Calendula Officinalis Uses, Benefits, And Remedies
Calendula officinalis, commonly known as the pot marigold, is a flowering plant native to southern Europe and western Asia.
It is widely used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and wound-healing properties.
The bioactive constituents in calendula, such as flavonoids, triterpenes, and carotenoids, contribute to its therapeutic actions.
This herb can be prepared as an infusion, tincture, salve, or ointment to address skin irritations, digestive issues, and respiratory ailments.
This page analize the most important medicinal aspects of Calendula officinalis.
The 13 best health benefits of Calendula officinalis are shown in the image below.
The list below give a brief description of the 13 best health benefits of Calendula officinalis.
- Reduce Inflammation Now: Calendula officinalis contains anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce inflammation in the body, supporting overall health and comfort.
- Reduces Redness Fast: The herb's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help reduce redness and irritation on the skin quickly.
- Fights Off Bacteria: Calendula has natural antibacterial properties that can help combat bacterial infections and prevent their spread.
- Heal Wounds Quickly: Calendula promotes wound healing by stimulating cell regeneration and reducing infection risk.
- Soothe Sunburned Skin: Its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects help relieve the pain and discomfort of sunburned skin.
- Helps With Itching: Calendula's antihistamine properties can alleviate itching caused by skin irritations or allergic reactions.
- Prevents Scarring Now: The herb's regenerative properties may help minimize scarring by promoting healthy tissue repair.
- Treats Cold Sores: Calendula's antiviral properties may help reduce the severity and duration of cold sores.
- Treats Diaper Rash: Its soothing and antimicrobial properties make it effective for treating diaper rash and preventing infection.
- Fight Skin Infections: Calendula's antimicrobial and antifungal properties help combat various skin infections.
- Calms Eczema Outbreaks: The herb's anti-inflammatory and soothing effects can help manage eczema symptoms and reduce flare-ups.
- Relieves Dry Skin: Calendula moisturizes and nourishes the skin, helping to relieve dryness and improve skin texture.
- Soothes Mouth Sores: Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can help soothe and heal mouth sores and ulcers.
Bioactive Constituents
Calendula officinalis bisabolol is a key medicinal constituent known for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
This sesquiterpene alcohol is responsible for many of the herb's therapeutic effects, including its ability to soothe skin irritations and promote tissue repair. Alongside bisabolol, calendula contains flavonoids, which act as antioxidants and help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Caffeic acid, another important compound, contributes to the herb’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions, making it beneficial for treating minor infections and skin conditions. Additionally, quercetin, a flavonoid found in calendula, supports immune function and may help reduce inflammation and allergies.
Together, these constituents work synergistically to enhance the overall therapeutic value of Calendula officinalis, making it a popular choice in both traditional and modern herbal medicine for its wide range of health benefits.
The 7 best bioactive constituents of Calendula officinalis are shown in the image below.
The list below give a brief description of the 13 best bioactive constituents of Calendula officinalis.
- Bisabolol: A volatile compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, commonly used in skin treatments.
- Flavonoids: A group of plant compounds with antioxidant properties that help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
- Caffeic Acid: An antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, contributing to the herb's healing properties.
- Quercetin: A flavonoid with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, known for its immune-boosting effects.
- Sesquiterpenes: A class of organic compounds that contribute to the herb's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities.
- Fatty Acids: Essential for skin health, they help moisturize and protect the skin barrier, promoting wound healing.
- Luteolin: A flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting skin health and reducing irritation.
Medicinal Parts
Calendula officinalis flower is widely recognized for its therapeutic properties and is commonly used in herbal medicine.
The bright orange or yellow petals of the flower contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, triterpenes, and carotenoids, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and wound-healing effects. These properties make calendula flower a popular ingredient in topical treatments for skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and minor burns.
In addition to its external applications, the flower is also used to make teas and tinctures that support digestive health and reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. The leaves of the calendula plant, while less commonly used than the flowers, also contain similar beneficial compounds and are sometimes utilized in herbal infusions to promote liver function and alleviate digestive discomfort.
Both the flower and leaf of Calendula officinalis offer a range of medicinal benefits, making them valuable components in traditional and modern herbal remedies.
The 2 best medicinal parts of Calendula officinalis are shown in the image below.
The list below give a brief description of the 2 best medicinal parts of Calendula officinalis.
Herbal Preparations
Calendula officinalis teas are a popular and simple way to harness the herb's anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, often used to support digestive health and alleviate mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
To prepare the tea, dried calendula flowers are steeped in hot water for several minutes, creating a mild, slightly floral beverage that can be consumed throughout the day. In addition to teas, calendula is commonly made into tinctures by soaking the flowers in alcohol, which concentrates its active compounds for topical or internal use. Calendula oils, often infused with carrier oils like olive or jojoba, are widely used in skincare products for their healing and protective benefits, particularly for eczema and minor burns.
