Calendula Benefits | Skin Health, Anti-inflammatory & Antimicrobial

 

Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also called pot marigold, has traditionally been used for centuries to support wound healing and treat skin conditions due to its remarkable anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Calendula is commonly used in ointments, salves, and teas for wounds and inflammatory skin conditions. Its bright flowers are not only beautiful but also rich in bioactive compounds that contribute to its health benefits.

Calendula Pharmacology

Botanical Name 

Calendula officinalis

Other Common Names

Marigold, Pot Marigold, Garden Marigold, Gold-Bloom, Holligold, and Mary Bud.

Part Used

Flowers (fresh or dried).

Main Therapeutic Compounds

Triterpenoid saponins

Flavonoids
Carotenoids (including lutein and zeaxanthin),
Essential oils
Polysaccharides
Calendulin.

Herbal Actions

Anti-inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Antiseptic
Astringent
Vulnerary (wound healing)
Antifungal
Antioxidant

Calendula Herbal Benefits

Wound Healing || Skin Inflammation || Antimicrobial Support || Antioxidant Activity || Oral Health || Digestive Relief

Skin Health

Calendula is widely recognised for its remarkable capacity to enhance wound healing and alleviate skin inflammation. Its active compounds, including flavonoids and triterpenoids, inhibit inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins, which help to reduce redness, swelling, and irritation. This makes calendula particularly useful for managing minor wounds, burns, rashes, and inflammatory conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
In clinical settings, calendula ointments or creams are often used to accelerate healing post-surgery or manage pressure sores and skin ulcers. Research in the Journal of Wound Care demonstrated that calendula ointment significantly improved the healing of cesarean wounds compared to standard treatments, reducing redness, swelling, and infection risk while promoting faster tissue regeneration.
Research published in Planta Medica Journal found that calendula supports wound healing by promoting collagen production, which is crucial for skin repair. Beyond medical use, calendula is valued for soothing diaper rash in babies and calming irritation from environmental factors like sunburn or windburn, making it a natural and gentle choice for sensitive skin.

Anti-inflammatory & Antimicrobial Properties

Calendula has potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it a great natural choice for treating infections and inflammation. It works by blocking specific cytokines and enzymes, which helps reduce swelling, redness, and irritation.
A study published in the Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology demonstrated calendula's anti-inflammatory capabilities. It significantly reduced swelling in animal models by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines and enzymes.
In terms of antimicrobial efficacy, a study in Phytotherapy Research found that calendula extracts inhibited the growth of Candida albicans, as well as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Researchers concluded that calendula is a reliable natural antimicrobial agent for wound care and the management of fungal infections.
Calendula's antiseptic properties make it an excellent choice for preventing wound contamination while promoting healing. Its antifungal effects are particularly valuable for conditions like athlete's foot, fungal nail infections, and other fungal skin disorders. Calendula oil is often added to topical products to help soothe swelling and irritation from bug bites or allergic reactions.

Oral & Digestive Health

Calendula is also widely used for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects and is recommended for oral and digestive health. In the mouth, it is used in mouthwashes to stop the growth of gum inflammation and bacteria. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology demonstrated that a calendula-based mouthwash significantly reduced gingivitis and plaque formation compared to a control group. Researchers highlighted its effectiveness in alleviating gum inflammation and promoting oral hygiene.
For digestive health, calendula has soothing effects that can benefit conditions such as gastritis, colitis, and ulcers. Its anti-inflammatory properties help calm irritated mucosal linings, while its astringent qualities tighten and tone tissues, reducing diarrhea and promoting digestive comfort. Research published in Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine found that calendula extracts protected the gastric lining and reduced oxidative stress in rats, which helped decrease ulcer formation, suggesting that calendula may benefit gastrointestinal health. Many people use calendula tea to calm the digestive system, easing issues like acid reflux, cramping, and mild discomfort. Whether enjoyed as a tea, taken as a tincture, or used topically, calendula offers versatile support for both oral and digestive care.

