation of the throat, tincture of calendula has a complex effect on the affected tissue. Its active components help eliminate unpleasant symptoms in a short time. That is why doctors often prescribe a tincture of calendula to gargle.
The use of the drug is indicated in the presence of the following ENT diseases and pathologies of the respiratory system:
- angina;
- ARVI;
- ARI;
- tonsillitis;
- pharyngitis;
- laryngitis;
- flu;
- bronchitis;
- tracheitis;
- pneumonia;
- bronchotracheitis.
In addition, according to the instructions, the drug has a healing and regenerating effect on tissues with injuries and burns of the pharynx, as well as stomatitis, glossitis and gingivitis.
Calendula tincture is indicated not only for the treatment of ENT pathologies and diseases of the oral cavity. Its use is advisable for abrasions and cuts, bruises of soft tissues, ailments of a dermatological nature, cosmetic defects. Tincture is used internally in the presence of inflammatory processes in the digestive system.
It must be understood that the drug is not a panacea for all diseases. Tincture is not an independent treatment, it is used as an auxiliary method of therapy. The solution can also be used for prevention. Children's and advanced age are not contraindications.
Cooking and proportions
Gargling with tincture of calendula in its pure form is prohibited. This is because the contact of a highly concentrated solution with the mucosa will inevitably cause a burn of the latter.
How to breed tincture of calendula for gargling adults: a pharmacy alcohol solution must be added to warm boiled water. For adults, the concentration of the product should be average. This is due to the fact that with age, the mucous membrane becomes denser and for its effective cleaning it is necessary to use a strong composition.
How to dilute tincture of calendula for gargling? It is necessary to pour 200 ml of pre-chilled boiled water into the container, then add 5 ml of the product to it. After this, the solution must be thoroughly mixed. Further it can be used for rinsing. If the patient has moderate or severe pathology, the concentration of the solution can be slightly increased. According to the instructions, gargling with tincture of calendula is permissible if the amount of the latter does not exceed 10 ml diluted in 200 ml of water.
Similar to a pharmacy medicine, you can prepare yourself. There are several effective recipes:
- Water based tincture. It is necessary to take dried calendula flowers and crush them. Then 1 tbsp. l raw materials need to pour 200 ml of boiling water. The product must be infused in a thermos for 2 hours. After this, it must be carefully filtered. It is important to know that in the resulting product should not be even the smallest particles of the plant. After that, you can use calendula tincture to rinse. Proportions for adults: for one procedure, pour 200 ml into a container. Dilute the resulting tincture with water is not required.
- Decoction. Take 1 tbsp. l dried flowers and pour 250 ml of water. It should be hot, but not boiling. Then the container with the liquid must be placed in a water bath for 20 minutes. At the same time, it is impossible to bring the product to a boil, it must languish over low heat. The resulting broth must be cooled and thoroughly filtered. To gargle, it must be used in its pure form. To speed up the healing process, it is recommended to take a decoction and inside. Dosage regimen: 5 ml three times a day.
- Juice. Take 1 kg of freshly picked calendula flowers and chop them in a meat grinder. The resulting cake is wrapped in gauze or a thin cotton cloth. Squeeze the juice from the flowers. It must be diluted in a glass of warm water (10 ml of juice per 200 ml of liquid).
At home, you can independently prepare a tincture of calendula and alcohol-based. To do this, take 100 g of flowers and fill them with 0.5 l of vodka without any additives. It is important to place the container with liquid in a dark place for 2 weeks. After the specified time, the resulting product must be carefully filtered and poured into a jar made of dark glass. How to dilute the tincture of calendula for gargling? The tool, prepared at home, in its properties and characteristics is no different from the drug sold in pharmacies. Accordingly, 5 ml of tincture should also be per 200 ml of water.
Rules of procedure
There are several recommendations for gargling. Their observance will significantly speed up the healing process and increase the effectiveness of each procedure.
Algorithm for correct gargling:
- Initially, it is recommended to clean the mucous membrane from contamination. Normal drinking water is suitable for this. It is necessary to rinse her mouth.
- Then you need to make sure that the solution with tincture of calendula is warm. Too cold or too hot fluid can damage the tissues and worsen the course of the disease.
- During rinsing, the head should be thrown back. Only in this way can the solution be thoroughly washed in the inflamed areas.
- Having collected the rinse liquid in the mouth, you need to throw your head back and pronounce the sound "aaaa." Thanks to this, the solution cleanses the mucous membrane and gaps from pathogenic microorganisms and pus even in the most inaccessible places.
- The duration of the session (1 sip) should not exceed 30 seconds.
According to the instructions, gargling with tincture of calendula should be carried out up to 5 times a day. With diseases in advanced form, the number of procedures can be increased. The duration of the therapeutic course is usually 7 days.
Features of application for the treatment of diseases in children
The tool is natural and can be used in the complex treatment of ailments, even in a child. However, according to the instructions for use of calendula tincture, for children to gargle it can be used after they reach 3 years. This is because babies of a younger age can be choked with a solution.
