Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Calendula?UsesSide EffectsDosage and PrepBuying
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Calendula?
Uses
Side Effects
Dosage and Prep
Buying
Calendulais a marigold plant that has long been used for its skin health benefits, such as helping to treat skin conditions like eczema, heal wounds, and even counter vaginal yeast infections.
Calendula petals are rich in naturally occurring compounds calledflavonoids. These compounds are said to have anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombogenic, antidiabetic, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Calendula is a member of theAsteraceae/Compositaefamily of plants, from the Asterales order. The medicinal part of theCalendula Officinalisplant is a beautiful, deeply rich colored orange and yellow flower.
CalenduleEnglish Garden MarigoldScotch MarigoldFleur de Calendule
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), calendula is native to Canada and the lower 48 states.
Calendula is an annual plant that’s easy to grow in average, moderately fertile, well-drained soils that get full sunlight. It can be planted in flower beds, borders, cottage gardens, cutting gardens, or pots or containers.
In a garden, the fragrant leaves of the plant attract butterflies. The petals are a popular choice for floral displays and potpourri mixes. They can also be cooked and eaten.
Do not confuse calendula with ornamental marigolds of the Tagetes genus, which are commonly grown in vegetable gardens.
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What Is Calendula Used For?
Calendula has been used to treat a variety of skin conditions.Research has shown that calendula may treat diaper rash, wounds,vaginal yeast infections, and other conditions.
Calendula has also been used as a pain and inflammation reducer, as well as a way to relieve treatment-related side effects for people with cancer.
Some people say that calendula makes a good sunscreen or a skin moisturizer. More research is needed to prove it has these benefits.
While there has been some research suggesting its positive effects, the long-term use of calendula has not been studied and more research is needed. Always ask your provider before you start using any treatment or supplement, even a natural one.
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How Does Calendula Work?
Calendula petals are rich in naturally occurring compounds calledflavonoids. These compounds are said to:
The active ingredients of the calendula flower are naturally occurring chemicals, such as:
Topical gels made from calendula may help with thecollagenin the skin, may promotenew tissue growthin wound healing, and help decreaseskin inflammation.
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Wounds and Pressure Ulcers
Studies in animals have shown that calendula might help with wound healing, but what about in humans? Here is what research has shown:
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Eczema, Diaper Rash, and Other Skin Conditions
Calendula is often marketed as a treatment foreczemaanddermatitis, but there is not much research supporting its effectiveness for these conditions.
The use of calendula could be irritating forchildren with severe eczema, especially if they have an allergy to ragweed, daisies, marigold, or any other plant in the same family as calendula.
Ask your pediatrician before using calendula on your child’s skin.
Using calendula creams ondiaper rashcould be more helpful than other treatments likealoe veragel, but research has shown it’s not as good as using abentonitesolution.
One study showed that when infants were treated with bentonite, 88% of the lesions got better within the first six hours, but only 54% of the lesions in the group treated with calendula did.
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Bacterial Vaginosis and Vaginal Yeast Infections
In one study, researchers compared calendula ointment tometronidazolein 80 women who had been diagnosed withbacterial vaginosis. After one week, both groups were cured of bacterial vaginosis and none had any side effects.
The researchers concluded that if people wanted to avoid takingmedications to treat bacterial vaginosis, calendula ointment could be an option.
One study published inWomen and Healthfound that calendula cream was effective fortreating vaginal yeast infections, but that it did not work as fast as the standard medication (clotrimazole) that’s used to treat them.
There have been claims that calendula can be used to treat symptoms related to menstruation but more research is needed.
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Sun Protection
Calendula also has some sun-protecting properties. One 2019 study determined that when it’s in cream form, calendula has asun protection factor(SPF) of 8.36.
Radiation Dermatitis
There is mixed research on using calendula to treat skin irritation fromradiation treatment. There is not enough evidence that it’s more effective than using other topical products like petroleum jelly.
Possible Side Effects of Calendula
You should not use calendula if you are allergic to ragweed, daisies, marigold, or plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family, as it could cause you to have an allergic reaction.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also not use calendula because it can change their hormone levels and may even cause a period.
If you take medications or have to have surgery, ask your provider before you try calendula. It might not be safe for you to use calendula if it could affect your medications or make complications from surgery (likebleeding) more likely to happen.
Calendula Dosage and Preparation
How much calendula you use will depend on what form you’re using and what you are using it for.
The dried petals can be used to steep tea and make oils. If you are making calendula tea you can also use fresh flowers as garnish.
How to Make Calendula Tea
Here are the steps for making calendula tea:
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How to Store Calendula
If you are storing the dried petals, put them in an airtight container. If you’ve made an oil, tincture, or cream with calendula, store it in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Buying Calendula: What to Look for
Getting calendula from a reputable source is important because it helps you avoid getting a product that has harsh substances or chemicals added to it. Look for organic products or products that have an independent certification.
