CALENDULA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a plant known as pot marigold. It is not the same as ornamental marigolds of the Tagetes genus grown in vegetable gardens.

Calendula is native to Asia and southern Europe and has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine. The chemicals in calendula might help new tissue grow in wounds and decrease swelling in the mouth and throat.

Calendula flower is commonly used for wounds, rashes, infections, inflammation, and many other conditions. But there's no strong evidence to support the use of calendula for any purpose.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for CALENDULA overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Preparations of calendula flower are likely safe for most people.

When applied to the skin: Preparations of calendula flower are likely safe for most people.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Preparations of calendula flower are likely safe for most people.

When applied to the skin: Preparations of calendula flower are likely safe for most people.

Pregnancy: Don't take calendula by mouth if you are pregnant. It is likely unsafe. There is a concern that it might cause a miscarriage. It's best to avoid topical use as well until more is known.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if calendula is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Calendula may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking calendula.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with CALENDULA
Calendula might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking calendula with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of calendula might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Mahmoudi M, Adib-Hajbaghery M, Mashaiekhi M. Comparing the effects of Bentonite & Calendula on the improvement of infantile diaper dermatitis: A randomized controlled trial. Indian J Med Res. 2015;142(6):742-6. View abstract.

Mahyari S, Mahyari B, Emami SA, et al. Evaluation of the efficacy of a polyherbal mouthwash containing Zingiber officinale, Rosmarinus officinalis and Calendula officinalis extracts in patients with gingivitis: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2016;22:93-8. View abstract.

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Morgia G, Russo GI, Urzì D, et al. A phase II, randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of Curcumina and Calendula suppositories for the treatment of patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome type III. Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2017;89(2):110-113. View abstract.

Panahi Y, Sharif MR, Sharif A, et al. A randomized comparative trial on the therapeutic efficacy of topical aloe vera and Calendula officinalis on diaper dermatitis in children. ScientificWorldJournal. 2012;2012:810234. View abstract.

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Pazhohideh Z, Mohammadi S, Bahrami N, Mojab F, Abedi P, Maraghi E. The effect of <i>Calendula officinalis</i> versus metronidazole on bacterial vaginosis in women: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2018;9(1):15-19. View abstract.

Puaratanaarunkon T, Washrawirul C, Chuenboonngarm N, Noppakun N, Asawanonda P, Kumtornrut C. Efficacy and safety of a facial serum containing snail secretion filtrate, Calendula officinalis, and Glycyrrhiza glaba root extract in the treatment of maskne: A randomized placebo-controlled study. J Cosmet Dermatol 2022;21(10):4470-4478. View abstract.

Que S, Ma X, Yang T, He J. Evaluation of the effect of herbal agents as management of radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Jpn J Nurs Sci 2024;21(1):e12559. View abstract.

Re TA, Mooney D, Antignac E, et al. Application of the threshold of toxicological concern approach for the safety evaluation of calendulaflower (Calendula officinalis) petals and extracts used in cosmetic and personal care products. Food Chem Toxicol. 2009;47(6):1246-54. View abstract.

Reider N, Komericki P, Hausen BM, et al. The seamy side of natural medicines: contact sensitization to arnica (Arnica montana L.) and marigold (Calendula officinalis L.). Contact Dermatitis 2001;45:269-72.. View abstract.

Rezai S, Rahzani K, Hekmatpou D, Rostami A. Effect of oral Calendula officinalis on second-degree burn wound healing. Scars Burn Heal 2023;9:20595131221134053. View abstract.

Robijns J, Becherini C, Caini S, et al. Natural and miscellaneous agents for the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Support Care Cancer 2023;31(3):195. View abstract.

Saffari E, Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi S, Adibpour M, et al. Comparing the Effects of Calendula Officinalis and Clotrimazole on Vaginal Candidiasis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Women Health. 2016. View abstract.

Sharp L, Finnilä K, Johansson H, et al. No differences between Calendula cream and aqueous cream in the prevention of acute radiation skin reactions--results from a randomised blinded trial. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2013;17(4):429-35. View abstract.

Singh M, Bagewadi A. Comparison of effectiveness of <i>Calendula officinalis</i> extract gel with lycopene gel for treatment of tobacco-induced homogeneous leukoplakia: A randomized clinical trial. Int J Pharm Investig. 2017;7(2):88-93. View abstract.

Tavassoli M, Shayeghi M, Abai M, et al. Repellency Effects of Essential Oils of Myrtle (Myrtus communis), Marigold (Calendula officinalis) Compared with DEET against Anopheles stephensi on Human Volunteers. Iran J Arthropod Borne Dis. 2011;5(2):10-22. View abstract.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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