The leaves of the calendula plant have been used medicinally since at least the 12th century, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. While calendula does have internal uses, it is most often used topically in the form of creams, gels and ointments for various skin conditions. While it is generally safe, you should be on the lookout for adverse skin reactions and discontinue use if you experience any undesirable side effects. Always talk with your doctor before using any new treatments.
Wound Healing
Calendula is commonly used to facilitate wound healing, including on cuts, first-degree burns, scrapes, leg ulcers and bruises. The UMMC reports that there is evidence that it does speed the healing of various types of wounds and that likely mechanisms of action include increasing blood flow to the affected area and encouraging the body to produce collagen, a substance that helps new skin and connective tissue grow. A study published in a 2009 issue of the "Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology" looked at the effects of topical calendula on excision wounds in rats. Specifically, the authors wanted to examine its impact on wound closure and the time for new skin to regrow. After the eighth day, the calendula-treated wounds closed 90 percent while the control group's wound closed 51.1 percent. New skin growth took 13 to 14 days for the calendula group and 17.7 days for the control.
Dermatitis
A review of studies on homeopathic treatments for certain side effects of cancer treatments, appearing in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in April 2009, found calendula cream worked better to improve symptoms of dermatitis in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy compared with trolamine, a commonly used nonsteroidal medicine for this purpose. While this study looked at dermatitis invoked by a specific agent, its benefits might translate to other forms of dermatitis. Examples include eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and contact dermatitis, which results from skin contact with an outside irritant.
Other Potential Uses
According to Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, topical calendula preparations have been used for a number of other purposes, although there is insufficient evidence to support those uses. They include hemorrhoids, conjunctivitis, varicose veins, inflammation of the rectum and nosebleeds.
Considerations for Use
Allergies to any plants of the Asteraceae/Compositae family could indicate you might suffer an allergic reaction to calendula preparations. A partial listing of plants in this family includes ragweed, daisies, marigolds and chrysanthemums.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Calendula;Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; December 2008
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Calendula;February 2011
- "Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology"; Wound Healing Activity of Flower Extract of Calendula Officinalis; KC Preethi, R.Cuttan; 2009
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; Homeopathic Medicines for Adverse Effects of Cancer Treatments; S. Kassab, et al.; April 2009
- Medline Plus; Calendula; November 2010
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