Instead of buying products, you could also purchase seeds and grow your own calendula at home.
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Summary
Calendula is touted as having anti-inflammatory properties that could help with skin conditions and wound healing. Calendula can be added to lotions and balms, made into teas and oils, and used as a garnish.
You can buy products made with calendula or grow your own at home and dry it yourself.
If you’re allergic to ragweed, daisies, marigold, or plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family, you shouldn’t use calendula. You also should not use calendula if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
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16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Givol O, Kornhaber R, Visentin D, Cleary M, Haik J, Harats M.A systematic review ofCalendula officinalisextract for wound healing.Wound Rep Reg. 2019;27(5):548-561. doi:10.1111/wrr.12737Vazhappilly CG, Ansari SA, Al-Jaleeli R, et al.Role of flavonoids in thrombotic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory diseases.Inflammopharmacol. 2019;27(5):863-869. doi:10.1007/s10787-019-00612-6U.S. Department of Agriculture.Classification for Kingdom Plantae Down to Genus Calendula L.Buzzi, M. et. al.Therapeutic effectiveness of Calendula officinalis.J Wound Care.2016 Dec 2;25(12):732-739.Cruceriu D, Balacescu O, Rakosy E.calendula officinalis: potential roles in cancer treatment and palliative care.Integr Cancer Ther. 2018;17(4):1068-1078. doi:10.1177/1534735418803766Shivasharan BD, Nagakannan P, Thippeswamy BS, Veerapur VP.Protective effect of calendula officinalis l. Flowers against monosodium glutamate induced oxidative stress and excitotoxic brain damage in rats.Ind J Clin Biochem. 2013;28(3):292-298. doi:10.1177/1534735418803766Jahdi F, et al.The impact of calendula ointment on caesarean wound healing: A randomized control clinical trial.J Family Med Prim Care. 2018 Sep-Oct; 7(5): 893–897. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_121_17Buzzi M, de Freitas F, de Barros Winter M.Therapeutic effectiveness of a Calendula officinalis extract in venous leg ulcer healing.J Wound Care. 2016;25(12):732-739. doi:10.12968/jowc.2016.25.12.732Buzzi M, de Freitas F, Winter M.A Prospective, Descriptive Study to Assess the Clinical Benefits of Using Calendula officinalis Hydroglycolic Extract for the Topical Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers.Ostomy Wound Manage. 2016;62(3):8-24.Adib-Hajbaghery M, Mahmoudi M, Mashaiekhi M.The effects of Bentonite and Calendula on the improvement of infantile diaper dermatitis.J Res Med Sci. 2014;19(4):314-318.Mahmoudi, M, et al.Comparing the effects of Bentonite & Calendula on the improvement of infantile diaper dermatitis. A randomized controlled trial.Indian J Med Res.2015 Dec; 142(6): 742–746. doi:10.4103/0971-5916.174567Pazhohideh, Z. et al.The effect of Calendula officinalis versus metronidazole on bacterial vaginosis in women: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.J Adv Pharm Technol Res.2018 Jan-Mar;9(1):15-19. doi:10.4103/japtr.JAPTR_305_17Saffari, E. et al.Comparing the effects of Calendula officinalis and clotrimazole on vaginal Candidiasis: A randomized controlled trial.Women Health.2017 Nov-Dec;57(10):1145-1160. doi:10.1080/03630242.2016.1263272. Epub 2016 Nov 23.Jiao M, Liu X, Ren Y, et al.Comparison of herbal medicines used for women’s menstruation diseases in different areas of the world.Front Pharmacol. 2022;12:751207. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.751207Lohani A, Mishra AK, Verma A.Cosmeceutical potential of geranium and calendula essential oil: Determination of antioxidant activity and in vitro sun protection factor.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;18(2):550-557. doi:10.1111/jocd.12789National Institute of Health.Calendula.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Givol O, Kornhaber R, Visentin D, Cleary M, Haik J, Harats M.A systematic review ofCalendula officinalisextract for wound healing.Wound Rep Reg. 2019;27(5):548-561. doi:10.1111/wrr.12737Vazhappilly CG, Ansari SA, Al-Jaleeli R, et al.Role of flavonoids in thrombotic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory diseases.Inflammopharmacol. 2019;27(5):863-869. doi:10.1007/s10787-019-00612-6U.S. Department of Agriculture.Classification for Kingdom Plantae Down to Genus Calendula L.Buzzi, M. et. al.Therapeutic effectiveness of Calendula officinalis.J Wound Care.2016 Dec 2;25(12):732-739.Cruceriu D, Balacescu O, Rakosy E.calendula officinalis: potential roles in cancer treatment and palliative care.Integr Cancer Ther. 2018;17(4):1068-1078. doi:10.1177/1534735418803766Shivasharan BD, Nagakannan P, Thippeswamy BS, Veerapur VP.Protective effect of calendula officinalis l. Flowers against monosodium glutamate induced oxidative stress and excitotoxic brain damage in rats.Ind J Clin Biochem. 2013;28(3):292-298. doi:10.1177/1534735418803766Jahdi F, et al.The impact of calendula ointment on caesarean wound healing: A randomized control clinical trial.J Family Med Prim Care. 2018 Sep-Oct; 7(5): 893–897. