Calendula flowers are not only aesthetic but also are valued medicinally. Calendula benefits you in multiple ways with its antibacterial, antiplaque, analgesic, and antiviral properties. They are also rich in antioxidants and exhibit the astringent effect. Many state that this flower is marigold’s doppelganger. Learn more about this flower and how it can be used to treat many chronic ailments. Continue reading.
In This Article
What Is Calendula? What Is It Known For?
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Calendula (Calendula officinalis) or pot marigold belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is closely related to field marigold, and its flowers share a close resemblance too (1).
The flowers and leaves of this plant have been used in traditional medicine. The medicinal properties of calendula have also been mentioned in Ayurvedic and Unani sciences. In 2008, the European Medicines Agency recognized it as an herbal medicinal product (2).
Folk medicine uses calendula leaves and flowers to treat wounds, rashes, bruises, stomach ulcers, edema, and several other inflammatory conditions. Its mother tincture is used in homeopathy to relieve mental tension and insomnia (1), (3).
Fun Fact Calendula is also called the “flower of the rains” in folk culture. It is believed that the flower blossoming in the morning will bring rain later in the day.
The following sections will give you a detailed insight about calendula and its therapeutic benefits. Start scrolling!
What Are The Benefits Of Calendula?
Calendula is used to heal skin rashes, deep wounds, and ulcers. It can also reduce fever, microbial infections, menstrual irregularities, and varicose veins.
1. Heals Wounds, Burns, And Scars
Calendula contains alkaloids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, and carotenoids. These phytochemicals trap the free radicals in your body and accelerate the process of healing of wounds and burns (thermal and sun). The plant controls the levels of compounds that promote inflammation, including nitric oxide and cytokines (4).
Animal studies were conducted to study the effects of oral and topical use of calendula extracts. The percentage of wound closure was about 90% in the group treated with the extract. Almost no skin toxicity was reported in any of the studies (4), (5).
Calendula ointment can also be used by women who have undergone C-section (Cesarean procedure). It considerably speeds up recovery and can be used to support post-surgical care/treatment (6).
2. May Relieve Menstrual Discomfort
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This flower was used to calm painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) and menstrual irregularities in traditional and homeopathic medicine. Calendula oil, combined with other essential oils, is a common remedy (1), (7).
These oils prevent the transmission of nerve signals between the uterus and the brain. They also cause a transmission delay of the pain signal from the brain to the uterus.
Topical calendula lotions can help in controlling excessive menstrual bleeding and other related symptoms (7).
3. Treats Diaper Rashes
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Diaper dermatitis or diaper rash is a common inflammatory reaction observed in infants, children, and adults wearing diapers. Painful skin eruptions occur in the areas covered by the diaper (8).
Not changing the diaper when needed and prolonged exposure to urine, feces, and moisture may cause this acute condition. Zinc deficiency and microbial infections may also lead to such rashes (8).
Generally, a mild cream/ointment or oral antibiotics can clear this allergy. Medications based on calendula and aloe vera have also shown promising results. These herbs have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects (8).
Moreover, no side effects of these herbal preparations have been reported so far (8).
Related: 11 Amazing Benefits Of Calamine Lotion – How To Use It The Right Way
4. May Help In Managing Inflammatory Skin Diseases
The tannins, triterpenoids, and saponins in calendula exert a deep-cleansing effect on your skin. When applied topically, its flower extracts may even heal acne and atopic dermatitis (eczema) (9), (10), (11).
Calendula also reduces radiodermatitis, which is skin damage caused by radiation. Radiodermatitis is one of the side effects of radiation therapy. Patients may develop redness (erythema) and skin toxicity (12).
Thanks to its antioxidant and astringent effects, this plant extract can reduce the levels of free radicals in your system. Using calendula cream/ointment with medical consent is a good option in such cases (9), (12).
However, in rare cases, calendula can induce contact dermatitis in these patients (13).
5. Maintains Dental Health
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The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of this plant can be employed to treat dental issues as well. Periodontal diseasei XA severe gum infection brought by poor oral hygiene that can result in tooth loss and other major health issues. , gingivitisi XA type of gum disorder resulting in inflamed gums from bad dental hygiene. It can lead to tooth loss. , dental plaque, and other such inflammatory conditions turn chronic and painful in no time (14), (15).
You could use products with herbs like calendula, clove leaf, thyme, and eucalyptus to restore oral hygiene. These herbs can prevent the build-up of tartar and plaque on the teeth (14).
A mouthwash made of calendula extract significantly reduced gingivitis. Its active molecules could fight throat infections too. This plant extract can treat canker soresi XA painful, non-contagious, shallow sore that develops inside the mouth or at the gum line, brought on by stress, acidic foods, or injury. , aphthous ulcers (stomatitis), and sore throat (15).
Calendula has almost no side effects if orally consumed. It can be added as a component in candies, beverages, dental chew, toothpaste, lozenges, and whitening molds for better results (14).
Related: How To Strengthen Loose Teeth: Causes And Home Remedies
6. Reduces Pain And Inflammation
Calendula inhibits the production of pain-inducing chemicals (prostaglandins) in your body. Animal studies show a 33% reduction in swelling/edema when treated with 250 mg/kg of its extract (16).
The plant prevents the release of histamines, which are chemicals known to cause redness, pain, allergies, and inflammation. The flavonoids, saponins, and triterpenoids in calendula are responsible for this property (17).
Different calendula formulations are used to treat women who underwent episiotomyi XA procedure to widen the aperture for the baby to exit by making an incision in the perineum and the posterior vaginal wall. during labor. Muscle spasms and injury can also be managed with them (16), (17).
