Everything You Need to Know About

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Botanical family: Asteraceae
Parts used: Flowers
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
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Overview and Health Benefits

Calendula officinalis, commonly known as calendula or pot marigold, has been valued as a medicine since Roman times for digestive problems, infections and even the plague (McIntyre, 2019). In modern Western herbal medicine, it is prized for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and healing properties, being used in particular to treat ailments related to skin health, wound healing, digestive health and reproductive health. Recent scientific studies have provided a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind calendula’s medicinal benefits.

Key Benefits:

  • Wound Healing and Skin Health
  • Anti-inflammatory Properties
  • Antimicrobial and Antifungal Actions
  • Gastrointestinal Health
  • Menstrual HealthImmune System and Circulatory Support

Calendula is widely used for its astringent and wound-healing properties. The herb promotes tissue regeneration, prevents infection and reduces inflammation, making it effective for treating minor cuts, burns, sores, bruises and abrasions (McIntyre, 2019). Studies have shown that calendula extract can significantly improve the healing process of wounds and reduce symptoms such as pain and swelling (Parente et al., 2012; Givol et al., 2019).

Calendula has powerful anti-inflammatory effects, which are beneficial in treating a variety of inflammatory conditions. Its effectiveness in reducing skin inflammation and irritation has been demonstrated in clinical trials, making it a popular ingredient in topical formulations for dermatitis and eczema (Ashwlayan et al., 2018; Stubbe & Valero, 2013).

The antimicrobial properties of calendula make it useful in preventing and treating infections. It has been shown to exhibit antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activities, making it effective against a range of pathogens (Efstratiou et al., 2012; McIntyre, 2019; Hoffmann, 2003; Ashwlayan et al., 2018).

Calendula can soothe and heal the digestive tract, making it beneficial for conditions such as gastritis, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease. Its demulcent properties help to protect the mucous membranes and reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract (McIntyre, 2019; Popham, n.d.). Its bitter compounds also stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, enhancing digestion and absorption (McIntyre, 2019).

Calendula is known for its emmenagogue properties, which help to regulate the menstrual cycle and alleviate menstrual cramps, excessive menstrual bleeding and uterine congestion (McIntyre, 2019). It supports hormonal balance and can ease uncomfortable symptoms associated with menstruation and menopause (Hoffmann, 2003; Holmes, 2006).

Calendula has immune-boosting properties thanks to its polysaccharides, helping to strengthen the body’s natural defences (Sharma & Kumari, 2021). It acts as a lymphagogue, promoting the movement of lymph and assisting in the removal of toxins from the body, which is essential for maintaining a robust immune system (Sharma & Kumari, 2021; Wood, 2008).

Safety Profile

While widely acclaimed for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound-healing properties, calendula does come with certain cautions and contraindications. Notably, it should not be used during pregnancy, as it has been traditionally utilised as an emmenagogue and is considered a uterine stimulant (Brinker, 2010; McIntyre, 2019). 

Additionally, those allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies, should avoid calendula due to potential allergic reactions (Brinker, 2010). Although not extensively studied in human trials, calendula might enhance the effects of hypnotic or anxiolytic drugs and has been shown in animal studies to increase sedative and hypotensive effects. This raises concerns about its interactions with medications for sedation, anxiety, hypertension, hypoglycemia, and cholesterol-lowering (Ashwlayan et al., 2018). 

Furthermore, calendula’s prominent use as a vulnerary means that wounds must be thoroughly cleaned before its application, as the herb can rapidly repair tissue, potentially trapping dirt or bacteria inside (Holmes, 2006). 

As with any herbal remedy, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional before using calendula, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking any prescription medications.

