Calendula: Benefits, Uses and Precautions

Dr. Boris Wydoff

Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also known as pot marigold, is a plant with bright orange flowers that has long been used in herbal medicine. Its main traditional benefits are associated with anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and antispasmodic effects. Infusions, tinctures and ointments have traditionally been used for skin care, mucous membranes and certain digestive problems. However, calendula is not a substitute for proper medical treatment.

What Is Calendula and How Can You Recognize It?

Calendula is one of the most recognizable medicinal plants. You can find it in flower beds, gardens and allotments. Many people grow pot marigolds for their beautiful flowers without even thinking about their use in herbal medicine.

Botanically, it is an annual plant in the daisy family, also known as the Asteraceae. It usually grows to a height of 30–70 cm. Calendula has several distinctive features:

• The stem is upright, branched and covered with fine hairs. In dry, sunny weather, it may feel slightly sticky.
• The leaves grow alternately along the stem. They are elongated, softly hairy and sometimes have barely noticeable teeth along their edges.
• The flowers grow in flower heads. Their color ranges from pale yellow to deep orange.
• The fruits are curved achenes. Their unusual shape gave the plant its common name, pot marigold.

Calendula flowers from June until the first autumn frosts. European herbal references more often give the flowering period as June to September. The plant is cultivated in many countries. Reference books associate its origins with Europe, the Mediterranean region and Central Asia. There is also a similar species called field marigold. It has narrower leaves, pale yellow flowers and small flower heads, usually no more than 2 cm across.

Correct identification is important when using plants for medicinal purposes. In herbal medicine, the flower heads of Calendula officinalis are the main part used.

What Does This Plant Contain, and What Explains Its Benefits?

When it comes to medicinal plants, I believe it is important to look beyond their common names and consider their chemical composition. Herbal medicine references report several groups of biologically active compounds in calendula flowers.

Carotenoids. These include carotene, lycopene, rubixanthin, violaxanthin and other compounds. Varieties with brightly colored flowers are particularly rich in carotenoids.

Flavonoids. These plant compounds are considered in pharmacological research to be one of the contributors to calendula's biological activity.

Triterpene glycosides and saponins. These are part of the complex mixture of substances found in the flower heads.

Organic acids. Reference books list malic, salicylic and pentadecylic acids.

The flowers also contain ascorbic acid, resins, mucilage, bitter compounds, phytosterols, waxes, fats and components of essential oil. This composition helps explain why calendula has attracted the interest of medicinal plant researchers. However, the presence of potentially beneficial compounds does not mean that every homemade infusion has proven effectiveness for a particular condition. The preparation, its concentration and how it is used all matter.

What Are Calendula's Benefits for Skin and Wound Healing?

One of the best-known uses of calendula is caring for damaged skin. Pharmacological references identify the main properties of preparations made from its flowers as anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, bactericidal and antispasmodic effects. Researchers have paid particular attention to tissue repair. In experimental settings, calendula preparations have influenced regenerative processes. Studies have described improved formation of new tissue and restoration of the skin's surface layer.

At the same time, the direct effect against certain bacteria, including staphylococci and streptococci, has been considered relatively weak. It is therefore incorrect to treat calendula as a substitute for medicines prescribed for bacterial infections.

In traditional practice, calendula preparations were used for minor cuts, superficial wounds, bruises and burns. Herbal references also describe their use for slow-healing skin injuries and care of developing scars. Preparations for external use include ointments, tinctures, emulsions and products made from the fresh plant. It is important to distinguish a minor superficial injury from a serious wound. Deep injuries, pus or pronounced inflammation require medical assessment.

What Is Calendula Traditionally Used for in Gastritis and Ulcers?

People often ask, "What does calendula treat?" when learning about its traditional uses. One area mentioned in reference books is its use as a complementary herbal remedy for digestive disorders.

Sokolov and Zamotaev's reference books describe calendula's use for inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Calendula is considered a plant with antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. Experimental studies have also described its effects on the smooth muscles of digestive organs and on secretory activity. In folk medicine, flower infusions were used for gastritis, colitis, enterocolitis, and gastric and duodenal ulcers. Some references also mention combining calendula with chamomile and yarrow.

However, traditional use does not mean that such a herbal mixture is suitable for everyone. With peptic ulcers, it is especially important to know the cause of the condition and follow the prescribed treatment. An herbal infusion does not replace medical examinations or medication. If you are considering calendula for gastritis or an ulcer, use it only as a complement to your prescribed treatment, consult your doctor, and do not stop your medication.

Why Is Calendula Traditionally Used for Liver and Gallbladder Conditions?

Older reference books describe calendula as a plant with choleretic, or bile-stimulating, properties. Pharmacological research suggests that flower preparations can affect bile production and release. Reference books also discuss the role of carotenoids, flavonoids, organic acids and ascorbic acid in the effects of calendula preparations on the liver. In traditional herbal medicine, infusions were used for liver and gallbladder conditions. This use is based primarily on traditional experience and the pharmacological properties described in the literature.

