Calendula
Calendula officinalis
Pot marigold, a gentle topical herb with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, used for minor cuts, diaper rash, and radiation skin reactions; evidence is encouraging but based on small trials.
At a Glance
- Best known for
- Minor wound and abrasion healing, Radiation dermatitis prevention (one large RCT, conflicting follow-up), Diaper rash and mild eczema
- Evidence
- Preliminary
- Typical dose
- Apply cream or ointment 2–4x daily
- Type
- Herb
What is Calendula?
Calendula officinalis, commonly called pot marigold, is a bright orange or yellow flower native to the Mediterranean and cultivated worldwide. It is not the same as the common garden marigold (Tagetes species). The flower petals have been used in European, Middle Eastern, and Ayurvedic traditions for skin complaints and wounds since at least the 12th century. Calendula is a staple of modern herbal first-aid kits: it is mild enough for infants and is one of the few herbs that can be safely applied to broken skin. It is also eaten as a culinary garnish and used to color cheese and rice.
Known Health Benefits
How It Works
Faradiol and related triterpenoid esters are the main anti-inflammatory constituents; they inhibit inflammatory mediators and reduce swelling in laboratory models. Flavonoids and carotenoids provide antioxidant protection to damaged tissue. Calendula extracts increase the formation of granulation tissue and stimulate fibroblast migration and collagen deposition, which accelerates wound closure in animal studies. The extract also shows mild antibacterial and antifungal activity against common skin organisms, and it promotes new blood vessel formation in healing tissue. The overall effect is to calm inflammation while supporting the normal stages of skin repair.
What Research Says
The largest calendula trial was a French phase III study of 254 women receiving radiotherapy for breast cancer, in which calendula ointment significantly reduced the rate of grade 2 or higher radiation dermatitis compared with trolamine (41% vs 63%) and reduced treatment interruptions. However, a later blinded trial of 420 patients comparing calendula to aqueous cream found no difference, so the benefit is uncertain. A 2008 Cochrane review on venous leg ulcers and small trials of calendula for episiotomy wounds, diaper dermatitis, and cesarean scars reported faster healing, but these studies were small and often poorly blinded. Mouth rinse studies suggest calendula reduces gingival inflammation and plaque, and a small trial found reduced severity of chemotherapy-related oral mucositis. Laboratory and animal data on wound healing are consistent and strong, but high-quality human RCTs remain limited.
Active Compounds
Triterpenoid esters (faradiol), flavonoids (quercetin, rutin), carotenoids (lutein, beta-carotene), essential oils, saponins
Forms & Bioavailability
Calendula is used mainly on the skin, where its lipophilic triterpenes penetrate the upper layers and act locally without meaningful systemic absorption. Oil-based preparations (ointments, infused oil) deliver the triterpenoid esters most effectively, while water-based teas and compresses extract more of the flavonoids and are better suited for weeping or infected skin. Orally, calendula flavonoids are absorbed like those from other plant foods, but oral use is less common and less studied.
Dosage Guidance
| Use Case | Dosage |
|---|---|
| Minor cuts, scrapes, burns | Apply cream or ointment 2–4x daily |
| Radiation dermatitis | Apply ointment 2x daily or more from first radiation session |
| Diaper rash / infant skin | Thin layer of cream at each change |
| Gargle or mouth rinse | 1–2 ml tincture in 100 ml water, 2–3x daily |
| Compress | 1–2 tsp dried flowers per cup boiled water, cooled |
Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing.
Natural Food Sources
- Fresh petals in salads (edible 'poor man's saffron')
- Calendula tea
- Used as a natural food coloring in cheese, butter, and rice dishes
Potential Side Effects
Rare allergic contact dermatitis, especially in people sensitive to the daisy family; oral use may cause drowsiness in large amounts
Who Should Avoid It
- Allergy to Asteraceae family plants (ragweed, chrysanthemums, daisies, arnica)
- Oral use in pregnancy (traditionally regarded as a uterine stimulant; topical is fine)
- Deep, puncture, or heavily infected wounds (seek medical care rather than self-treating)
- Surgery within 2 weeks if using oral forms (theoretical sedative additive effect)
Pregnancy & Lactation
Topical calendula is widely considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding and is commonly used for nipple soreness, perineal healing after birth, and infant diaper rash. Wipe the nipple area before feeding if applied there. Oral calendula (tea or tincture in larger amounts) is best avoided in pregnancy because of traditional reports of effects on menstruation and the uterus, although there is no firm evidence of harm.
Known Drug Interactions
Oral preparations may theoretically add to the effect of sedatives; topical use has no known drug interactions
Evidence Classification
Based on in vitro studies, animal models, pilot trials, or traditional use documentation. Clinical evidence is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is calendula the same as marigold?
Not quite. Calendula officinalis is called 'pot marigold' and is the medicinal plant. The common bedding marigold is Tagetes, a different genus from the Americas that is not used in the same way and can be irritating to skin. Check the Latin name on any product or seed packet.
Can I put calendula on an open wound?
Yes. Calendula is one of the few herbal preparations suitable for broken skin. Clean the wound first, then apply a thin layer of cream or ointment. It is appropriate for minor cuts, abrasions, and superficial burns. Deep wounds, animal bites, or wounds showing signs of infection (spreading redness, pus, fever) need medical attention.
Does calendula help eczema?
Calendula cream can soothe mild, dry, irritated skin and is a common ingredient in emollients for eczema-prone skin. Clinical evidence specifically for eczema is sparse, and some people with eczema have Asteraceae sensitivity and may react to it. Patch-test on a small area first, and continue prescribed treatments for moderate or severe eczema.
Is calendula safe for babies?
Calendula is one of the gentlest herbs for infant skin and is found in many baby balms and diaper creams. Use a fragrance-free product and apply a thin layer. If any redness or rash develops, stop use. Do not give calendula tea or tincture to infants by mouth.
References
- Phase III randomized trial of Calendula officinalis compared with trolamine for the prevention of acute dermatitis during irradiation for breast cancer. Pommier P, Gomez F, Sunyach MP, et al.. Journal of Clinical Oncology (2004)View study
- Calendula officinalis and wound healing: a systematic review. Givol O, Kornhaber R, Visentin D, et al.. Wound Repair and Regeneration (2019)
- Randomized double-blind trial of calendula versus aqueous cream for radiation-induced dermatitis in breast cancer patients. Sharp L, Finnilä K, Johansson H, et al.. European Journal of Oncology Nursing (2013)
Related Health Conditions
Related Supplements
Have questions about Calendula?
Ask Mother Nature AI about dosing, interactions with your medications, whether it fits your health goals, and more — personalized to your health profile.
This entry is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement regimen, especially if you take medications or have health conditions.