Calendula is a sturdy, drought and frost-tolerant plant that blooms annually. Found in Europe, Western Asia and the United States, calendula, also known as "pot marigold," falls in the same family as daisies, ragweed and chrysanthemums, says the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Calendula has been used since the twelfth century as a medicinal treatment.
Calendula Properties
Calendula's saffron-colored petals are high in flavonoids, say the experts at UMMC, antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals. Experts at UMMC go on to state that it's unclear what specific active ingredients in calendula give it healing properties, but it appears to act as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says that evidence supporting calendula's ability to heal wounds is based on animal studies. Clinical research on humans, says the NIH, is "virtually lacking."
Treatment Methods
Historically, calendula was taken internally to treat ulcers, upset stomach and menstrual cramps, says the UMMC, although there are no scientific studies to support its efficacy. Calendula is used as an external treatment to help heal wounds, burns and bruises and prevent infection. Topical treatments using calendula are common in Germany. The NIH reports that information from the German Commission E and European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy indicates that ointments in 2 and 5 percent strengths may be used three to four times a day as a topical preparation.
Other Treatments
According to the NIH, one of the few studies conducted on calendula was done using 254 breast cancer patients who applied the ointment to the skin twice daily during the course of radiation therapy. Findings indicate that calendula reduced severe dermatitis. The NIH cautions that results should be considered inconclusive "due to limitations of (the study's) design." The NIH states that calendula topical treatment may be considered for use when radiation patients cannot tolerate other therapies. The UMMC notes that calendula ear drops may be used to treat children's ear infections. Existing scientific studies indicate that this treatment resulted in no harmful side-effects; however, the UMMC notes that the studies "are not of sufficient quality" to ascertain the efficacy of calendula as an ear infection treatment.
Safe Use
Calendula should not be taken internally by adults or children without first consulting with a homeopathic physician, caution the experts at UMMC. It can cause side effects and interact with certain medications. Calendula is considered safe as a topical treatment, although it should not be used on an open wound unless under a doctor's supervision. Calendula may cause an allergic response in people who are also allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums and plants in the daisy or aster family.
Other
The NIH indicates that calendula is touted as a treatment for many more serious ailments. Cancer, diabetes, AIDS/HIV, jaundice and high blood pressure are conditions calendula purportedly treats based on how it has been used historically or how it should work in theory. The NIH stresses the importance of seeking treatment from a qualified health care practitioner. Calendula has not been rigorously tested in humans, so it's safety and overall effectiveness to treat serious health conditions is unknown.
Member Comments