Calendula is a highly-revered herb that has gained popularity over centuries of use.
Traditionally, calendula was used to support skin conditions, promote wound healing, release tension in the body, and prevent infections.
As an edible herb, calendula flowers and leaves are often used in various cuisines (especially salads) due to their bitter properties.
This article will look at the health benefits of calendula, its safety, and its history.
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What is Calendula?
Calendula is a sunny, annual garden herb in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. It’s a self-seeding plant in most climates and is an extremely hardy herb.
The scientific name for calendula is Calendula officinalis. Although its common name is “pot marigold,” it should not be confused with garden marigold (Tagetes spp.) as this species is not medicinal.
The flower blossoms and leaves have been used in ancient medicine systems for millennia. In traditional medicine, the aerial parts are used as an oil or salve to heal wounds and as a tea to encourage digestion and reduce chronic ulcers. It is also distilled in water and used as an eye wash to reduce inflammation and soreness.
Modern research shows that calendula’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulating properties may be attributed to its various phytochemicals. These phytochemicals include flavonoids, triterpene saponins, and carotenoids.
Numerous clinical and traditional accounts, along with animal and lab-based studies, highlight the wide range of calendula’s health benefits.
Health Benefits of Calendula:
Below are the top research-backed studies and expert accounts from professional herbalists that summarize the benefits of calendula and its active constituents.
1. May Reduce Inflammation
Like boswellia, Calendula is noted for its anti-inflammatory properties, although only a small amount of human studies have been conducted.
The body’s immune system triggers the inflammatory response when exposed to internal or external trauma. While short-term inflammation is a fundamental part of the healing process, chronic inflammation indicates a persistent issue and can cause long-term health issues.
A randomized comparative trial observing diaper dermatitis (a moderate skin rash) in infants discovered that calendula ointment was significantly more effective than aloe vera in reducing the rash symptoms. The infants received treatment three times per day for 10 days.
Another clinical trial found that calendula and comfrey eliminated stomach ulcers and reduced painful symptoms in participants with duodenal ulcers. Researchers noted that the reduction in pain was correlated with reduced inflammation.
In an animal study observing rats with skin wounds, researchers observed that calendula extract reduces inflammation during the healing process. The anti-inflammatory activity was attributed to the presence of triterpenes, especially taraxasterol and faradiol esters.
Another animal study found that calendula extract reduced inflammation in rats with induced edemas. Researchers noted that this response might result from calendula’s ability to inhibit certain pro-inflammatory biomarkers.
A recent animal trial observing ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats discovered that two different forms of calendula extract have significantly high treatment rates. Both extract forms eradicated the inflammation and atrophy caused by UC.
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