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Calendula

Also indexed as:Calendula officinalis
Calendula: Main Image© Martin Wall
Botanical names:
Calendula officinalis

Parts Used & Where Grown

Calendula grows as a common garden plant throughout North America and Europe. The golden-orange or yellow flowers of calendula have been used as medicine for centuries.

  • Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
  • Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
  • For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for AmountWhy
Eczema and Radiation-Induced Dermatitis
Refer to label instructions 2 stars[2 stars]
Radiation therapy for breast cancer frequently causes painful dermatitis. Breast cancer patients who topically applied calendula had significantly fewer cases of severe dermatitis.
Breast-Feeding Support
Refer to label instructions as Marigold Topical1 star[1 star]
Marigold is a soothing herb that can relieve sore nipples. Experts recommend moistening the herb with boiling water, wrapping it in gauze, and applying to the breasts.
Burns
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Calendula is anti-inflammatory and may be applied topically to minor burns to soothe pain and help promote tissue repair.
Conjunctivitis and Blepharitis
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Calendula has been traditionally used to treat eye inflammation.
Eczema
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Topical preparations containing calendula, chickweed, or oak bark have been used traditionally to treat people with eczema.
Peptic Ulcer
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Calendula is another plant with anti-inflammatory and healing activities that can be used as part of a traditional medicine approach to peptic ulcers. The same amount as chamomile can be used.
Poison Oak/Ivy
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Calendula has been used historically to treat skin inflammations such as poison oak and poison ivy.
Ulcerative Colitis
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Calendula is an anti-inflammatory and soothing herb that may be effective in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Wound Healing
Refer to label instructions 1 star[1 star]
Topically applied calendula can be used to speed wound healing.

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

Calendula flowers were historically considered beneficial for reducing inflammation, wound healing, and as an antiseptic. Calendula was used to treat various skin diseases, ranging from skin ulcerations to eczema.1 Internally, the soothing effects of calendula have been used for stomach ulcers and inflammation. Traditionally, a sterile tea was topically applied in cases of conjunctivitis.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.