Calendula is most often used externally, for skin inflammations (dermatitis or eczema), and for minor wounds and abrasions. Calendula creams and ointments are widely available for this purpose.

You may also make an infusion (tea) of the flowers to be used as a mouthwash or as a gargle for laryngitis or throat problems.  An infusion of calendula can also be used as a wash for fresh wounds, grazes or minor cuts. This application is great for cleaning out grit from a wound whilst gently improving lymphatic drainage and toning the exposed skin tissue.

Calendula is an excellent lymphatic remedy. It can be used for acute infections, both as an infusion drank throughout the day to treat the symptoms of seasonal infections or taken as a tincture. Calendula supports the movement of lymph which enables better detoxication from the cells and also supports overall immunological health. It may be used for swollen lymph glands, water retention or in other congestion conditions.

As a bitter remedy, calendula also has an action on the liver. Bitter remedies directly stimulate liver function, detoxification and metabolism. Sometimes hormonal excesses such as pre-menstrual syndrome are caused by poor liver detoxification from the liver. It is these type if applications where calendula truly extends its dynamic medicinal advantage by speeding up the breakdown of hormones and other metabolic toxins. Other liver conditions such as jaundice, hepatitis and cirrhosis may also be improved by calendula along side other specific liver herbs.

Calendula is gently warming, or in the understanding of traditional Greek energetics ‘warm in the first degree’. This means that it drives fluid out through the skin. This system of energetics understands medicinal activity in varying degrees of heat, coldness, dampness and dryness in order to best ‘antidote’ the energetically opposing conditions (i.e. cooling herbs for hot inflammatory conditions etc) (9).

In Western herbal medicine, Calendula is understood to be both hot and dry. This means that it is able to bring warmth where the tissue state is ‘cold and damp’. This action moves congestion out of the lymphatic system and out through the skin via a diaphoretic (sweat inducing) action. It is therefore also a vital remedy in treatment of a deep fever, supporting the natural immune responses and cooling off the blood through the skin (9).

Calendula is also much favoured by practitioners in cases where there are swollen lymph glands in the neck. Most often this is due to unresolved infection or inflammation in the throat (although there are more potentially serious reasons this may occur. It is important to consult a health professional if these symptoms are long-standing. You can find clinical herbalists here). Calendula seems in some way to mobilise the beneficial white blood cells that are congregating in these nodes, to fight the infection and finish the job. The old word ‘lymphatic’ is applied to remedies with this property.

Calendula is a classic ‘cicatrizer’: a remedy that induces wound healing by knitting the exposed tissues. This is also a famous property of comfrey root: however, given comfrey’s potential safety concerns if it gets into the body, calendula may be the wound remedy that can be most recommended for broken skin or slow healing wounds.

The strongest reputation of this remedy was in its healing and astringent action: sufficient to make it an effective stauncher of bleeding. It thus found use in earlier times where there were infected or slow-healing wounds or lesions, or ones discharging or bleeding too extensively. Its effectiveness (as a compress) in healing bullet wounds was reported enthusiastically by a Dr Reynolds in the American West in 1886.

Calendula was useful wherever there was infection or erosion in the upper digestive system, including reflux oesophagitis and gastritis. Benefits here are augmented by the bitter quality of the plant, as evidenced by its use for jaundice and liver disease in some traditions.

Calendula tincture makes an effective addition to local applications to combat fungal and other infections of the skin and other exposed surfaces. It makes a powerful mouthwash to check gum disease, sore throat, and mouth problems and in infusion form only, as an eyewash. In ointment form it is an excellent cosmetic remedy for repairing minor damage to the skin such as subdermal broken capillaries or sunburn.

Alteratives are herbs that ‘alter’ the condition in a tissue by eliminating metabolic waste via the liver, large intestine, lungs, lymphatic system, skin and kidneys. Examples include Burdock root (Arctium lappa), Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinalis), Cleavers (Galium aparine), Poke (Phytolacca decandra) and Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica).

Antimicrobials are herbs that interfere with the proliferation and life-cycle of microbes; bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Examples include Thyme leaf (Thymus vulgaris), Echinacea (Echinacea species), Elderberry (Sambucus nigra).

Antispasmodic plants reduce or relieve smooth muscle spasm. They can be helpful for an array of issues including menstrual cramps. Also known as spasmolytics, these plants include aniseed (Pimpinella anisum), blue cohosh (caulophyllum thalictroides), cramp bark (viburnum opulus) and lavender (Lavandula angustofolia).

