Calendula Officinalis – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Composition And More

What is Calendula Officinalis?

Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, is a popular herb with a long history of medicinal use. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is grown worldwide. Calendula has bright orange or yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. The petals of the flowers are used in making herbal teas, tinctures, and other preparations.

Calendula has been used in homoeopathy to treat various ailments, including skin problems, inflammation, and digestive issues. It is also said to have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Modern research has confirmed some of the traditional uses of calendula. It is a natural remedy for a variety of conditions.

Calendula Officinalis Chemical Constituents

Calendula officinalis contains a variety of chemical constituents that contribute to its medicinal properties. These constituents include:

• Carotenoids: These pigments are responsible for calendula flowers’ bright orange or yellow colour. They have antioxidant properties and may help protect against cell damage. Examples of carotenoids found in calendula include beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
• Flavonoids: These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They may also help protect against cancer. Examples of flavonoids found in calendula include quercetin and rutin.
• Terpenoids: These compounds have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. They may also help promote wound healing. Examples of terpenoids found in calendula include triterpene saponins, sesquiterpene lactones, and volatile oils.
• Polysaccharides: These compounds have antioxidant and immune-boosting properties. They may also help protect against cancer. Examples of polysaccharides found in calendula include glucans and arabinoxylans.
• In addition to these significant constituents, calendula officinalis contains various other compounds, including coumarins, alkaloids, and volatile oils. These compounds may also contribute to the plant’s medicinal properties.

Calendula Officinalis Preparation

Calendula officinalis is made in a variety of ways, including:

• Tea: To make calendula tea, simply steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried calendula flowers in hot water for 10-15 minutes. You can drink calendula tea several times per day.
• Tincture: To make calendula tincture, combine 1 part dried calendula flowers with five parts alcohol (such as vodka or brandy). Store the tincture in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks, shaking it occasionally. You can take calendula tincture by adding a few drops to water or juice.
• Salve: To make calendula salve, combine 1 part dried calendula flowers with four parts oil (olive or coconut oil). Heat the mixture gently until the flowers are infused into the oil. Strain the mixture and store the salve in a cool, dark place. You can apply calendula salve to the skin as needed.

Calendula Officinalis Mother Tincture

The calendula mother tincture is concentrated by soaking the flowers in alcohol. It is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Wound Healing: Calendula speeds up the healing process of wounds and helps prevent infection. It can treat cuts, scrapes, burns, and other skin injuries.
• Skin Irritations: Calendula effectively soothing and healing skin irritations such as sunburn, eczema, and diaper rash. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help reduce redness, swelling, and itching.
• Mouth Ulcers and Canker Sores: Calendula can help heal mouth ulcers and canker sores quickly. Its antiseptic and pain-relieving properties provide relief from pain and discomfort.
• Hemorrhoids: Calendula can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with hemorrhoids. Its astringent properties help shrink swollen hemorrhoidal tissues.
• Vaginal Yeast Infections: Calendula is a natural antifungal that can help treat vaginal yeast infections. Its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties help relieve itching and irritation.

Benefits of Calendula Officinalis

Calendula officinalis has many benefits, including:

• Antioxidant properties: Calendula contains antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage. This may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Calendula has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and pain. It may be helpful for conditions such as arthritis, gout, and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Antimicrobial properties: Calendula has antimicrobial properties that can help fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and it is considered helpful for conditions such as acne, athlete’s foot, and ringworm.
• Wound healing properties: Calendula has healing properties that can help speed up the healing of cuts, scrapes, and burns because of the presence of compounds that promote cell growth and regeneration.

What does Calendula Officinalis Treat?

Calendula officinalis is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Acne: Bid farewell to acne breakouts with the power of calendula officinalis. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help clear blemishes and prevent future breakouts.
• Eczema: Soothe and relieve the discomfort of eczema with calendula officinalis. Its emollient properties help to moisturize and protect the skin, reducing itching and irritation.
• Psoriasis: Manage psoriasis with the help of calendula officinalis. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce redness and scaling, while its soothing properties help to relieve itching and discomfort.
• Diaper Rash: Treat and heal diaper rash with calendula officinalis. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties help to clear up the rash, while its soothing properties help to relieve discomfort and irritation.
• Wounds, Cuts, and Burns: Promote healing of wounds, cuts, and burns with calendula officinalis. Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties help to prevent infection and speed up the healing process.
• Arthritis: Reduce pain and inflammation in arthritis with calendula officinalis. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce joint pain and stiffness, while its soothing properties help to improve mobility.
• Gout: Alleviate gout symptoms with calendula officinalis. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce joint pain and swelling, while its diuretic properties help to flush out excess uric acid from the body.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Improve symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease with calendula officinalis. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, while its soothing properties help to relieve abdominal pain and discomfort.
• Stomach Pain: Relieve stomach pain with calendula officinalis. Its anti-inflammatory and carminative properties help to reduce inflammation and gas in the digestive tract, providing relief from stomach pain and discomfort.
• Indigestion: Aid digestion and relieve indigestion with calendula officinalis. Its carminative properties help to reduce gas and bloating, while its soothing properties help to relieve stomach discomfort.
• Diarrhea: Alleviate diarrhea with calendula officinalis. Its astringent properties help to reduce the frequency and severity of diarrhea, while its soothing properties help to relieve abdominal pain and discomfort.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Reduce nausea and vomiting with calendula officinalis. Its antiemetic properties help to calm the stomach and reduce the urge to vomit, while its soothing properties help to relieve nausea and discomfort.
• Menstrual Cramps: Ease menstrual cramps with calendula officinalis. Its antispasmodic properties help to relax the muscles of the uterus, reducing pain and discomfort associated with menstrual cramps.
• PMS: Manage PMS symptoms with calendula officinalis. Its anti-inflammatory and hormone-balancing properties help to reduce mood swings, bloating, and other PMS symptoms.
• Anxiety: Relieve anxiety with the mild sedative properties of calendula officinalis. Its calming effects help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, providing relief from anxiety and nervousness.

