Herbs & Supplements:

Calendula

Principal Proposed Uses
  • Topical Uses, Skin Injuries (Cuts, Scrapes, Burns, Nonhealing Wounds, Etc.), Skin Inflammation (Eczema, Etc.), Hemorrhoids, Varicose Veins, Oral Uses, Mouth Sores

Calendula, well known as one of the ornamental marigolds, blooms month after month from early spring to first frost. Because "calend" means month in Latin, the plant's lengthy flowering season is believed to have given calendula its name. The herb has been used to heal wounds and treat inflamed skin since ancient times.

An active ingredient that might be responsible for calendula's traditional medicinal properties has not been discovered. One theory suggests that volatile oils in the plant act synergistically with other constituents called xanthophylls.¹

What Is Calendula Used for Today?

Experiments on rats and other animals suggest that calendula cream exerts a wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effect,^2,3,4 but double-blind studies have not yet been reported.

Creams made with calendula flower are a nearly ubiquitous item in the German medicine chest, used for everything from children's scrapes to eczema, burns, and poorly healing wounds. These same German products are widely available in the United States as well.

Calendula cream is also used to soothe hemorrhoids and varicose veins, and the tea reportedly reduces the discomfort of mouth sores. However, as yet there is no scientific evidence for these uses.

Dosage

Calendula cream is generally applied 2 or 3 times daily to the affected area. For oral use as a mouthwash, pour boiling water over 1 to 2 teaspoons of calendula flowers and allow to steep for 10 to 15 minutes.

Safety Issues

Calendula is generally regarded as safe. Neither calendula cream nor calendula taken internally has been associated with any adverse effects other than occasional allergic reactions, and animal studies have found no significant toxic effects.⁵ However, the same studies found that in high doses, calendula acts like a sedative and also reduces blood pressure. For this reason, it might not be safe to combine calendula with sedative or blood pressure medications.

Interactions You Should Know About

If you are taking

• Sleeping pills or antianxiety drugs: Oral calendula might increase the sedative effect.
• Medications to reduce blood pressure: Oral calendula might amplify the blood pressure–lowering effect.

Last reviewed March 2002 by Medical Review Board

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