This Materia Medica assignment was written by Alicia Rainville for the Home Herbalist series in 2019 (old monograph style).

Calendula

Latin Name: Calendula officianalis (2)

Part(s) Used: petals/flower heads (often dried) (2)

Key Actions: mild astringent (1,2), anti-inflammatory (2), antiviral (2), antibacterial (2), detoxifying (3), nutritive (3), alterative/lymphatic (3)

Medicinal Uses:

Calendula is usually applied topically (1,2,3).  Tinctures and ointments  are used for healing burns, cuts, and bruises. (2)  It is also effective in treating diaper rash (1,2,3). Reduces scar tissue

Calendula tea is soothing for the gut (3). Calms ulcers, reduces cramps and diarrhea, supports gut healing (3).

There is evidence to suggest that calendula could help to prevent dermatitis in people undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer (2).

Nutrient rich in Vitamin A and carotenoids such as beta-carotene and lutein, calendula has 100 times more carotenoid by weight versus the sweet potato (3).

Other Uses: Culinary - fat soluble in broth.  The use of calendula in broth lends to its nickname “pot marigold” (2,3)  which can be very confusing! Petals can be sprinkled on food (3). Also makes a nice yellow dye

Cautions:

Generally safe but can cause throat irritation for people sensitive to daisy and ragweed plant family (1,2,3).  Calendula is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding as there is insufficient evidence to ensure its safety (1,2).  Has emmenagogue effects It is also recommended to avoid taking calendula within two weeks before and after surgery (1).

Sources:

1. Medline Plus. Web, 2018. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/235.html

2. ADAM. Web,  http://umr.adam.com/content.aspx?productid=107&pid=33&gid=000228

3. Groves, Maria. Body Into Balance. Storey Publishing. 2016.

Education Advisor Ruth Droescher recommended:  Rosalee has a really nice write up for Calendula:  https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/calendula-benefits.html

Alicia graduated from the Home Herbalist and Beyond series in 2019.

Alicia Rainville was raised in the Great North Woods of New Hampshire.  She has a passion for the outdoors and is a firm believer that wellness is found in nature.  With the support of family and friends she has been able to study herbalism at great depth.  As a child she always dreamed of becoming her own boss. In June 2020 she opened an online herbal and 100% natural based body care business.  You can check out Alicia’s website and sign up for her email newsletter at www.naturalbossnh.com.

Follow Alicia at @leeshie213 on Instagram and @alicia.rainville on Facebook

Calendula photos by Maria Noël Groves

The statements made on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, prescribe, recommend, treat, cure, or offer medical advice. Please see your health care practitioner for help regarding choices and to avoid herb-drug interactions.