Information on how to dilute the tincture of calendula for rinsing the throat of children should be provided by a pediatrician. If the doctor has not left any recommendations, the information specified in the instructions should be considered a priority. According to her, for children from 3 to 7 years old, the solution should be prepared as follows: dilute 2.5 ml of tincture in 120 ml of boiled water. At the same time, it is advisable to use a water-based product, since even a small amount of alcohol can provoke a number of uncomfortable sensations in the child.
How to breed calendula tincture for rinsing the throat of children older than 7 years? It is necessary to add 5 ml of the product in 200 ml of water. The duration of the rinsing process (meaning 1 sip) should also not exceed 30 seconds.
The course of treatment is 7 days. Gargle should be 4-5 times a day. In this case, the procedure should be carried out under the strict supervision of an adult. If a child accidentally swallows a solution, no emergency measures should be taken. Calendula tincture does not have a negative effect on the body. In some cases, a single episode of diarrhea may occur, but this occurs when a large amount of solution is swallowed.
Pregnancy Use
In women, during the bearing of a child, a significant weakening of the body's defenses can occur. Due to this, they become more vulnerable to the development of colds. However, during pregnancy, the use of most medicines is prohibited. Especially in the first trimester, when the formation of organs and systems.
It is important to know that tincture of calendula for gargling during pregnancy can be used. The procedure does not pose a threat to the health of the fetus and the expectant mother. However, one must remember that any medicinal plant is a potential allergen. If a woman has previously revealed a tendency to develop unwanted reactions, she needs to consult a physician first. As a rule, during pregnancy, the severity of allergic manifestations is much brighter.
It is recommended to use a water-based tincture or a decoction / juice prepared at home. This is due to the fact that even a small amount of swallowed alcohol can have a negative effect on the development of the fetus.
Regarding how to dilute the tincture of calendula for rinsing the throat during pregnancy, we note that it is necessary to add 5 ml of the product in 250 ml of warm water. The duration of rinsing with 1 sip should not exceed 40 seconds. The course of treatment is also 7 days.
Features of application for angina
This disease, accompanied by pronounced symptoms, including intolerable pain in the throat. With angina, gargling with tincture of calendula is recommended up to 7 times a day. The tool will soothe the mucous membrane and cleanse the lacunae from purulent masses.
The course of treatment is also 7 days. If the clinical manifestations have disappeared earlier, this is not a reason to cancel the rinse. The oral cavity should be cleaned to avoid the recurrence of unpleasant symptoms.
How to breed tincture of calendula for gargling with sore throat? It is necessary to mix 10 ml of the product in 200 ml of water. To speed up the healing process, you can prepare the product at home by adding chamomile flowers to it. To do this, take 1 tbsp. l raw materials and pour 500 ml of boiling water over it. Allow the product to infuse for 1 hour. The resulting medicine must be filtered, after which it is suitable for use.
You need to know that a diluted tincture loses its properties after about 4 hours. In this regard, it is recommended to prepare a solution before each procedure.
Contraindications and side effects
Calendula tincture is a tool that has a minimum number of restrictions on use. It practically does not cause the development of undesirable reactions.
According to the instructions for use, gargling with tincture of calendula is not recommended if:
- Individual intolerance to the active component.
- Tendency to allergic reactions.
In addition, it is undesirable to use tincture if a person takes sedatives (even those that have a herbal base). As mentioned above, the procedure itself is contraindicated for babies whose age is less than 3 years. Gargling with alcohol tincture of calendula is prohibited during pregnancy. At this time, it is recommended to give preference to a water-based product.
In some cases, a gargling procedure can be harmful. It is not recommended to carry it out at a critically high body temperature, frequent episodes of nosebleeds, as well as in the presence of severe ailments of the cardiovascular system.
Calendula tincture is a tool that has a powerful positive effect on the body. However, it has a minimum of side effects.
In isolated cases, the following conditions may develop:
- Skin rash.
- Swelling of the tissues.
- Allergic reactions.
- Dyspnea.
- Cough.
In most cases, these effects appear after frequent use of alcohol-based tinctures. If side effects occur, stop using the product and consult your doctor. The specialist will examine the patient, then decide on the replacement of the drug if an undesirable reaction was triggered precisely by its use. With a severe allergic reaction, it is necessary to take an antihistamine.
It is worth noting that the occurrence of side effects and signs of an overdose occurs only in isolated cases. As a rule, undesirable reactions are the result of improper preparation of the solution or ignoring the existing contraindications.
Finally
Calendula tincture is a medicinal product of natural origin. Its use is indicated not only for diseases of the throat, but also for other pathologies, including dermatological in nature. Thanks to the action of the active components, the inflammatory process is stopped in a short time, swelling of the tissues disappears, local immunity increases, and painful sensations are eliminated.
Calendula tincture has a powerful positive effect on the body. However, it has a minimum of contraindications. It is not recommended to gargle for children under the age of 3 years. Alcohol-based tincture is undesirable for women during pregnancy to avoid negative effects on the developing fetus.
The product must be diluted in warm boiled water. This is necessary in order to prevent burns of the mucosa. When rinsing the throat with tincture of calendula (the proportions for adults, children and pregnant women need to be observed different), you need to throw your head back to handle hard-to-reach places.