Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a vibrant and versatile herb that has been treasured for centuries in traditional herbal medicine. Rich in flavonoids, essential oils, and antioxidants, this golden flower has become a favorite among herbal enthusiasts for its numerous applications in skin care. Although Calendula has a rich and storied history of use, researchers have only recently begun to formally study its properties. In this blog post, let's explore what this research has found and ways we can incorporate Calendula into our lives.
Topical Applications of Calendula
Calendula officinalis has a long history of traditional use for supporting the body's ability to heal minor wounds and abrasions. In a 2009 rat study, oral and topical application of Calendula was studied for its effects on excision wounds. 90% of the rats who received Calendula experienced complete wound closure by the eighth day versus only 51.1% of the control group. Complete healing took 17.7 days for the control group whereas the Calendula-treated rats took around 13 days to recover [1]. In a 2012 study conducted in a Brazilian hospital, topical use of Calendula gel was found to be beneficial for speeding healing of diabetic foot ulcers [2]. In a 2005 study, researchers studied the use of Calendula extract on patients with venous leg ulcers and found statistically significant acceleration of wound healing in the experimental group. After 3 weeks, total surface area of all the ulcers in the treated group decreased by 41.71% whereas the control group receiving a saline solution wound dressing only experienced a 14.52% decrease [3]. A similar 2016 study on non-healing venous leg ulcers found Calendula officinalis extract to have "a significant 4-fold increase in percentage healing velocity per week [4]."
Calendula Can Aid Mother and Child
Calendula is a powerful yet gentle herbal remedy which may prove especially useful for mothers and young children. In a 2013 study, Aloe Vera and Calendula were evaluated for their potential effects on healing episiotomy wounds. An episiotomy is a surgical procedure that is used to enlarge the perineum during childbirth. Both Aloe Vera and Calendula were found to have statistically significant effects in speeding healing [5]. A 2012 randomized comparative trial involving 66 infants found Calendula ointment significantly improved diaper dermatitis (diaper rash) [6].
Calendula Found to Have Benefits to Oral Health
In 2013, researchers decided to study Calendula's effects as a potential anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis agent. 240 patients participated in the study. For six months, the test group was advised to dilute 2 mL of Calendula tincture in 6 mL of distilled water and rinse their mouths once in the morning and once in the evening. The control group used 8 mL distilled water. At the end of the study, it was concluded that Calendula mouthwash was effective in reducing dental plaque and gingivitis adjunctive to regular dental cleanings [7].
How Does It Work?
The mechanisms behind Calendula's benefits are not well understood. Like other plants, Calendula contains hundreds of compounds. There have been some studies aimed at uncovering the secrets behind Calendula's effects. A 2015 study focused on Calendula tincture and found that it stimulated both proliferation and migration of fibroblasts in a statistically significant manner in a I3K-dependent pathway. It also had positive effects on FAK (focal adhesion kinase) and Akt, which regulate cell growth and survival. Flavonol glycosides were found to be potentially major active compounds in Calendula [8]. Another study in 2016 found Calendula significantly stimulated the proliferation and migration of dermal fibroblasts and up-regulated the expression of connective tissue growth factor. Analysis revealed the presence of two potentially major compounds, rutin and quercetin-3-O-glucoside [9].
Calendula-Infused Herbal Oil
Calendula-infused herbal oil is easy to make at home. Simply fill a jar with dried calendula flowers and cover them with a carrier oil like olive, almond, or jojoba oil. Seal the jar and allow it to sit in a warm, sunny spot for about 4 to 6 weeks, shaking it gently every few days. The resulting golden oil can be used directly on minor cuts, wounds, and dry or irritated skin to soothe, moisturize, and promote healing.
Calendula Herbal Tincture
A calendula tincture is another effective preparation that concentrates the herb's healing properties. By steeping dried calendula in alcohol or glycerin for several weeks, you can create a liquid extract that can be applied topically. The tincture can also be taken orally to support overall skin health and boost the immune system.
Calendula Poultice
For immediate relief for minor wounds and insect bites, a calendula poultice can work wonders. Gently crush dried calendula flowers and mix them with warm water to form a thick paste. Apply the poultice directly to the affected area and cover it with a clean cloth. Leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing off. The poultice's anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties may help reduce swelling and promote tissue regeneration.
Calendula-Infused Salve
Create a soothing and nourishing salve by combining calendula-infused oil with beeswax and a few drops of lavender essential oil while gently heating in a double boiler until beeswax is completely melted. Carefully pour into jars and allow to cool. Once the mixture solidifies, you'll have a convenient and portable remedy to use on dry skin, chapped lips, and minor cuts. The salve acts as a protective barrier, locking in moisture.
Note: It's important to perform a patch test before using any new herbal preparation, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies. If you have any existing medical conditions or are pregnant, consult with a healthcare professional before using calendula or any other herbal remedies internally.
References
[1] Preethi KC, Kuttan R. Wound healing activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2009;20(1):73-9. doi: 10.1515/jbcpp.2009.20.1.73. PMID: 19601397. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19601397/
[2] 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 Mar;62(3):8-24. PMID: 26978856. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26978856/
[3] Duran V, Matic M, Jovanovć M, Mimica N, Gajinov Z, Poljacki M, Boza P. Results of the clinical examination of an ointment with marigold (Calendula officinalis) extract in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. Int J Tissue React. 2005;27(3):101-6. PMID: 16372475. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16372475/
[4] 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 Dec 2;25(12):732-739. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2016.25.12.732. PMID: 27974009. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27974009/
[5] Eghdampour F, Jahdie F, Kheyrkhah M, Taghizadeh M, Naghizadeh S, Hagani H. The Impact of Aloe vera and Calendula on Perineal Healing after Episiotomy in Primiparous Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Caring Sci. 2013 Nov 30;2(4):279-86. doi: 10.5681/jcs.2013.033. PMID: 25276736; PMCID: PMC4134148. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25276736/
[6] Panahi Y, Sharif MR, Sharif A, Beiraghdar F, Zahiri Z, Amirchoopani G, Marzony ET, Sahebkar A. A randomized comparative trial on the therapeutic efficacy of topical aloe vera and Calendula officinalis on diaper dermatitis in children. ScientificWorldJournal. 2012;2012:810234. doi: 10.1100/2012/810234. Epub 2012 Apr 19. PMID: 22606064; PMCID: PMC3346674. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22606064/
[7] Khairnar MS, Pawar B, Marawar PP, Mani A. Evaluation of Calendula officinalis as an anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis agent. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2013 Nov;17(6):741-7. doi: 10.4103/0972-124X.124491. PMID: 24554883; PMCID: PMC3917203. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24554883/
[8] Dinda M, Dasgupta U, Singh N, Bhattacharyya D, Karmakar P. PI3K-mediated proliferation of fibroblasts by Calendula officinalis tincture: implication in wound healing. Phytother Res. 2015 Apr;29(4):607-16. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5293. Epub 2015 Jan 13. PMID: 25641010. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25641010/
[9] Dinda M, Mazumdar S, Das S, Ganguly D, Dasgupta UB, Dutta A, Jana K, Karmakar P. The Water Fraction of Calendula officinalis Hydroethanol Extract Stimulates In Vitro and In Vivo Proliferation of Dermal Fibroblasts in Wound Healing. Phytother Res. 2016 Oct;30(10):1696-1707. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5678. Epub 2016 Jul 18. PMID: 27426257. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27426257/