Organic Calendula Extract

Organic Calendula Extract (Calendula Officinalis)

Calendula is also commonly referred to as pot marigold and comprises 15-20 species of annual and perennial plants. They are indigenous to a variety of locations around the world, including southwestern Asia, western Europe, and the Mediterranean region. It can be derived from plants known as corn marigold, desert marigold, marsh marigold, and other marigold plants. The extract from this plant can provide healing to raw paws and other damaged paws for dogs.

The calendula extract has been used in medicinal herbs for thousands of years. It is most commonly used to help healing wounds.

Why Use Organic Calendula Extract for Dogs

When a dog has raw paws or any other type of damage that has occurred with its paws, that can be extremely painful. It’s akin to dealing with dry, cracked skin on the bottom of one’s feet as well as the palms of their hands. These are the parts of the body that are commonly used for walking and carrying out any number of ordinary tasks.

If a dog has raw paws and isn’t finding any comfort or relief, it can make it more difficult for that animal to walk around, run, or even feel energetic. The dog may prefer to remain in place rather than getting up to go outside for a walk if the discomfort or even pain is too severe.

By relying on the anti-inflammatory properties possessed by calendula extract, it helps to promote healing, thus allowing other active ingredients found in solution to help bring those paws back to good, normal health.

Essential Properties of Organic Calendula Extract

While the pedals of a marigold plant are often consumed as part of a salad in many cultures and throughout thousands of years, the benefits of the extract is still being used today.

The flowers that produce calendula extract contain:

• Flavonol glycosides
• Triterpene
• Oligoglycosides
• Oleanane-type triterpene glycosides
• Saponins
• Sesquiterpene glucoside

Research has indicated that calendula extract is a potent anti-inflammatory and even possesses some antiviral and antigenotoxic properties that promote better healing.

History of Calendula Extract

The term ‘marigold’ is actually a derived name referring to Mary’s Gold, which was part of the early Catholic Church’s traditions when using this type of plant. In Hindu cultures, the flowers of this type of plant were commonly used to ordain statues and was also used for cosmetic purposes. Eventually it was used to add color to cheese in the 18^th and 19^th centuries.

Until relatively recently, calendula extract was being used to treat a variety of conditions, including cuts, scrapes, fever, bruises, burns, and minor infections of the skin.

Today, when used with other ingredients, this one can help combat a dog skin infection, and it can provide comfort and relief for dogs whose paws are raw, cut, and dried out.

References:

http://wellnessmama.com/7648/calendula-herb-profile/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendula

Ukiya, M., et al. (2006). Anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor-promoting, and cytotoxic activities of constituents of pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) flowers. J Nat Prod. 69 1692-96.