Calendula deserves to be considered in the herbal preparations you have in your herbal toolbox. Why, might you ask? There are many uses, both internally and externally for calendula. 

Calendula is also called Marigold, but not all Marigolds are what we use medicinally. We use Calendula officinalis. It is an alterative herb that gradually improves the body’s functions and supports overall health by enhancing processes like metabolism and detoxification. Calendula has many traditional uses and is an herb which can be used for most people.  

Calendula Traditional Uses

Calendula is an herb that works to restore the proper function of the body. Traditional uses of Calendula flowers are for inflammation of the mouth and throat or externally for poor healing wounds. It is good for the skin

Internally:  Traditionally used to provide body support for Inflammation anywhere in the digestive tract, for ear infections, to help calm enlarged lymph glands, to settle indigestion, for reducing infections, to decrease spasms, for reducing tumors, and to ease water retention.  Calendula is an herbal support for chronic colitis when combined with Dandelion, St. John’s wort, Lemon balm, and Fennel. There are several ways to use Calendula internally: tea/infusion or tinctures made from fresh or dried flowers.  

Externally:  Calendula has been used traditionally for bunions, dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis, burns (even those from radiation), and wounds (minor and moderately severe).  The active constituents in Calendula fight bacteria, fungi, inflammation, and viruses. They invigorate the white blood cells in our immune system to fight pathogens (those microbial invaders).

Any skin problem often sees improvement from an application of Calendula. Documented studies have shown that the lutein in Calendula is an anti-tumor agent, even in breast tumors. To use Calendula externally, make a tea and dip a clean cloth in the tea and apply as a compress. For example, if there if infection in a varicose ulcer, a compress can be made from Calendula, Marshmallow, and Echinacea and applied to the wound. Be sure to change frequently.  Ointments containing Calendula can also be applied externally. 

 Additional Calendula Uses

Compresses: Calendula/St. John’s wort Fomentation, also known as a compress, is beneficials for wounds, minor burns, and inflamed skin. It can be a therapeutic application of moisture and warmth that helps relieve pain.

Oils: Calendula is most often infused in extra-virgin olive oil. It stimulates the regeneration of tissue. Its anti-inflammatory action soothes damaged or injured skin. It gently promotes blood circulation.

Salves: Calendula salve is a topical balm made from the flowers of Calendula, oil, and beeswax that is known for helping to heal skin conditions like burns, dryness, eczema, minor cuts and rashes. It is usually gentle enough to be used by the whole family and is often used in skincare routines or herbal first aid. The process is making a Calendula-infused oil and combining with beeswax (a thickening agent), and optional essential oils, like lavender for added benefits and fragrance. 

Lotions: Calendula (Calendula officinalis) gives a bright-sunny yellow color to a lotion and provides soothing and healing.

Douche For Vaginal Infections: Make a tea of Calendula, Echinacea, Bayberry or White oak bark for the douche solution. White oak bark is quite astringent and probably should not be used alone in a douche to avoid damage from the tannins to the vaginal mucosa.

Calendula Safety

Calendula is a Class 1 herb, which means there are no adverse effects expected in pregnancy and lactation. There was an old, nonspecific entries in a couple of texts that indicated Calendula had been uses as an abortifacient and as an emmenagogue. Mills, in Essential Guide to Herbal Safety, states that the concerns were “highly speculative.” 

Do not use Calendula if there is a known sensitivity to the Compositae family, meaning ragweed, chrysanthemums, or daisies. Allergic reactions following topical applications are rare. Anaphylactic shock after gargling with Calendula infusion has been reported. 

Action Step

If you are not allergic to the Compositae family, consider using Calendula to provide body support externally for you skin or internally for inflammation. If you would like more guidance on how to do this, I would be glad to help. Please reach out to me. 

May God bless you on your wellness journey!

Joni

P.S. What experience do you have with using calendula?