Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.)
Background
Calendula, also known as marigold, has been widely used on the skin to treat minor wounds, skin infections, burns, bee stings, sunburn, warts, and cancer. Most scientific evidence regarding its effectiveness as a wound-healing agent is based on animal and laboratory study, while human research is virtually lacking.
One study in breast cancer patients receiving radiation therapy suggests that calendula ointment may be helpful in preventing skin dermatitis (irritation, redness, and pain).
Synonyms
Asteraceae (family), bride of the sun, bull flower, butterwort, Caltha officinalis , Calendula arvensis L., calendulae flos, calendula flower, calendulae herba, calendula herb, calypso orange florensis, claveton (Spanish), Compositae (family), cowbloom, death-flower, drunkard gold, Fiesta Gitana Gelb , fior d'ogni (Italian), flaminquillo (Spanish), fleurs de tous les mois (French), gauche-fer (French), gold bloom, Goldblume (German), golden flower of Mary, goulans, gouls, holligold, holygold, husband's dial, kingscup, Laser Activated Calendula Extract (LACE), maravilla, marybud, marigold, marygold, poet's marigold, pot marigold, Mejorana (Spanish), publican and sinner, Ringelblume (German), ruddles, Scotch marigold, shining herb, solsequia, souci (French), souci des champs (French), souci des jardins (French), summer's bride, sun's bride, water dragon, yolk of egg.
Note: Calendula or marigold should not be confused with the common garden or French marigold ( Tagetes ), African marigold ( T. erecta ), or Inca marigold ( T. minuta ).
Evidence
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
| Uses based on scientific evidence | Grade* |
| Radiation skin protection A study in women receiving radiation therapy to the breast for breast cancer reports that calendula ointment applied to the skin at least twice daily during treatment reduces the number of people experiencing severe dermatitis (skin irritation, redness, pain). However, this study cannot be considered conclusive due to limitations of its design. Based on this evidence, this approach may be considered in patients who experience radiation dermatitis that cannot be controlled with other therapies. | B |
| Ear infection Calendula has been studied for reducing pain caused by ear infections. Some human studies suggest that calendula may possess mild anesthetic (pain-relieving) properties equal to those of similar non-herbal eardrop preparations. Further studies are needed before a recommendation can be made in this area. | C |
| Skin inflammation Limited animal research suggests that calendula extracts may reduce inflammation when applied to the skin. Human studies are lacking in this area. | C |
| Wound and burn healing Calendula is commonly used on the skin to treat minor skin wounds. Reliable human research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn. | C |
*Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D: Fair scientific evidence against this use;
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use.
Grading rationale
Uses based on tradition or theory
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Abscesses, acne, anemia, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, anxiety, appetite stimulant, atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), athlete's foot, bacterial infections, benign prostatic hypertrophy, bladder irritation, blood purification, blood vessel clots, bowel irritation, bruises, cholera, circulation problems, conjunctivitis, constipation, cough, cramps, diaper rash, dizziness, diuretic, eczema, edema, eye inflammation, fatigue, fever, frostbite, fungal infections, gastrointestinal tract disorders, gingivitis, gout, gum disease prevention, headache, heart disease, hemorrhoids, herpes simplex virus infections, HIV, immune system stimulant, indigestion, influenza, insomnia, irritant contact dermatitis, jaundice, liver cancer, liver dysfunction, menstrual period abnormalities, metabolic disorders, mouth and throat infections, muscle wasting, nausea, nervous system disorders, nosebleed, pain, prostatitis, ringing in the ears, skin cancer, sore throat, spasms, spleen disorders, stomach ulcers, syphilis, toothache, tuberculosis, ulcerative colitis, urinary retention, uterus problems, varicose veins, warts, yeast infections.
Dosing
The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.
Adults (over 18 years old)
For ear infections, the combination herbal product Otikon Otic® (which includes calendula) has been used in a dose of 5 drops placed in the affected ear three times daily. 5 drops of NHED® solution (which contains garlic Allium sativum ?, Verbascum thapsus , Calendula flores , St. John's wort Hypericum perfoliatum ?, lavender Lavandula angustifolia ?, and vitamin E in olive oil) has been instilled into an affected ear three times daily.
According to two European expert panels, the German Commission E and the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP), a 2% to 5% ointment has been used. Preparations have been applied three to four times daily as needed.
A 1:1 tincture in 40% alcohol or a 1:5 tincture in 90% alcohol, diluted at least 1:3 with freshly boiled water, has been applied to the skin as a compress three to four times daily.
Children (under 18 years old)
There is currently not enough scientific evidence to recommend the use of calendula in children.
Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Allergies
People with allergies to plants in the Aster/Compositae family such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies are more likely to have an allergic reaction to calendula. There is one case of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock) after gargling with a calendula preparation.