Did You Know?
You can apply calendula ointment/lotion/tincture to heal hemorrhoidsi X A condition in which the rectum and anus veins are swollen and irritated, resulting in pain and bleeding. . It may even control the severity and pain in the affected areas to a certain extent (18).
Rosacea is another skin condition you can treat with calendula flower extracts. The phytochemicals clear the eruptions and redness of the skin (10).
The anti-inflammatory, cleansing/astringent, antioxidant, and pain-relieving properties of calendula are responsible for these effects (1).
Pot marigold flowers are colorful and vibrant. Their extracts are often used to color food products.
You can grow calendula at home too. All you need is good sunlight, ventilation, shade, a pot/patch of fertile soil, and moderate amounts of water. Once it germinates and establishes, calendula happily self-sows!
7. May Fight Cancer
Calendula can be a strong candidate for cancer treatment and palliative care in alternative medicine. Its phytochemicals have cytotoxic (cell-killing) effects on human cancer cells (3), (19).
The roots and flower extracts have shown positive effects on skin cancer (melanoma), breast cancer, and leukemia cells. The active molecules have been identified to be polysaccharides, proteins, fatty acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and saponins (3), (20).
These molecules inhibit the cell division in cancer cells to prevent metastasis (spreading). Calendula also induces programmed cell death (apoptosis) in these cells to ensure 100% growth inhibition (20).
Related: Apricot Seeds For Cancer: Do They Really Work?
8. Exhibits Anti-HIV Effects
This flower extract has antiviral properties. Researchers have recognized/identified anti-HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) activity, in particular. In a study, about 90% of the target cells were protected from HIV infection in the presence of 10-30 mcg/mL of calendula flower extract (21)
The flavonols in the flowers block the initial-stage interactions between viruses and cells. The extract inactivates several HIV proteins, even when present in small concentrations (21).
Calendula prevents the activity of a crucial viral protein called reverse transcriptase (RT). The RT enzyme allows HIV to survive in human host cells, thereby causing AIDS (21).
Further research would help isolate the principle molecules behind this property (21).
Stylecraze Says As an alternative use of calendula, you can make natural dyes from the flowers in shades of oranges, bright yellows, honey, and light browns.
Lab experiments and chemical analyses have revealed a unique biochemical profile of this plant. We will explore that in the following section.
Phytochemical Composition Of Calendula
Calendula officinalis contains high amounts of triterpenes, flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic acids, fatty acids, sterols, tannins, quinones, and carbohydrates (1), (22).
| Triterpenes glycosides/Monoterpenes/conjugated terpenes | Calendulaglycoside A, B, CD, F, G. Esters like taraxasterol, faradiol, heliantriol, arnidiol, lupeol, calenduladiol, ursadiol, brein, amyrin, maniladiol, erythrodiol; limonene, cineol |
| Flavonoids | Quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, rutin, astragalin, isoquercitrin |
| Carotenoids | Lutein, zeaxanthin, flavoxanthin, auroxanthin, ß-carotene, luteoxnathin, violaxanthin, ß-cryptoxanthin, mutaxanthin |
| Phenolic acids/Fatty acids | Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, vanillic acid, linoleic acid, calendic acid |
| Quinones | 𝛼-tocopherol, phylloquinone |
| Volatile oils | 𝛼-copaene, 𝛼-ionone, 𝛼-humulene, geranylacetone, β-ionone, ledene, 𝛼-murolene, 𝛼-cadinene, 𝛼-calacorene, viridiflorol, ledol, limonene, 𝛼-cadinol and cadalene |
These phytochemicals enhance the therapeutic value of calendula flower heads. Using them in the right way and amount will put the molecules to action.
StyleCraze Trivia The petals of calendula flowers are edible and have a mild peppery taste. In fact they are often called “poor man’s saffron” as it can be used as an inexpensive substitute for saffron in recipes that call for it.
Is there a recommended way of using calendula? Scroll down to know.
How Much Of Calendula Is Safe?
A recommended dose for calendula has not been framed yet.
However, a 2%-5% calendula ointment can be applied topically to heal wounds. If using a tincture (1:9 in 20% alcohol), 2-4 ml per ¼-½ cup of water can be taken three times a day (22).
Another option could be using 1-2 g of Calendula powder per cup of water (22).
Depending on the condition/ailment, this herbal medicine can be taken in different/multiple ways. The most suitable dose and mode of administration have to be decided by your healthcare provider.
Avoid self-medication.
Calendula may induce acute adverse effects in certain individuals. Find more on this in the next section.
Does Calendula Have Any Side Effects Or Risks?
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If you are allergic to plants from the Asteraceae family, calendula may trigger a cross-reaction/hypersensitivity in your body. Keep your doctor informed of such symptoms (22).
There is a >1% chance of developing contact dermatitis if you have frequent skin contact with this herbal preparation (22).
Also, you may be advised against using calendula products if you are on tranquilizers (23).
No herb-drug interactions have been reported with this plant yet (24).
The safety of calendula products in pregnant and lactating women is not clear yet. There is insufficient data to establish dosage in these cases (24).
The benefits of calendula go beyond its aesthetic appeal. It is packed with many beneficial phytonutrients such as flavonoids, carotenoids, fatty acids, and volatile oils. This rich nutritional profile may account for its use in some traditional remedies. It may be beneficial for treating burns, wounds, and rashes and easing menstrual pain. It helps reduce inflammation too. Calendula has antiviral and antibacterial properties as well. However, excessive use may trigger allergic reactions. If you experience any adverse effects, stop its use and consult your health care provider.
