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Health

Calendula Ointment

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 09.08.2022
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Many since childhood are accustomed to see this beautiful plant in their flowerbeds, it gives brightness, sunshine and a bouquet. But this is only the exterior of this unique plant. For a long time our ancestors have revealed numerous useful properties of this plant in the light of treatment from numerous diseases. And even now this plant continues to amaze, revealing all the new facets of its positive qualities. Due to the uniqueness of the pharmacological characteristics, this medicinal plant is recognized not only unconventional, but also traditional medicine. In general, the flowers are marigolds (the national name of the plant). They are used to prepare decoctions, tinctures, ointments, sprays, tablets, lotions. In this article, we will talk in more detail about the diseases in which a calendula ointment can be used, and the specific features of its use.

Modern traditional medicine recently more and more often introduces drugs prepared from natural raw materials into the medical process. Justifies its use and calendula ointment - a highly effective anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, wound-healing agent. The only thing to remember is that the medicines on the basis of this plant - it is still a medicine and you should not joke with it. In order not to harm your body, they should also be taken only for the purpose of an experienced specialist and under his supervision. Be more attentive to your health, and nature will repay you the same!

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Indications Calendula Ointment

  1. Chronic venous insufficiency.
  2. Thrombophlebitis.
  3. Removal of edema.
  4. Relieves discomfort symptoms caused by itching and burning of the skin.
  5. Healing of wounds after burns, both chemical and thermal genesis.
  6. Treatment of violation of the integrity of the skin - healing of wounds, pressure sores, abrasions, erosions, ulcers, trophic ulcers, eczema.
  7. Hemorrhoids, wounds on the skin folds of the anus.
  8. Herpes.
  9. Erosion of the external genitalia in women.
  10. Cramping seizures.
  11. Weakening of pain symptoms.
  12. Used for insect bites.
  13. Promotes the fastest resorption of hematomas.

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Release form

The preparation is produced, packaged in tubes or cans at 40.0, 25.0 and 15.0 g.

The composition of this drug is simple enough emulsion base (emulsifier T-2, Vaseline) - 90% and plant tincture - 10%.

The drug is a homogenized gel-like mass of a pale brownish-greenish hue.

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Pharmacodynamics

Calendula ointment is classified by physicians as a pharmacotherapeutic group of antiseptic and disinfectant medicines. Appointed this drug and medical code - ATS D08AX.

The basis of the drug - the flowers of marigolds, which have anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, bactericidal, antimicrobial characteristics. 

Pharmacodynamics of calendula ointment is determined by the characteristics of the substances that make up its composition:

  1. Triterpenoids (glycosides AF, monools, diols, triols and a number of others) have an anti-inflammatory effect.
  2. Flavonoids (isoramnetin, astragaline, hyperoside, quercetin, izokvertsetin, glycosides and rutin) contribute to the relaxation of smooth muscles, thereby removing its spasm. They show anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. The colloidal state of the intercellular substance is monitored. As studies have recorded, these substances are able to arrest the development of tumor growths. Flavonoids can improve the conductivity of nerve impulses, inhibit the formation of free radicals. They are directly involved in the synthesis of cellular collagen.
  3. Essential oils (alpha-cadinol, T-cadinol, fatty acids), another component of the drug, effectively inhibit the development of invading microorganisms, leading to their death.
  4. Soluble in water polysaccharides (arabinogalactans, ramanoarabinogalactans and a number of others) - reduce capillary-vascular permeability, have anti-inflammatory effect.
  5. Kumarins are an effective remedy that effectively cures the process of inflammation.

And these are just the main ones.

The composition of the drug is a large number of different trace elements: magnesium, molybdenum, calcium, zinc, selenium, copper, potassium, iron and a number of others. Such a composition makes the drug effective in an antiviral attack. It provides stimulation of the human immune system, strengthening of the heart muscle and improvement in the work of the entire cardiovascular system, prevention of the onset and development of atypical cells, caries, and other pathological symptoms.

Observations have shown that the calendula ointment shows good therapeutic results in controlling both the Gram-positive pathogenic microorganisms Sarcina lutea, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Gram-negative microorganisms Pseudomona saeruginosa, Klebsiella spp., Escherichia coli. High efficiency in relation to fungi. These can be Neurosporacrassa, Candida monosa, Candida albicans.

Calendula ointment stimulates granulation of epithelial tissues of the wound defect, which contributes to the early healing of wounds and other skin disorders.

After the ointment is applied, it has an irritating effect on sensitive nerve endings.

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Pharmacokinetics

To date, the pharmacokinetics of calendula ointments is not known.

Doctors know only one thing, that with external application (the only way to use ointments of calendula), systemic absorption is less than two percent.

Already after an hour or two after applying the drug, the ointment penetrates into the deeper layers of the epidermal tissues, where its "work" begins.

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Dosing and administration

The method of applying calendula ointment directly depends on the diagnosed pathology and severity of its clinical picture.

