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Medicinal Herb Monographs

Calendula

Botanical Name 
Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis

Calendula officinalis
(Calendula)
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The information on this page compiled by
Beth Burch N.D.
Index
(click on the keywords)

Introduction

Calendula has a long history of use as a topical application for wounds, burns and skin irritation- assisting with decreasing inflammation and promoting healing. It has also been used historically for inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It can be helpful in vaginitis and diaper rash.

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Description

  • Calendula, also known as pot marigold (don’t confuse it with the other more common marigold), is a common garden plant. A member of the Compositae family, it is native to Southern Europe and the Orient, but is cultivated throughout the world. It is an annual plant which will return each year from seed and grows up to 20 inches high. It has a branched stem with alternate leaves. It has a showy orange or yellow daisy like flower. These pretty flowers are the medicinal part.


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Constituents

  • Triterpene saponins
  • Flavonoids
  • Hydroxycoumarins
  • Carotinoids including lutein and zeaxanthin
  • Sesquiterpene glycosides
  • Volatile oils
  • Polysaccharides including arabinogalactans
  • Polyynes


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Action/Effects

Conditions used for

  • Inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes (1)
  • Wounds (2, 3)
  • Burns (2)


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Dosage

  • Topical- apply cream, ointment or liquid extract 2-4 times per day.
  • Internal-
  • Liquid extract- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon up to three times a day.


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Side Effects

  • None known


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Contraindications

  • Allergy to Calendula
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Interactions with medications

  • None known
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Use in pregnancy & lactation

  • Safe for topical use
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References

1. Della Loggia R et al, The role of triterpenoids in the topical anti-inflammatory activity of Calendula officinalis flowers, Planta Med 1994;60(6):516-20
2. Kaplan B, Homoeopathy: 3. Everyday uses for all the family, Prof Care Mother Child 1994;4(7):212-3
3. Klouchek-Popova E et al, Influence of the physiological regeneration and epithelialization using fractions isolated from Calendula officinalis, Acta Physiol Pharmacol Bulg 1982;8(4):63-7


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* The information presented in this web site is intended to inform and educate. It is not intended replace a qualified medical practitioner to diagnose or treat medical conditions.

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