Calendula officinalis (Linn.) Compositae or Marigold is a common cottage garden annual in the UK. However, extracts, decoctions and tinctures prepared from it have been used as a traditional medicine. It has been used for healing wounds and burns, including sunburn since at least the Middle Ages. Calendula was even used in the First World War to dress battle wounds and is now a widely popular household family herbal remedy for cuts and burns across the world.
The extracts have anti-inflammatory (Basch et al., 2006), anti-viral (Barbour et al., 2004) and anti-fungal (Kasiram et al., 2000) properties. One of the more intriguing possibilities for the extract is in the treatment of burn injuries (Chandran & Kuttan, 2008).
The protective effect against UV light induced skin damage has been tested in hairless mice. It was found the extract maintained the levels of glutathione which normally rise in sun burnt skin and increased levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9. These two enzymes are implicated in alleviating the symptoms of sunburn (Fonseca et al. 2010; 2011).
Active Componentry
The active metabolites or phytochemicals are many and varied. Flavonoids such as quercetin, protocatechuic acid, lupeol and many other alkaloids and triterpinoids are present (Matysik et al.,2005). The colour in marigold is generated by carotenoids such as lutein, lycopene, flavoxanthin, luteoxanthin, auroxanthin, beta-carotene etc. (Kishimoto et al., 2005).
A variety of polyphenols, and rutin and narcissin are also present.
Uses
Calendula is soothing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and astringent making it the perfect treatment for cuts, scrapes and skin complaints, bruises, insect bites and minor wounds, burns and sunburn.
- Calendula is antifungal and so can help to cure thrush
- Taken internally, Calendula has been shown to help treat ulcers, sore throats, indigestion, colitis and symptoms of the menopause.
How To Use And Prepare Calendula Extracts
Calendula is usually applied to the skin as a cream, a lotion or in an oil or applied as a poultice. Pestle Herbs have provided a very instructive video:HOW TO MAKE A POULTICE. It also makes a distinctive herbal tea or can be applied as a tincture.
Cautionary Information/Cautions Regarding Calendula
If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking calendula.
- Do not give to any child under two years old
- Do not use while pregnant or nursing
Products and Availability
The dried flower is available from Pestle Herbs in 50g and 100g amounts. Simply click on the links for each amount to purchase the product
Please note this article contains links to our affiliate marketing partner. Please read our affiliate disclosure.
Legal Disclaimer Concerning Products On This Web-Site
The products and the information provided about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration or by any other national regulatory body and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician/doctor or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problems or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication or if you suspect you might have a health problem.
References
Barbour, E.K., Sagherian, V., Talhouk, S., Talhouk, R., Farran, M.T,., Sleiman, F.T., & Harakeh, S. (2004) Evaluation of homeopathy in broiler chickens exposed to live viral vaccines and administered Calendula officinalis extract. Med. Sci. Monit. 10(8) pp. 81
Basch, E., Bent, S., Foppa, I., Haskmi, S., Kroll, D., Mele, M., Szapary, P., Ulbricht, C., Vora, M., Yong, S. (2006) Marigold (Calendula officalis L.): An evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J. Herbal Pharmacother.6 pp.135
Chandran, P.K. & Kuttan, R. (2008) Effect of Calendula officinalis flower extract on acute phase proteins, antioxidant defense mechanism and granulocyte formation during thermal burns. J. Clin. Biochem. Nutr. 43 pp. 58-64
Kasiram, K., Sakharkar, P.R., Patil, A.T. (2000) Antifungal activity of Calendula officinalis. Indian J. Pharm,. Sci.,6 pp. 464
Kishimoto, S., Maoka, T., Sumitomo, K., and Ohmiya, A. (2005) Analysis of carotenoid composition in petals of Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.) Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem. 69(11) pp. 2122-2128
Matysik, G., Wojciak-Kosior, M., and Paduch, R. (2005) The influence of Calendula officinalis flos extract on cell cultures and the chromatographic analysis of extracts. J. Pharm. Biomed. Anal. 38(2) pp. 285-292
I’ve regularly taken calendula for my colds because I knew it had anti-inflammatory properties but I also use it as a beauty treatment. You can use the petals and seeds as an antibacterial cleanser as well. Like all new ingredients for skin care, I did a spot test behind my ear to check it didn’t cause an allergenic reaction. Certainly seems to work for me.
If you add it to homemade skincare products, it works a treat. The smell is horrible really but I find it works well with my rosaceae. My face feels much cleaner and tighter with using this particular oil. It seems to reduce my redness. I use it daily on my face as a cleanser. Works really well.