However, liver and bile duct conditions have different causes and require different approaches. You should not choose a bile-stimulating remedy simply because it comes from a plant. For chronic liver or gallbladder conditions, calendula should be considered only as a complement to prescribed treatment. Discuss its use with your doctor and do not stop your medication.

Can Calendula Be Used for High Blood Pressure and Heart Conditions?

Herbal medicine references contain information about calendula's effects on the cardiovascular system. In animal experiments, plant preparations showed blood-pressure-lowering effects. At higher doses, researchers observed changes in heart rate and blood pressure. The preparations have also been described as having a calming effect on the central nervous system. Historically, calendula was used for high blood pressure and certain cardiovascular conditions. However, experimental results cannot be directly applied to humans. They do not establish a safe therapeutic dose or predict the results of drinking an infusion.

People who already take medication for heart conditions or blood pressure need to be particularly cautious. For hypertension and heart disease, calendula should be considered only as a possible addition to prescribed treatment. Discuss its use with your doctor and do not stop your medication.

How Is Calendula Traditionally Used for the Throat and Mouth?

Rinsing is another well-known traditional use of pot marigold. In folk medicine, calendula preparations were used for inflammation of the oral mucosa, gum disease and throat conditions. Reference books mention tonsillitis, periodontal disease and bleeding gums. Water-based preparations and diluted pharmacy tinctures were used for rinsing. This practice is associated with the plant's anti-inflammatory properties. However, a single herbal remedy is not enough for severe throat pain, a high temperature or difficulty swallowing.

Rinsing may be considered a supportive measure. It does not replace diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of inflammation. If you have gum disease, it is also important to see a dentist, especially if the bleeding keeps returning.

How Do You Prepare Calendula Properly?

People who are new to herbal medicine often ask how to prepare calendula as an infusion. Reference books describe water-based flower infusions as well as pharmacy tinctures and ointments. The medicinal plant material used is the flower head.

Flower Infusion

Sokolov and Zamotaev's reference book gives the following proportion:

• 1 teaspoon of calendula per 1 glass of water.

For use in gastrointestinal conditions, the same source gives the following instructions:

• 1/3 to 1/2 glass per serving;
• between meals.

This is a historical herbal medicine regimen, not a universal recommendation for self-treatment. The reference does not specify all the conditions required to prepare this infusion. Therefore, you should not independently change its concentration or how long you use it. If you have a stomach or intestinal condition, consult your doctor before taking it. The infusion does not replace prescribed treatment.

Calendula Tincture

Herbal references describe an alcohol-based tincture made from calendula flowers. For gargling, the following proportion is given:

1 teaspoon of pharmacy calendula tincture per 1 glass of water.

A tincture and a water-based infusion are different preparations. Their concentrations are not interchangeable. Do not use an alcohol-based tincture undiluted to rinse mucous membranes. When choosing a pharmacy product, follow the instructions for that specific preparation.

Calendula Ointment

Grau's reference book describes calendula ointments with concentrations of 10–20%. These preparations have traditionally been used externally to care for skin and minor injuries. The concentration of an ointment does not automatically determine whether it is suitable for every wound. Choose a product according to its intended use and instructions. Medical attention is necessary if signs of infection appear.

How Is Calendula Used in Dr. Boris Wydoff's Books?

In my books, I consider medicinal plants part of a broader approach to health. Calendula appears in several sections devoted to herbal mixtures and complementary methods.

In my book *Victory over Cancer*, I describe the Rudolf Breuss method, which includes calendula infusion. This is a historical approach that combined herbal infusions with a restrictive diet.

Today, it is important to distinguish a description of this method from evidence of its effectiveness. Calendula is not a treatment for cancer.

My books also discuss the external use of herbal compresses. In particular, compresses containing calendula and sage are mentioned in connection with prostate conditions, as part of comprehensive procedures.

This is a description of a practice, not proof that the method is effective. Prostate conditions, like other chronic health problems, require a proper medical examination. I want to emphasize one point: for cancer, any herbal remedies should be considered only as a complement to prescribed treatment. Discuss them with your treating doctor and do not stop your medication.

Can Calendula Be Used in Food?

Calendula is known not only as a medicinal plant but also as an edible one. L. F. Savelyeva's book describes the culinary use of fresh and dried flower heads. They can be added to soups, sauces, salads and side dishes. The petals are also used to color and flavor cheeses, butter and butter substitutes. In traditional cooking, the petals were boiled in milk to give dough a yellow color.

Fresh flowers were used to decorate festive dishes. In various countries, calendula is also grown to produce food coloring. However, using a plant in food is not the same as taking concentrated preparations for medicinal purposes. Even if a plant is used in cooking, that does not mean its tinctures or extracts can be taken without restrictions.

When Should You Harvest Calendula, and How Should You Store It?

The flower heads are the main part harvested for medicinal purposes. Shamruk's reference book states that harvesting should take place after the flower heads open, when the outer ray florets are positioned horizontally. The harvesting period depends on the climate and the length of the flowering season. Different guides give periods ranging from May to September and from July to September. The main guide is the condition of the plant itself.