Astringents contain tannins that act to precipitate proteins and draw tissues together, tightening and toning them to reduce secretions and discharge. Astringents also tend to stop bleeding and can act on tissues with which there is no direct contact. Examples include Raspberry leaf (Rubus ideaus), Lady’s Mantle leaf (Alchemilla vulgaris), Agrimony leaf (Agrimonia eupatoria), Shepherd’s Purse leaf (Capsella bursa-pastoris), Witch Hazel leaf (Hamamelis virginiana) and Yarrow leaf (Achillea millefolium).

Cholagogues promote the production of bile in the liver. A cholereticis a type of cholagogue that promotes the release of bile from the gall bladder into the duodenum. Cholagogues have an alterative and laxative effect. Cholagogues are contra-indicated if there is acute liver failure, obstructive jaundice, painful gallstones or cholecystitis. Examples include Celandine leaf (Chelidonium majus), Barberry root (Berberis vulgaris), Dandelion root and leaf (Taraxacum officinalis root), and Blue Flag root (Iris versicolor).

Depurative is a substance that improves detoxification and aids elimination to reduce the accumulation of metabolic waste products within the body. They were formerly known as alteratives or blood purifiers and are largely used to treat chronic skin and muscoskeletal disorders. Depurative plants include burdock, echinacea root (echinacea angustofolia), nettle leaf (urtica diocia) and yellow dock (rumex crispus).

Diaphoretics are herbs that cause sweating by increasing circulation in the periphery of the body. Usually used to help to relieve fevers, some examples are Yarrow aerial parts (Achillea millefolium), Elder flowers (Sambucus niger), Ginger root (Zingiber officinalis).

Emmenagogues are herbs that stimulate and promote menstruation. Examples include Marigold flowers (Calendula officinalis) and Chaste Tree fruits (Vitex agnus-castus), Turmeric root (Curcuma longa).

Hepatics are herbs that generally support liver function by decongesting as well as supporting bile flow. Examples include Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinalis), Yellowdock root (Rumex crispus), Turmeric root (Curcuma longa).

Vulneraries are wound-healing herbs used internally and externally. Astringent herbs such as Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) and Shepherd’s Purse leaf (Capsella bursa-pastoris) directly stop bleeding and promote the formation of an eschar (scab). Mucilaginous herbs such as Plantain leaf (Plantago lanceolata) and Selfheal leaf (Prunella vulgaris)  soothe inflammation. Some vulneraries are used internally to speed tissue healing, including Marigold flower (Calendula officinalis), Plantain leaf (Plantago lanceolata), Selfheal leaf (Prunella vulgaris), and Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis).

Lymphatic system: Calendula is a prime remedy for conditions effecting the lymphatic system. It may be called upon to aid in specific symptoms such as enlargement of lymph nodes and swelling due to lymph node blockage (lymphedema). 

Herbs like calendula that encourage movement of lymph are often used by herbalists in congestive stagnant type conditions where there may be inflammations and water retention peripherally. These herbs are also sometimes used in conjunction with other herbs as part of a holistic approach to cancer.

Skin: Calendula is used externally for bruising, abrasions, slow-healing wounds, burns, insect bites and general skin inflammations. It will help clear the site of infection whilst also encouraging wound-healing. It is also indicated where there is broken skin and itching in more chronic skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. However it may be too drying for scaley, peeling, dry manifestations of these skin conditions. Therefore it will be best suited to weeping, damp and inflamed manifestations of eczema.

First aid: Calendula is a good first aid remedy for minor burns, bleeding cuts and abrasions, sores, ulcers, acne, eczema, varicose veins, haemorrhoids, skin infections such as athlete’s foot and ringworm, shingles, sunburn, nappy rash, bruises, sprains and strains. Apply infusion or dilute tincture to reduce swelling and pain. 

The crushed flower can be rubbed on to insect bites, wasp or bee stings. The tincture (preferably involving high alcohol content) is an excellent mouthwash for inflamed gums, mouth ulcers, and throat inflammations. An infusion in hot water can be used as an eyewash for tired eyes, and inflammatory eye conditions such as styes.

Digestive system: Calendula is used for any inflammation within the upper reaches of the gut, including ulcerations. Calendula will also assist liver function and encourage bile production, which can help relieve painful indigestion, digestive insufficiency and conditions such as jaundice and liver inefficiencies. The dried powdered form used in capsule form and occasionally high alcohol extracts have been a feature of regimes for dysbiosis and candidiasis due to its healing anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. 