This form of release is assigned only as an external means of coping with the problem. When applied to the "affected area" the patient begins to experience heat.

The medicine should be applied to a clean, defatted and dried surface.

With mechanical damage to the skin (wounds, abrasions, erosion or sores), the ointment is applied in a thin layer with slightly massaging movements. If the wound suppurates, then before the application of the drug in question, the wound canal should first be cleaned of pus, and only then processed with the ointment of calendula.

With burns, the drug is applied a small layer on the wound itself and nearby tissues. Over the drug, it is desirable to apply a coiled in several layers of sterile gauze bandage, fixing it over the plaster. This application is changed twice - three times a day (on demand). The amount of the drug applied directly depends on the area of the lesion.

In the case of treatment of anal cracks from gauze, a small tourniquet (tampon) is made, on which the ointment of calendula is applied. Pre-purifying enemas (or after a spontaneous defecation). The tourniquet, impregnated with the medicine, is gently inserted into the anus. This procedure is repeated once or twice a day.

With thrombophlebitis or varicose veins, the drug is applied a layer of two to three millimeters on the skin in the projection of the diseased vein. The drug in this situation is not recommended to rub. A parchment paper is superimposed on top, and a sterile gauze bandage is placed on it, which is fixed. The procedure is carried out two to three times throughout the day. The average duration of the treatment course is two to three months.

If varicose or trophic ulcers are diagnosed, the drug in question is used in the form of medical compresses. Before applying it, the skin surface adjacent to the injury should be gently but thoroughly rinsed with soapy water. Skin rinse and get soaked to make it dry. Before applying the calendula ointment, the affected area is recommended to be treated with zinc ointment. Only after this, a layer of 2 - 3 mm is applied to the plant remedy. A parchment paper is superimposed on top, and a sterile gauze bandage is placed on it, which is fixed. The procedure is carried out one to three times throughout the day. The average duration of the treatment course is two to three weeks.

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Use Calendula Ointment during pregnancy

Calendula ointment is used only for external treatment. Therefore, doctors do not see any reason to limit the use of calendula ointment during pregnancy as an external "medicine".

However, when prescribing this medication in the treatment protocol, caution should be exercised. Calendula ointments should be prescribed only by an experienced specialist who will monitor the condition of the pregnant and fetus.

The same situation is created in the period when the child was born, and the young mother starts to feed the baby with breast milk. It is advisable to either interrupt the process of breastfeeding, or wait until the end of lactation and then start full-scale treatment.

Due to the fact that to date there is not enough statistical data on the effect of the drug in question on children's body, calendula ointment is not recommended for treating children with diseases that are not yet six years old.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of calendula ointments are minimal and are expressed by several points:

  1. Increased individual intolerance to one or more of the component components of the drug.
  2. Presence in the anamnesis of allergic reactions.
  3. It is necessary to apply with special care the ointment of calendula in the protocol of treatment of children who have not yet reached the age of six.

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Side effects Calendula Ointment

Basically, the ointment of marigold is well tolerated by patients. The only side effect that can occur after using the drug is an allergic reaction of the skin, which is expressed, at times, with hives, redness of the skin, rash, swelling, itching and burning. 

Overdose

Calendula ointment is a drug of external action, so an overdose of the drug is unlikely. This fact is based on a fairly low percentage of systemic absorption.

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Interactions with other drugs

Calendula ointment is used only for external treatment, so the result of its interaction with other drugs does not lead to changes in the pharmacodynamics of other drugs included in the protocol of treatment. 

It is only necessary to remember and fulfill a number of requirements and recommendations.

Do not apply two different medicinal ointments on one affected area of the skin at a time. Such treatment of a sore spot by one and the second drug should be stretched over time. You should seek advice from a specialist who will help to make a more effective schedule of procedures. Usually the allowed interval between application of a calendula ointment and another preparation should be four to six hours.

It has been proven that the drug in question does not affect the speed of response when driving a vehicle or complex technical mechanisms.

It is known that nicotine reduces the effectiveness of the calendula ointment.

After the procedure, you should wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. During the procedure, you need to ensure that the ointment does not get on the mucosa of the eye, mouth or nasal cavity. If, for some reason, this happens, it is necessary to rinse the contaminated area immediately, under a lot of running water.

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Storage conditions

The storage conditions of the calendula ointment are reduced to several requirements:

  1. Storage of the external medicinal product, produced on the basis of plant raw materials, must take place in a place protected from direct sunlight.
  2. The temperature regime of storage in the room should be maintained, not allowing the excess of +25 degrees.
  3. The room must be dry.
  4. Contain the drug in question should be in places that are not available for adolescents and young children.

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Shelf life

The shelf life of the calendula ointment is one year from the date of manufacture (or 12 months). 

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Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Calendula Ointment" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

Translation Disclaimer: For the convenience of users of the iLive portal this article has been translated into the current language, but has not yet been verified by a native speaker who has the necessary qualifications for this. In this regard, we warn you that the translation of this article may be incorrect, may contain lexical, syntactic and grammatical errors.

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