Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a flowering plant people traditionally use as an herb. It contains substances that have both medical and cosmetic benefits, such as wound healing, soothing skin, and anti-aging.
Calendula contains flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that gives the plant its color and helps lower inflammation and cell damage. Flavonoids are also known to help with wound healing.
According to a 2023 study, using dried petals of calendula plants in ointments, extracts, and washes may help heal mild infections, scrapes, bruises, and burns. Calendula is also an emollient, which is a substance that can help soften skin.
Other people who may benefit from using calendula include people who have cesarean section (C-section) scars and venous leg ulcers, wounds that happen due to poor blood flow.
Calendula is widely known to have anti-inflammatory benefits due to its ability to reduce proteins that cause inflammation in the body.
Inflammation occurs as a way to protect the body against infections and injuries. However, chronic (long-term) inflammation can lead to multiple conditions, including those that affect the immune system and the skin.
Skin conditions calendula may help include:
Calendula has also been shown to improve diaper rashes in children and delay skin aging.
Calendula may have antibacterial and antifungal properties. This may benefit people with bacterial vaginosis (BV), a very common type of vaginal infection.
Calendula may help treat BV by strengthening the vaginal surface, which can help reduce the signs and symptoms of BV, such as itching, burning, and pain.
You can find calendula in:
- Creams
- Ointments
- Teas
- Extracts
- Capsules
Calendula tea is made by steeping flowers in boiling water, while calendula extract is made from the flowers and leaves of the plant.
Because there isn’t a standard dosage for taking calendula, the results may vary depending on the form you use and the condition it treats.
For example, calendula cream may help relieve bacterial vaginosis after one week of treatment. However, it may take up to 30 weeks of treatment using calendula extract to heal venous leg ulcers.
There isn’t too much research available on the safety of calendula, though studies show that it’s generally safe to take without side effects.
However, certain people may be at higher risk for side effects. For example, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid calendula since it can affect hormone levels and menstruation (periods).
Additionally, people with allergies to certain plants, like daisies or marigolds, should avoid taking calendula since they may be at risk of an allergic reaction.
Before starting any new medications or supplements, it’s important to always see a doctor to avoid any possible side effects or reactions.
Potential Drug Interactions
Calendula may interact with certain medications. Combining calendula with sedatives, drugs that make you sleepy, can make you more drowsy.
Similarly, taking calendula with high blood pressure medications can increase their blood pressure-lowering effect. This may cause your blood pressure to drop too low.
What To Look For
It’s important to purchase calendula from a reputable source to ensure it has no harmful chemicals or substances added to it. If you’re taking the herbal supplement, look for one that has been third-party tested. This ensures the product’s safety and quality.
There isn’t much research available on the effects of calendula overdose in humans. In general, taking more than the recommended amount of any medication or supplement can increase your risk of side effects. Always use calendula exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