Calendula Officinalis Homeopathic Uses

Calendula has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including:

• Wounds: Calendula is a natural antiseptic and helps to promote healing. It treats cuts, scrapes, burns, and other wounds. Calendula can also help to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Skin irritations: Calendula is soothing and anti-inflammatory. It treats various skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and diaper rash. Calendula can also help to relieve itching and irritation.
• Inflammation: Calendula has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. It can treat conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis. Calendula can also help to relieve pain and swelling.
• Menstrual cramps: Calendula can help to relieve menstrual cramps and other menstrual symptoms. It relaxes the muscles of the uterus.
• Other uses: Calendula has also been used to treat various conditions, including indigestion, ulcers, and cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm these uses.

Calendula officinalis is used in a variety of ways, including:

• Tincture: A tincture is a liquid extract of calendula. It can be taken orally or applied topically to the skin.
• Ointment: An ointment is a thick, greasy substance that contains calendula. It is applied topically to the skin.
• Cream: A cream is a lighter, less greasy substance that contains calendula. It is applied topically to the skin.
• Tea: Calendula tea is made by steeping the dried flowers of the calendula plant in hot water. It can be drunk or used as a topical wash.

Calendula Officinalis Dosage

The dosage of calendula officinalis will vary depending on the disease and the form of calendula being used.

• Topical: For topical use, calendula cream, ointment, or gel can be applied to the affected area several times daily.
• Internal: For internal use, calendula tea can be drunk several times daily. Calendula tincture can be taken in doses of 1-2 mL several times daily. Calendula capsules can be taken in 500-1,000 mg doses several times daily.

Calendula Officinalis Dosage for Adults

The dosage of calendula officinalis for adults will vary depending on the condition being treated and the form of calendula being used.

• Topical: For topical use, calendula cream, ointment, or gel can be applied to the affected area several times daily.
• Internal: For internal use, calendula tea can be drunk several times daily. Calendula tincture can be taken in doses of 1-2mL several times daily. Calendula capsules are advised in 500-1,000 mg forms several times daily.

Calendula Officinalis Dosage for Children

The dosage of calendula officinalis for children will vary depending on the health issue and the form of calendula. It is essential to talk to your doctor before giving calendula to a child.

• Topical: For topical use, calendula cream, ointment, or gel can be applied to the affected area several times daily.
• Internal: For internal use, calendula tea can be drunk several times daily. Calendula tincture can be taken in doses of 1-2 mL several times daily. Avoid giving Calendula capsules to children under the age of 12.

Who Should Avoid Calendula Officinalis?

While calendula officinalis is generally safe for most people, some individuals should avoid using it:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Calendula officinalis may stimulate uterine contractions and affect hormone levels, potentially leading to complications during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family: Calendula officinalis belongs to the Asteraceae family, including plants like daisies, ragweed, and marigolds. If you have allergies to any of these plants, you may also be allergic to Calendula officinalis.
• Individuals taking certain medications: Calendula officinalis may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, sedatives, and immunosuppressants. It is essential to consult your healthcare provider before using calendula officinalis if you take any medications.

What Are The Side Effects and Risks of Using Calendula Officinalis?

The Side Effects and Risks of Using Calendula Officinalis:

• Skin irritation: Some people may experience skin irritation, such as redness, itching, or rash, when using calendula officinalis topically.
• Allergic reactions: In rare cases, individuals may experience allergic reactions to calendula officinalis, ranging from mild skin reactions to more severe reactions like anaphylaxis.
• Digestive upset: Taking calendula officinalis through the mouth may cause digestive upset, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, in some individuals.
• Drug interactions: Calendula officinalis may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, sedatives, and immunosuppressants. It is essential to consult your healthcare provider before using calendula officinalis if you are taking any medications.

References

• Ernst, E.Calendula officinalis. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology,
• Michael, A., & Wendy, C. The Complete Medicinal Herbal. New York
• Mills, S., & Bone, K Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy.
• Calendula Officinalis: A Review of Its Medicinal Properties. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
• Calendula Officinalis: A Comprehensive Overview of Its Therapeutic Uses. Homeopathy Today.
• Calendula Officinalis: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health,
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228599153_Pharmacognostical_study_of_the_medicinal_plant_Calendula_officinalis_L_family_Compositae
• https://rjptonline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2020-13-3-9
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3841996/
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772371222000390
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3917203/#:~:text=Various%20researchers%20have%20shown%20C,%5B17%2C18%5D%20properties.

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