Calendula officinalis, or pot marigold, is an aromatic member of the daisy family with bright yellow or orange flowers. Originally from the Mediterranean region, calendula is now found worldwide and is an important medicinal plant in Western and Asian traditional medicine. Essential oil from calendula flowers and leaves is also popular in aromatherapy. Calendula can be used externally in creams, poultices, compresses and lotions, or internally as tinctures and teas. Calendula also combines well with other herbs in teas and lotions.
Anti-Inflammatory
Calendula is useful for many types of skin inflammation, whether caused by infection or injury. Bee stings, dermatitis, psoriasis and insect bites all respond to the anti-inflammatory actions of calendula. Herbalist David Hoffmann, in his 2003 book "Medical Herbalism: the Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," recommends using calendula for gastric and duodenal ulcers because of its anti-inflammatory actions. A study in the 2009 issue of the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology found that calendula works by inhibiting the signaling molecules and enzymes that trigger the body's inflammatory response.
Astringent
Calendula has strong astringent properties. Astringent herbs cause tissue to contract or shrink, thereby stopping any bleeding or other discharge from the wound. This ability makes calendula a preferred herb for treating minor cuts and burns. Calendula is also used in facial toners for oily skin.
Antibacterial
Calendula is effective against bacteria and is useful as an antiseptic lotion for minor cuts. Calendula is also active against bacteria that cause gastrointestinal infections. A study reported in the 2009 issue of Phytotherapy Research found that calendula was one of the most effective herbs for inhibiting the growth of Campylobacter jejuni, a common bacterial cause of severe diarrhea in children.
Digestion
Calendula can relieve some gallbladder problems, since it stimulates the release of bile from the gallbladder, thus relieving congestion. This action also aids digestion and elimination, since bile is a natural laxative.
Reproductive Health
Calendula has estrogenic properties and can affect the menstrual cycle. In their 2000 book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," James Balch, M.D., and Phyllis Balch claim that calendula regulates the menstrual cycle. David Hoffmann also claims that calendula helps relieve painful periods.
Anti-Cancer
Calendula shows some potential for fighting cancer. A study published in the 2006 issue of BMC Cancer found that an extract of calendula killed cancerous melanoma cells and stimulated lymphocytes, the white blood cells of the immune system. Another 2006 study, published in the Journal of Natural Products, found that two triterpene glycosides in calendula flowers had a toxic effect against colon cancer, leukemia and melanoma.
References
- Indian Journal of Experimental Biology; Anti-inflammatory activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis Linn. and its possible mechanism of action; Preethi KC, Kuttan G, Kuttan R; Feb. 2009
- Phytotherapy Research: Investigations into the antibacterial activities of phytotherapeutics against Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni; Cwikla C, Schmidt K, Matthias A, Bone KM, Lehmann R, Tiralongo E; August 2009
- BMC Cancer: A new extract of the plant Calendula officinalis produces a dual in vitro effect: cytotoxic anti-tumor activity and lymphocyte activation; Jiménez-Medina E, Garcia-Lora A, Paco L, Algarra I, Collado A, Garrido F; May 2006
Member Comments