Extracts of medicinal plants are widely used in both folk and official medicine. Natural anti-inflammatory drugs have low toxicity, practically have no contraindications, but at the same time they have a therapeutic effect and are combined with other treatment methods. Today, almost 40% of pharmacological preparations are made on the basis of medicinal herbs. The share of herbal remedies in comparison with synthetic analogues is steadily growing.
The field of application of many medicinal herbs is not limited to one group of diseases. As a rule, plants have a complex effect, and some forms are exclusively local. One of such natural medicines with a wide spectrum of action is calendula, or marigold, - the plant’s flowers are used for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes.
The healing properties of calendula
The healing properties of the plant are due to biologically active substances that are part of the calendula:
- Carotenoids, which stain marigold flowers in a bright orange color, are necessary for the synthesis of vitamin A.
- Alcohols similar to cholesterol (sterols) reduce the level of this fat-like substance in the blood.
- Anti-inflammatory triterpenoids help improve transmission of nerve impulses.
- Flavonoids contribute to the healing of injuries, relieve smooth muscle spasms, eliminate or prevent neoplasms, and stimulate the production of bile and urine in sufficient quantities.
- Essential oils that have an antimicrobial effect inhibit the development of harmful microorganisms.
- Coumarins that enhance the anti-inflammatory effect of flavonoids and triterpenoids.
In addition, calcium, potassium, zinc, molybdenum, selenium, magnesium, iron and other minerals are found in the medicinal plant. In general, marigolds help strengthen immunity, have antiseptic, healing, anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects.
The use of calendula in medicine
In medicine, calendula is used as part of complex therapy or as a prophylactic. Decoctions and tinctures of marigolds are taken orally with cough, hypertension, neurosis, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and gall bladder. Calendula tea is useful for diseases of the cardiovascular system and digestion. Outwardly, the infusion is used to rinse the throat and oral cavity, treat damage to the skin, and douching.
A variety of dosage forms makes this plant almost universal. Not only decoctions are used directly from dried flowers, but also oils, ointments, candles. Calendula is used in gynecology and proctology, various emulsions are made from it.
Candles with marigolds in gynecology: topical application
Suppositories with calendula in gynecology are used as an anti-inflammatory agent that has a local effect. The main advantage of the dosage form is safety for the female body and the speed of suppositories. Due to the special basis, melting at a person’s body temperature, the patient’s improvement is noted, as a rule, already after the first application. For various ailments, candles with calendula are used. Instructions for use of a particular drug indicate indications more specifically depending on the presence of additional components. Usually, a doctor prescribes a medication for the following diseases:
- Vaginitis (colpitis) is an inflammation of the vaginal mucosa, which is accompanied by discomfort, itching and burning, discharge of various kinds, pain during urination. The disease is of a viral or bacterial nature.
- Endometritis is an inflammation of the inner layer of the uterus that occurs due to the penetration of infections from the urinary system, a violation of the vaginal microflora, after gynecological manipulations or childbirth. Endometritis is manifested by general weakness, fever, menstrual irregularities and uncharacteristic vaginal discharge.
- Endocervicitis is an inflammatory process localized in the cervical canal, which is often combined with vaginitis due to a common infectious occurrence. Symptoms of the disease, as a rule, are not pronounced.
- Salpingoophoritis is an inflammation of the uterine appendages that occurs due to the penetration of pathogens or the activity of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms. Also, the disease can be a consequence of inflammation of the appendix.
In addition to direct indications, vaginal suppositories (calendula and other medicinal plants) can be prescribed to normalize microflora, with irritations or cracks, dryness or with fungal diseases of the vagina.
The use of calendula suppositories during pregnancy
Pregnancy is not an absolute contraindication to the use of marigolds with irritations. Candles with calendula in gynecology can be prescribed by a doctor during the period of gestation (at any time) and breastfeeding according to indications. A medicinal plant is an effective tool when most pharmacological preparations can have a negative effect on the baby.
In addition, during the bearing of a child, candles with a calendula for hemorrhoids are prescribed. An unpleasant problem often overtakes women in the late stages due to the constant pressure of the fetal head on the venous plexus, which disrupts blood circulation and contributes to the occurrence of nodes. Another important advantage is a significant reduction in soreness, which is noted by many women who use candles with calendula for hemorrhoids.
Using candles with calendula for menopause
Menopause in many women is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms, including:
- vaginal dryness, itching and burning;
- irregular menstruation;
- insomnia and fatigue;
- hot flashes, which are characterized by increasing heat in the upper body;
- increase in blood pressure;
- irritability and frequent mood swings.
Candles with calendula, the instructions for use of which, as a rule, describe the method of application for each specific case, are able to effectively cope with some conditions characteristic of menopause. Decoctions are used that relieve attacks of hypertension, and baths that facilitate the extinction of the reproductive functions of the female body. Homeopathic suppositories (calendula is their main component) or douching during menopause eliminate dryness and discomfort in the vagina.
Method of using candles with calendula
Even such a natural and safe remedy, like candles with calendula, should be prescribed exclusively by a doctor. Self-medication can lead to a worsening of the condition and the appearance of concomitant symptoms that complicate the process of establishing an accurate diagnosis.
Suppositories, in which calendula is the active substance, other medicinal herbs or synthetic drugs are introduced into the vagina in a horizontal position. First, you should thoroughly wash your hands with warm water, and after the introduction for another half an hour lie down. Daily laying is also useful, because part of the liquid from the suppository can leak out of the vagina even with the correct introduction.
Rectal suppositories with calendula during pregnancy or hemorrhoids caused by other causes are administered after bowel movement, preferably before bedtime. The tip of the candle can be greased with a small amount of petroleum jelly, and then introduced in a horizontal position: you should lie on your side, fully extend one leg, bend the other to the stomach.
Reviews on the use of phyto-candles with calendula
Rectal or vaginal suppositories (calendula), patients' reviews about which are mostly positive, are fast-acting. Many women report a significant improvement after the first use. Patients appreciate naturalness, low cost, ease of use (often one candle per day is enough) and high efficacy of calendula-based medicines.
The main contraindications to the use of candles
A universal medicinal plant has only one contraindication to use - individual intolerance. Also, a combination of calendula and alcohol or other suppositories is undesirable. With all the effectiveness and low toxicity, rectal or vaginal suppositories (calendula, chamomile, sage, linden and others) require prior medical advice, adherence to the treatment regimen and dosage.