Summary

Calendula, also called marigold, is a classic vulnerary herb used for inflamed and damaged skin. It is the archetypal remedy for various types of burns including sunburns, thermal burns and radiation burns, but research has shown some mixed results. As an antiulcerogenic herb, it has been used to treat both internal and external ulcers, including venous leg ulcers & trophic ulcers.

In addition to wound healing, calendula is often used to soothe dermatitis (i.e. inflamed skin) including eczema and contact dermatitis. Research shows it may also help with " diaper dermatitis " (i.e. diaper rash).

Calendula is not used primarily as an antimicrobial herb but it does possess significant antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects.

Indications

Used internally and topically as a vulnerary to heal affections of the skin and mucous membranes.

Dermatologic (topical application)
• soft tissue injury
- burns
- bruises
- decubitus ulcers
- diabetic ulcers
- pressure ulcers
• thrombophlebitis
• diaper rash
• varicose veins
• hemorrhoids
• eczema
• anal fisures

Opthalmic
• conjuctivitis

Gastrointestinal
• apthous ulcers
• gastritis
• gastric ulcers
• hemorrhoids

Gynecological
• menstrual complaints
• dysmenorrhea
• amenorrhea
• vaginal candidiasis

Other
• otitis (ear oil )

Actions

• Vulnerary
• Antiinflammatory
• Antiseptic
• Antiulcerogenic
• Gastroprotective
• Antibacterial
• Antiviral
• Antifungal
• Emmenagogue

Constituents

• Terpenoids (E.g. Calendulosides)
• Flavonoids
• Carotenoids (Beta-Carotene, Lycopene)
• Polysaccharides (Arabinogalactans )

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 in 90% EtOH): 0.3-1.2 ml tid
• Liquid extract (1:1 in 45% EtOH): 1-4 ml tid
• Infusion: (dried herb): 1-4 tsp tid-qid
• Cream (2.5%): as needed

Safety

- Generally considered safe when used as indicated.

Contra-Indications:
• Asteraceae allergy: contains sesquiterpene lactones

Pregnancy & Lactaction:

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002