Cardiovascular system: Calendula improves the circulation, reducing congestion and toning the blood vessels, especially the veins. It can be used in poor circulation, varicose veins, haemorrhoids and internal bleeding associated with injury.

Compared to a base, calendula-enriched cream significantly improved measures of hydration and firmness in the skin of healthy volunteers over a period of 8 weeks (2).

Healing benefits have been observed in randomised controlled trials, in reducing nappy rash (3)and dermatitis following radiotherapy (4,5). Furthermore although this research was not conducted in controlled clinical trial conditions, calendula was shown to help in the case of diabetic foot ulcers (6).

In one controlled study of treating people with 2nd or 3rd degree burns, three ointments were given to around 50 patients each for 17 days. Compared with Vaseline, an ointment including calendula had marginally superior benefits (7).

In women with Candida infections. calendula-enriched vaginal applications used daily for a week led to fewer cases a month later compared with clotrimazole (8).

The Latin name ‘Calendula derives from the word ‘calends’ which refers to the first day of summer in the Roman calendar, which was believed to be the day on which calendula would first flower.

The name ‘pot marigold’ refers to the use of the flowers in soups and stews, especially in Central Europe. They were also used to colour a range of foods and drinks.

Calendula is native to Southern Europe, but is now widely cultivated around the world, and in many different varieties. It is most often found growing in waste, cultivated and arable land and along roadsides.

Calendula has not yet been assessed for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants database.

Herbal Medicines are often extremely safe to take, however it is important to supply herbal medicines from a reputed supplier. Sometimes herbs bought from unreputable sources are contaminated, adulterated or substituted with incorrect plant matter.

Some important markers for quality to look for would be to look for certified organic labelling, ensuring that the correct scientific / botanical name is used and that suppliers can provide information about the source of ingredients used in the product. 

A supplier should be able to tell you where the herbs have come from. There is more space for contamination and adulteration where supply chain is unknown.

Calendula is easy to grow from seed. At the end of the season the seeds can be gathered from flower heads and saved for the following year.

• Seeds may be planted in situ during spring or autumn. Calendula will grow in most well drained soils. Watering regularly the seeds will likely germinate within a week.
• Calendula is easy to care for but it grows best in a light, poor, free-draining soil in full sun or partial shade. 
• Calendula will flower from June to November. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering and pinch out terminal shoots to encourage bushy growth.

A ‘cup of love’ tea

A blend of flowers bringing you some of nature’s finest love. Drink to soothe a broken heart or feed you when you just want a sip of love.

Ingredients:

• Chamomile flower 3g
• Limeflower 2g
• Marigold (calendula) petal 2g
• Rose flower 1g
• Lavender flower 1g
• Licorice root 1g

This will serve 3 cups of love.

Method:

• Put all of the ingredients in a pot.
• Add 500ml/18fl oz freshly boiled filtered water.
• Leave to steep for 10–15 minutes, then strain and let the love flow.

Recipe from Cleanse, Nurture, Restore by Sebastian Pole

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2. Akhtar N, Zaman SU, Khan BA, et al. (2011) Calendula extract: effects on mechanical parameters of human skin. Acta Pol Pharm. 68(5): 693‐701
3. Panahi Y, Sharif MR, Sharif A, et al. (2012) A randomized comparative trial on the therapeutic efficacy of topical aloe vera and Calendula officinalis on diaper dermatitis in children. Scientific World Journal.:810234
4. Schneider F, Danski MT, Vayego SA. (2015) Uso da Calendula officinalis na prevenção e tratamento de radiodermatite: ensaio clínico randomizado duplo cego. Rev Esc Enferm USP. 49(2): 221‐228
5. Pommier P, Gomez F, Sunyach MP, et al.(2004) Phase III randomized trial of Calendula officinalis compared with trolamine for the prevention of acute dermatitis during irradiation for breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 22(8): 1447‐1453
6. Buzzi M, de Freitas F, Winter M. (2016) 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. 62(3): 8‐24 
7. Lievre M, Marichy J, Baux S, et al. (1992) Controlled study of three ointments for the local management of 2nd and 3rd degree burns. Clinical Trials and Meta-Analysis 28: 9-12
8. Saffari E, Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi S, Adibpour M, et al. (2017) Comparing the effects of Calendula officinalis and clotrimazole on vaginal Candidiasis: A randomized controlled trial. Women Health. 57(10): 1145‐1160
9. Wood, M. (2013). The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism. North Atlantic Books.