The versatility of calendula extends to other preparations such as creams, ointments, and poultices, which are applied externally to treat skin irritations, wounds, and inflammation, making it a valuable herb in both traditional and modern herbal medicine.
The 16 best herbal preparations of Calendula officinalis are shown in the image below.
The list below give a brief description of the 16 best herbal preparations of Calendula officinalis.
- Teas: Calendula tea is used to soothe digestive issues, reduce inflammation, and promote skin healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Decoctions: Calendula decoctions are used to treat skin conditions, wounds, and inflammation due to their high concentration of flavonoids and triterpenes.
- Tinctures: Calendula tinctures are used to treat skin irritations, wounds, and infections due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Baths: Calendula baths are used to soothe skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and minor burns due to their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
- Oils: Calendula oils are used to moisturize the skin, treat minor cuts, and reduce inflammation due to their emollient and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Essential Oils: Calendula essential oils are used for aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety, and to treat skin conditions when diluted properly.
- Creams: Calendula creams are used to treat dry skin, eczema, and minor burns due to their moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Mucillages: Calendula mucillages are used to soothe internal inflammation and support digestive health due to their high mucilage content.
- Capsules: Calendula capsules are used to support digestive health, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing internally.
- Ointments: Calendula ointments are used to treat skin irritations, wounds, and infections due to their antimicrobial and healing properties.
- Liniments: Calendula liniments are used to relieve muscle pain, inflammation, and skin irritations due to their anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.
- Gargles: Calendula gargles are used to soothe sore throats and reduce inflammation in the mouth and throat due to their antimicrobial properties.
- Poultices: Calendula poultices are used to treat wounds, burns, and skin infections due to their anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
- Syrups: Calendula syrups are used to soothe coughs and respiratory issues due to their anti-inflammatory and mucilage properties.
- Linctuses: Calendula linctuses are used to soothe coughs and throat irritation due to their mucilage content and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Lozenges: Calendula lozenges are used to relieve sore throats and reduce inflammation in the mouth and throat due to their antimicrobial and soothing properties.
Side Effects of calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis eyes become red due to its potential irritant properties, which can cause inflammation and discomfort in the sensitive eye area.
While calendula is often used for its soothing effects, some individuals may experience skin irritation, including redness, rash, or even blistering upon topical application. The herb can also lead to a burning sensation on the skin, which may be mistaken for a positive reaction but is actually a sign of an adverse response. In more severe cases, skin may become dry or show swelling, indicating an allergic or hypersensitive reaction.
Additionally, oral consumption of calendula may result in stomach upset, cramps, or even numbness in the mouth, highlighting the importance of cautious use and consulting a healthcare professional before incorporating it into one's routine.
The 13 most common side effects of Calendula officinalis are shown in the image below.
The list below give a brief description of the 13 most common side effects of Calendula officinalis.
- Eyes Become Red: Calendula officinalis can cause redness in the eyes, often due to allergic reactions or irritation from direct contact with the plant.
- Skin Becomes Irritated: Prolonged contact with Calendula officinalis may lead to skin irritation, characterized by redness, itching, or a burning sensation.
- Skin Develops Rash: Calendula officinalis may trigger a rash on the skin, which can be a sign of an allergic reaction or sensitivity to the plant.
- Eyes Experience Itching: Itching in the eyes can occur as a side effect of Calendula officinalis, possibly due to allergic reactions or irritation.
- Skin Becomes Dry: Overuse of Calendula officinalis products may lead to dry skin, as the herb can have a drying effect on the skin's surface.
- Stomach Feels Upset: Ingesting Calendula officinalis may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea or a feeling of unease in the stomach.
- Mouth Feels Numb: Calendula officinalis may cause numbness in the mouth, possibly due to its chemical composition affecting oral sensations.
- Skin Shows Blistering: Calendula officinalis can lead to blistering on the skin, which may be a severe allergic reaction or irritation.
- Skin Feels Burning: A burning sensation on the skin may occur from direct contact with Calendula officinalis, indicating irritation or an allergic response.
- Stomach Has Cramps: Calendula officinalis may cause stomach cramps, possibly due to its effects on the digestive system or allergic reactions.
- Eyes Have Discharge: Calendula officinalis can lead to eye discharge, which may be a sign of irritation or an allergic reaction affecting the eyes.
- Skin Shows Swelling: Swelling of the skin can occur as a side effect of Calendula officinalis, often due to an allergic reaction or irritation.
- Lungs Experience Irritation: Inhaling Calendula officinalis may irritate the lungs, causing symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing in sensitive individuals.