It's easy to overlook calendula flowers because they're so common. A type of marigold that grows wild in several parts of the United States, marigolds help keep bugs away from vegetables such as tomatoes, so they're a common staple in many gardens. If you look closer, you'll see a plant highly valued in the natural healing community for its medicinal properties. According to Peace Health, calendula contains several active components that offer anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and skin-healing benefits.
Easing Radiation-Induced Dermatitis
Calendula may benefit women who experience skin irritation as a result of breast cancer treatments. According to Medline Plus, women who experienced pain, swelling or irritation from radiation therapy found relief of their symptoms. Study participants used a calendula-based ointment to treat their dermatitis twice daily. Although the study's results were promising, Medline Plus notes that more scientific testing is needed to confirm these results.
Wound and Burn Healing
Calendula may have serious potential to heal burn victims more quickly. According to a 2008 study in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, burned rats given calendula healed faster than rats that were not. The rats were tested for blood chemicals such as collagen-hydroxyproline and hexosamine, which indicate healing. The rats that took calendula had significantly higher levels of these chemicals and healed faster. More tests need to be conducted to determine whether the plant has a similar effect on humans.
Anti-inflammatory and Anti-viral Properties
According to Peace Health, calendula contains a high number of flavonoids. These give calendula anti-inflammatory properties. This supports use of calendula for skin irritation, bruises, muscle pain and other inflammatory conditions, although Peace Health notes that these uses haven't been conclusively scientifically verified. Other active ingredients in calendula, such as triterpene saponins and carotenoids, further calendula's anti-inflammatory benefit. In lab tests, calendula also demonstrated anti-viral activity, but no human trials have verified this for this purpose.
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