An interesting feature of calendula is that new flower heads develop after the existing ones are removed. This means that the plant can be harvested repeatedly throughout its flowering season.

Calendula is easy to propagate from seed, including through self-seeding. This makes it convenient to grow at home. You can harvest flowers during a substantial part of the warm season. Old herbal references also describe unusual ways of using fresh flowers. For example, they mention extracting juice from the flower material. However, historical preparation methods should not automatically be adopted for modern home use. Dried medicinal plant material is used for long-term storage. The quality of the finished flowers matters just as much as correctly identifying the plant.

If you buy calendula from a pharmacy, check the manufacturer's storage instructions and the expiration date.

How to Find Calendula Abroad

Calendula is sold under different names in the United States and Europe. To find the right plant, check the Latin name and the plant part listed on the packaging.

Names in different countries:

• United States: calendula, pot marigold, English marigold.
• Germany: Ringelblume; the flowers are called Ringelblumenblüten.
• France: souci, souci officinal, calendule; the flowers are called fleur de souci.
• Latin name: *Calendula officinalis L.*

Available forms:

• Loose dried flowers, whole or crushed.
• Tea bags, sometimes as part of herbal blends.
• Tinctures and liquid extracts.
• Capsules and tablets containing flower powder or extract.

Where to look:

• In the United States — pharmacies, health food stores, tea shops and online stores.
• In Germany — pharmacies (Apotheke), Reformhaus stores and organic food shops.
• In France — pharmacies (pharmacie), parapharmacies (parapharmacie), organic food shops (magasins bio) and herbal shops.

What to check on the packaging:

• The Latin name *Calendula officinalis L.* The word "marigold" alone is not enough, as it is also used for other plants.
• The plant part: look for the words flower, flos, Blüten or fleur.
• The product's intended use: medicinal product, dietary supplement or herbal tea.
• Ingredients, origin and expiration date. The labels organic or bio refer to cultivation standards, not medicinal effectiveness.

Country regulations: In the United States, calendula dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA to diagnose, treat or prevent disease. In Germany and France, requirements depend on whether a product is sold as a medicine or a food product.

Contraindications and Precautions

Calendula has contraindications despite its long history of use. The main risk is an allergic reaction. Calendula belongs to the Asteraceae family. People with increased sensitivity to plants in this family should not use calendula preparations. These plants include chamomile, chrysanthemum, ragweed, arnica, echinacea and several others. Possible adverse reactions include skin rash, itching, contact dermatitis and hives. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported.

Pregnancy. Taking calendula by mouth is not recommended. There is insufficient safety information, and animal studies raise additional concerns. External use should also be discussed with a doctor.

Breastfeeding. The safety of taking calendula by mouth and the transfer of its components into breast milk have not been adequately studied. It is best to avoid its use.

Children. For traditional medicinal products made from calendula flowers, the European Medicines Agency specifies age restrictions: from 6 years for minor skin injuries and inflammation, and from 12 years for inflammation of the mouth and throat. For younger children, a doctor should decide whether it is appropriate.

Medication use. There are few well-established clinical interactions. However, there is a theoretical risk of increased drowsiness when calendula taken by mouth is combined with sedative medications.

Bronchial asthma and allergic conditions. Reference books particularly emphasize the need for caution because of the risk of pronounced allergic reactions, including angioedema.

The absence of significant toxicity in certain experiments does not mean that high doses or prolonged use of concentrated extracts are completely safe.

It is also important to remember the limitations of the available evidence. Modern assessments of traditional calendula preparations for minor skin injuries and inflammation of the mucous membranes are based mainly on a history of use rather than large, high-quality clinical trials.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Herbal medicine requires a sensible approach to your health. Seek medical attention for skin injuries if a wound is deep, inflammation is getting worse or signs of infection appear. If you develop a rash, itching or hives while using calendula preparations, stop using them. Swelling of the face or throat, wheezing or fainting may indicate a severe allergic reaction. This requires emergency medical care.

If symptoms last longer than a week or become more severe, do not continue self-treatment. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and parents of young children should discuss calendula use with a doctor beforehand. The same applies to people with chronic conditions and those who take medication regularly. I believe it is important to remember a simple rule: medicinal plants can have a place in caring for your health, but they should never replace diagnosis or prescribed treatment.

What Should You Remember About This Plant?

Calendula has a long history of use in folk and traditional medicine. Its best-known properties are anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects. That is why flower preparations are often found among products intended for external use. Reference books also describe antispasmodic, choleretic and calming effects. Infusions and tinctures have been used for digestive conditions and inflammation of the mouth and throat. However, for these uses, it is particularly important to consider the limitations of the clinical evidence.

Calendula's familiar appearance should not give the impression that it can be used without care. I encourage you to approach medicinal plants thoughtfully: learn about their properties, take contraindications into account and do not expect a single remedy to solve every health problem.

Boris Wydoff — naturopath and author, Ph.D. in nutrition. For over fifty years I have helped people restore health through nutrition, cleansing and the power of the mind — in Europe, America and Asia. About the author →

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