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_121_17Buzzi M, de Freitas F, de Barros Winter M.Therapeutic effectiveness of a Calendula officinalis extract in venous leg ulcer healing.J Wound Care. 2016;25(12):732-739. doi:10.12968/jowc.2016.25.12.732Buzzi M, de Freitas F, Winter M.A Prospective, Descriptive Study to Assess the Clinical Benefits of Using Calendula officinalis Hydroglycolic Extract for the Topical Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers.Ostomy Wound Manage. 2016;62(3):8-24.Adib-Hajbaghery M, Mahmoudi M, Mashaiekhi M.The effects of Bentonite and Calendula on the improvement of infantile diaper dermatitis.J Res Med Sci. 2014;19(4):314-318.Mahmoudi, M, et al.Comparing the effects of Bentonite & Calendula on the improvement of infantile diaper dermatitis. A randomized controlled trial.Indian J Med Res.2015 Dec; 142(6): 742–746. doi:10.4103/0971-5916.174567Pazhohideh, Z. et al.The effect of Calendula officinalis versus metronidazole on bacterial vaginosis in women: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.J Adv Pharm Technol Res.2018 Jan-Mar;9(1):15-19. doi:10.4103/japtr.JAPTR_305_17Saffari, E. et al.Comparing the effects of Calendula officinalis and clotrimazole on vaginal Candidiasis: A randomized controlled trial.Women Health.2017 Nov-Dec;57(10):1145-1160. doi:10.1080/03630242.2016.1263272. Epub 2016 Nov 23.Jiao M, Liu X, Ren Y, et al.Comparison of herbal medicines used for women’s menstruation diseases in different areas of the world.Front Pharmacol. 2022;12:751207. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.751207Lohani A, Mishra AK, Verma A.Cosmeceutical potential of geranium and calendula essential oil: Determination of antioxidant activity and in vitro sun protection factor.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;18(2):550-557. doi:10.1111/jocd.12789National Institute of Health.Calendula.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Givol O, Kornhaber R, Visentin D, Cleary M, Haik J, Harats M.A systematic review ofCalendula officinalisextract for wound healing.Wound Rep Reg. 2019;27(5):548-561. doi:10.1111/wrr.12737Vazhappilly CG, Ansari SA, Al-Jaleeli R, et al.Role of flavonoids in thrombotic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory diseases.Inflammopharmacol. 2019;27(5):863-869. doi:10.1007/s10787-019-00612-6U.S. Department of Agriculture.Classification for Kingdom Plantae Down to Genus Calendula L.Buzzi, M. et. al.Therapeutic effectiveness of Calendula officinalis.J Wound Care.2016 Dec 2;25(12):732-739.Cruceriu D, Balacescu O, Rakosy E.calendula officinalis: potential roles in cancer treatment and palliative care.Integr Cancer Ther. 2018;17(4):1068-1078. doi:10.1177/1534735418803766Shivasharan BD, Nagakannan P, Thippeswamy BS, Veerapur VP.Protective effect of calendula officinalis l. Flowers against monosodium glutamate induced oxidative stress and excitotoxic brain damage in rats.Ind J Clin Biochem. 2013;28(3):292-298. doi:10.1177/1534735418803766Jahdi F, et al.The impact of calendula ointment on caesarean wound healing: A randomized control clinical trial.J Family Med Prim Care. 2018 Sep-Oct; 7(5): 893–897. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_121_17Buzzi M, de Freitas F, de Barros Winter M.Therapeutic effectiveness of a Calendula officinalis extract in venous leg ulcer healing.J Wound Care. 2016;25(12):732-739. doi:10.12968/jowc.2016.25.12.732Buzzi M, de Freitas F, Winter M.A Prospective, Descriptive Study to Assess the Clinical Benefits of Using Calendula officinalis Hydroglycolic Extract for the Topical Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers.Ostomy Wound Manage. 2016;62(3):8-24.Adib-Hajbaghery M, Mahmoudi M, Mashaiekhi M.The effects of Bentonite and Calendula on the improvement of infantile diaper dermatitis.J Res Med Sci. 2014;19(4):314-318.Mahmoudi, M, et al.Comparing the effects of Bentonite & Calendula on the improvement of infantile diaper dermatitis. A randomized controlled trial.Indian J Med Res.2015 Dec; 142(6): 742–746. doi:10.4103/0971-5916.174567Pazhohideh, Z. et al.The effect of Calendula officinalis versus metronidazole on bacterial vaginosis in women: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.J Adv Pharm Technol Res.2018 Jan-Mar;9(1):15-19. doi:10.4103/japtr.JAPTR_305_17Saffari, E. et al.Comparing the effects of Calendula officinalis and clotrimazole on vaginal Candidiasis: A randomized controlled trial.Women Health.2017 Nov-Dec;57(10):1145-1160. doi:10.1080/03630242.2016.1263272. Epub 2016 Nov 23.Jiao M, Liu X, Ren Y, et al.Comparison of herbal medicines used for women’s menstruation diseases in different areas of the world.Front Pharmacol. 2022;12:751207. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.751207Lohani A, Mishra AK, Verma A.Cosmeceutical potential of geranium and calendula essential oil: Determination of antioxidant activity and in vitro sun protection factor.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;18(2):550-557. doi:10.1111/jocd.12789National Institute of Health.Calendula.