Antioxidant Support

Calendula is rich in carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, which provide potent antioxidant protection by neutralising free radicals. These compounds help safeguard cells from oxidative stress, which can contribute to cellular damage, premature aging, and the onset of chronic illnesses.
Research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences analysed calendula flower extracts and found high levels of carotenoids, confirming their ability to scavenge free radicals, prevent oxidative damage and help protect against cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions.
The antioxidant actions of calendula may help shield skin cells from damage caused by the sun's UVB rays and air pollution. A Food and Chemical Toxicology study highlighted calendula's ability to reduce lipid peroxidation and prevent cellular damage caused by UV radiation, making it a valuable ingredient in skincare formulations.
Calendula contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important antioxidants in maintaining vision and preventing issues like macular degeneration. These antioxidants support cellular health by lowering the risk of oxidative damage and related chronic diseases.
Calendula's comprehensive antioxidant activity makes it an important natural ally in protecting the body from aging and oxidative stress, both inside and out.

Calendula Typical Use

Fresh Flowers

Fresh calendula flowers can be steeped in tea or added to salads for their mild, slightly peppery flavour.

Dried Herb & Powder

Dried calendula can be used in teas, compresses, or powdered formulations for skin care and wound healing.

Tincture & Liquid Extract

Calendula tincture and liquid extracts are typically used in doses of 2–5 ml daily, depending on individual needs or as directed by a practitioner. Tinctures can also be added to creams, lotions, or balms to create topical formulations.

Herbal Combinations

Calendula pairs well with Chamomile, Gotu Kola, Echinacea, Eyebright, and Lemon Balm.

Cautions & Safety

Calendula is generally considered safe when used topically or consumed in recommended amounts.
Calendula supplements are not recommended during pregnancy due to insufficient information to assess safety.
Best avoid calendula if allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as daisies or chrysanthemums.
Always consult a primary healthcare practitioner if taking medications or managing a chronic health condition.

References

 

Pazandeh, H., et al. "The impact of calendula ointment on cesarean wound healing: A randomised controlled clinical trial." Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 2018;7(5):1017–1021.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6259546/

 

Della Loggia, R., et al. "The role of triterpenoids in the topical anti-inflammatory activity of Calendula officinalis flowers." Planta Medica, 1994;60(6):516-520.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7809203/

 

Preethi, K.C., & Kuttan, G. "Anti-inflammatory activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis." Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, 2009;20(1):73–79.

https://europepmc.org/article/MED/19374166

 

Efstratiou, E., Hussain, A.I., Nigam, P.S., Moore, J.E., & Rao, J.R. "Antimicrobial activity of Calendula officinalis petal extracts against fungi, as well as Gram-negative and Gram-positive clinical pathogens." Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2012;18(3):173–176.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22789794/

 

Khairnar, M.S., Karibasappa, G.N., Dodamani, A.S., Naik, R.G., & Deshmukh, M.A. "Efficacy of herbal mouthwash containing Calendula officinalis in the management of plaque-induced gingivitis: A randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial." Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2013;19(3):193–197.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24554883/

 

Colombo, E., Sangiovanni, E., D'Ambrosio, M., Bosisio, E., Ciocarlan, A., Fumagalli, M., Guerriero, A., Harghel, P., & Dell'Agli, M. "A Bio-Guided Fractionation to Assess the Inhibitory Activity of Calendula officinalis L. on the NF-κB Driven Transcription in Human Gastric Epithelial Cells." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015;2015:727342.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4600869/

 

Braga, P.C., Dal Sasso, M., Culici, M., Spallino, A., Falchi, M., Bertelli, A., Morelli, R., & Lo Scalzo, R. "Antioxidant activity of Calendula officinalis extract: inhibitory effects on chemiluminescence of human neutrophil bursts and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy." Pharmacology, 2009;83(6):348–355.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19420983/

 

Fonseca, Y.M., Catini, C.D., Vicentini, F.T.M.C., Nomizo, A., Gerlach, R.F., & Fonseca, M.J.V. "Protective effect of Calendula officinalis extract against UVB-induced oxidative stress in skin: evaluation of reduced glutathione levels and matrix metalloproteinase secretion." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2010;127(3):596–601.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20026397/

 

Prasad, D., Kumari, S., & Singh, R. "A Review on Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Calendula officinalis Linn." ResearchGate, 2023.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381325062_A_Review_on_Traditional_Uses_Phytochemistry_and_
Pharmacological_Activities_of_Calendula_officinalis_Linn

 

Basch, E., Bent, S., Foppa, I., Haskmi, S., Kroll, D., Mele, M., Szapary, P., Ulbricht, C., Vora, M., & Yong, S. "Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.): an evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration." Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 2006;6(3-4):135–159.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17317655/