Calendula is a close relative to the common garden marigold with which we are familiar. Its leaves and flowers are not only edible, but they are also commonly used to make medicinal treatments according to Medicinal Herb Info. You may even be surprised to know that calendula is used to help protect the liver from damage. Before you begin to use calendula treatments, ask the advice of your health care provider.
Calendula Uses
MedlinePlus reports that calendula is commonly used to treat wounds and aid burn healing, reduce skin inflammation, treat ear infection and offer skin protection from radiation. It is also used as a treatment for conjunctivitis, eczema, radiation therapy side effects and varicose veins, adds the University of Maryland Medical Center or UMMC. The UMMC warns that calendula is not usually recommended as an oral treatment. It is normally used on the skin directly instead. When used directly on the skin, it is considered safe for the liver. Recent published research suggests that calendula may also provide protection and healing effects for the liver when taken in moderation.
Research
Calendula has been getting more attention lately for its potential uses when ingested. Several research studies on calendula's medicinal effects have been published on the PubMed.gov website. The first study examined the ways that calendula extract affected the liver and kidneys. The results seemed to show that it is protective and healing for the liver, possibly due to its powerful antioxidant properties. Another describes animal research designed to test the toxicity of very high doses of calendula. The results showed no damage to the brain, heart or kidneys, but the liver did show signs of overload. The third study offers the results of the effects of calendula on the liver when treating cancer. The study's conclusion was that in moderate doses, calendula was protective of the liver and helped to heal liver damage, but at very high doses, it became toxic to the liver.
Possible Side Effects
Since calendula belongs to the same plant family as ragweed, daisies and chrysanthemums, people with allergies to those plants may also be allergic to calendula notes MedlinePlus. Rashes or hives may occur when calendula is applied to the skin and more serious reactions may happen if it is ingested. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should not use calendula until more information is learned about its safety for the unborn or nursing baby. MedlinePlus reports that other than these cautions, calendula is considered to be generally safe in moderation. When taken in high doses, calendula can be toxic to the liver, so follow your health care provider or pharmacist's dosing instructions carefully.
Potential Interactions
People who take sedatives, blood pressure medications, antispasmodic drugs, diabetes medications, cholesterol-lowering medications and antifungal drugs should not ingest calendula, due to possibly harmful interactions. MedlinePlus warns that taking calendula with any herbal supplement or medication that could harm the liver may be dangerous. If you have questions about the ways that calendula could interact with your other herbal supplements, prescription or over-the-counter medications, discuss it with your pharmacist or health care provider.
Forms Used
Calendula is available as fresh leaves and flowers as well as dried notes the UMMC. These are used in tincture, liquid extract, cream, lotion, ointment or infusion forms. You should not use calendula products that are over three years old and the calendula should be kept in a dark and dry place until use.