Featured Products Containing Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula Oil | High in Retinol | For Sensitive Skin | All-Natural Ingredients | 100ml
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Nerve Oil | Massage Oil | For Nerve Support | All-Natural Ingredients | 100ml
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Pregnancy Bath & Body Oil | Ideal for Sensitive Skin | With Jojoba, Calendula, Lavender & Rose Geranium Oils | 100ml
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Stretch Mark and Scar Oil | For Stretch Marks & Scar Healing | With Jojoba, Rosehip & St.John's Wort Oils | 50ml
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Key Body Systems Calendula (Calendula officinalis) relates to

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Skin
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Lymphatic System
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Endocrine and or Reproductive System
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Digestive System
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Immune System

Energetics

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Warming
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Drying

Key actions

  • Vulnerary
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Lymphatic
  • Hemostatic
  • Antimicrobial
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Key uses

  • Infective skin conditions
  • Cuts, bruises, burns, eczema
  • Menstruam craps
  • Digestive issues (including gastritis and peptic ulcers)

Where to Find Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula is a captivating herbaceous plant with vibrant, sunny flowers. The plant grows to about 60cm tall and features branching stems that are slightly sticky due to their resin content. The leaves are oblong, measuring 10 to 15cm, and are arranged alternately along the stem. The most striking feature of calendula is its bright yellow to deep orange flowers, consisting of a multitude of ray florets surrounding a central cluster of tubular florets, giving them a daisy-like appearance. 

Calendula flowers open in the morning and close in the evening, following the sun's path, which has earned them the nickname "Bride of the Sun." This characteristic not only adds to their visual appeal but also aligns with their historical and cultural symbolism. The plant produces crescent-shaped seeds that are light brown or grey, which can be easily collected for propagation.

Calendula thrives in temperate regions across the world, with its primary origins traced to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. It prefers well-drained soils and can grow in both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile addition to various garden settings. Calendula is hardy and can tolerate a range of weather conditions, though it flourishes best in cooler climates with moderate rainfall.

This resilient plant is often found in gardens, fields, and even along roadsides, where it readily self-seeds and spreads. Its adaptability to different soil types and climatic conditions makes it a popular choice for gardeners and herbalists alike.

References

Ashwlayan, V. D., Kumar, A., Verma, M., Garg, V. K., & Gupta, S. K. (2018). Therapeutic potential of Calendula officinalis. Pharmacy & Pharmacology International Journal, 6(2), 149-155. https://doi.org/10.15406/ppij.2018.06.00171

Brinker, F. (2010). Herbal Contraindications and Drug Interactions: Plus Herbal Adjuncts with Medicines. Eclectic Medical Publications.

Efstratiou, E., Hussain, A. I., Nigam, P. S., Moore, J. E., Ayub, M. A., & Rao, J. R. (2012). Antimicrobial activity of Calendula officinalis petal extracts against fungi, as well as Gram-negative and Gram-positive clinical pathogens. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 18(3), 173-176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.02.003

Givol, O., Kornhaber, R., Visentin, D., Cleary, M., Haik, J., & Harats, M. (2019). A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 27(5), 548–561. https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12737

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.

Holmes, P. (2006). The Energetics of Western Herbs: A Materia Medica Integrating Western and Chinese Herbal Therapeutics (Vol. 2). Snow Lotus Press.

Parente, L. M. L., de Souza Lino Júnior, R., Tresvenzol, L. M. F., Vinaud, M. C., de Paula, J. R., & Paulo, N. M. (2012). Wound healing and anti-inflammatory effect in animal models of Calendula officinalis L. growing in Brazil. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 375671. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/375671

Popham, S. (n.d.). Calendula (Calendula officinalis). Herb Rally. Retrieved from https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/calendula-sp

Sharma, S., & Kumari, K. (2021). An overview on Calendula officinalis Linn.: (Pot marigold). Journal of Advanced Scientific Research, 12(03 Suppl 2), 13-18. https://doi.org/10.55218/JASR.s2202112302 

Stubbe, C. E., & Valero, M. (2013). Complementary strategies for the management of radiation therapy side effects. Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology, 4(4), 219–231. https://doi.org/10.6004/jadpro.2013.4.4.3

Wood, M. (2008). The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants. North Atlantic Books.