Calendula (Pot Marigold)

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is recognized for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is considered one of the most effective herbal remedies for skin problems, such as wounds, rashes, chapped hands, and infections. Calendula is also traditionally used to treat spasms, fever, suppressed menstruation, and other health conditions.

Plant Description

The calendula plant is grown throughout Europe, Western Asia, and the United States. Calendula is an annual (needs to be replanted each year) that thrives in any soil.

Parts Used

Dried flowers are the most important part of the calendula for medicinal purposes.

Medicinal Uses/Indications

Calendula is used to treat the following conditions and symptoms.

• Inflammation of the mouth and throat
• Wounds
• Burns
• Leg ulcers
• Dry, chapped skin
• Skin rashes

Available Forms

Calendula is available in the following forms.

• Fresh or dried leaves and florets
• Tinctures
• Liquid extracts
• Infusions
• Ointments
• Creams

Calendula products should always be protected from light and moisture, and should not be stored for more than three years.

How to Take It

Recommended doses are as follows.

• Infusion: 1 tsp. dried florets in 8 oz. water; steep 30 to 40 minutes; drink two to three cups per day
• Fluid extract (1:1 in 40% alcohol): 0.5 to 1.0 ml three times per day
• Tincture (1:5 in 90% alcohol): 2 to 4 ml three times per day
• Ointment: 2 to 5 g crude drug in 100 g ointment

Precautions

Frequent skin contact may result in sensitivity. Calendula is also known to affect the menstrual cycle and should not be used during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Possible Interactions

Caution is advised when taking calendula (orally) with medications that have sedative effects because calendula may increase the effects of these substances. Examples of medications with sedative properties include most antihistamines and therapies for anxiety and insomnia.

Supporting Research

Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998: 100.

Boucard-Maitre Y, et al. Cytotoxic and antitumoral activity if calendula officinalis extracts. Pharmazie. 1988; 43:220.

Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, Ore: Eclectic Medical; 1998:46.

Casley-Smith JR. The effect of "Unguentum lymphaticum" on acute experimental lymphedema and other high-protein edemas. Lymphology. 1983; 16:150-156.

Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 25^th ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders; 1974.

Fleischner AM. Plant extracts: To accelerate healing and reduce inflammation. Cosmet Toilet. 1985; 100:45.

Gracza L. Oxygen-containing terpene derivatives from Calendula officinalis. Planta Med. 1987; 53:227.

Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. Vol. I. New York: Dover; 1971: 517-518.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Christof J. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 1998: 704-706.

Isaac O. Die Ringelblume. Botanik, Chemie, Pharmakologie, Toxikologie, Pharmazie und therapeutische Verwendung. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH, Stuggart; 1992.

Kalvatchev Z, Walder R, Garzaro D. Anti-HIV activity of extracts from Calendula officinalis flowers. Biomed Pharmacotherapy. 1997; 51(4):176-180.

Kioucke-Popova, et al. Influence of the physiological regeneration and epithelization using fractions isolated from Calendula officinalis. Acta Physiol Pharmacol Bulg. 1982; 8:83-87.

Newall C, Anderson L, Phillipson J. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 1996: 58-59.

Park JS, Chew BP, Wong TS. Dietary lutein from marigold extract inhibits mammary tumor development in BALB/c mice. J Nutr. Oct 1998; 128(10):1650-1656.

Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler V. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine. 3^rd ed. Berlin: Springer; 1998: 259.

Shipochliev T. Extracts from a group of medicinal plants enhancing the uterine tonus. Vet Med Nauki. 1981; 4: 94-98.

Thomson WA. Medicines from the Earth: A Guide to Healing Plants. Alfred Van Der Marck ed. Maidenhead, England: McGraw-Hill Book company (UK); 1978: 61.

Tyler V. The Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3^rd ed. New York: Pharmaceutical Products Press; 1993: 75-76.

Wagner H, et al. Immunostimulating polysaccharides (heteroglycans) of higher plants. Arzneimittelforsch. 1985; 35:1069.

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