Givol O, Kornhaber R, Visentin D, Cleary M, Haik J, Harats M.A systematic review ofCalendula officinalisextract for wound healing.Wound Rep Reg. 2019;27(5):548-561. doi:10.1111/wrr.12737
Vazhappilly CG, Ansari SA, Al-Jaleeli R, et al.Role of flavonoids in thrombotic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory diseases.Inflammopharmacol. 2019;27(5):863-869. doi:10.1007/s10787-019-00612-6
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Classification for Kingdom Plantae Down to Genus Calendula L.
Buzzi, M. et. al.Therapeutic effectiveness of Calendula officinalis.J Wound Care.2016 Dec 2;25(12):732-739.
Cruceriu D, Balacescu O, Rakosy E.calendula officinalis: potential roles in cancer treatment and palliative care.Integr Cancer Ther. 2018;17(4):1068-1078. doi:10.1177/1534735418803766
Shivasharan BD, Nagakannan P, Thippeswamy BS, Veerapur VP.Protective effect of calendula officinalis l. Flowers against monosodium glutamate induced oxidative stress and excitotoxic brain damage in rats.Ind J Clin Biochem. 2013;28(3):292-298. doi:10.1177/1534735418803766
Jahdi F, et al.The impact of calendula ointment on caesarean wound healing: A randomized control clinical trial.J Family Med Prim Care. 2018 Sep-Oct; 7(5): 893–897. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_121_17
Buzzi M, de Freitas F, de Barros Winter M.Therapeutic effectiveness of a Calendula officinalis extract in venous leg ulcer healing.J Wound Care. 2016;25(12):732-739. doi:10.12968/jowc.2016.25.12.732
Buzzi M, de Freitas F, Winter M.A Prospective, Descriptive Study to Assess the Clinical Benefits of Using Calendula officinalis Hydroglycolic Extract for the Topical Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers.Ostomy Wound Manage. 2016;62(3):8-24.
Adib-Hajbaghery M, Mahmoudi M, Mashaiekhi M.The effects of Bentonite and Calendula on the improvement of infantile diaper dermatitis.J Res Med Sci. 2014;19(4):314-318.
Mahmoudi, M, et al.Comparing the effects of Bentonite & Calendula on the improvement of infantile diaper dermatitis. A randomized controlled trial.Indian J Med Res.2015 Dec; 142(6): 742–746. doi:10.4103/0971-5916.174567
Pazhohideh, Z. et al.The effect of Calendula officinalis versus metronidazole on bacterial vaginosis in women: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.J Adv Pharm Technol Res.2018 Jan-Mar;9(1):15-19. doi:10.4103/japtr.JAPTR_305_17
Saffari, E. et al.Comparing the effects of Calendula officinalis and clotrimazole on vaginal Candidiasis: A randomized controlled trial.Women Health.2017 Nov-Dec;57(10):1145-1160. doi:10.1080/03630242.2016.1263272. Epub 2016 Nov 23.
Jiao M, Liu X, Ren Y, et al.Comparison of herbal medicines used for women’s menstruation diseases in different areas of the world.Front Pharmacol. 2022;12:751207. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.751207
Lohani A, Mishra AK, Verma A.Cosmeceutical potential of geranium and calendula essential oil: Determination of antioxidant activity and in vitro sun protection factor.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;18(2):550-557. doi:10.1111/jocd.12789
National Institute of Health.Calendula.
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