June 25 2025 Lunar Cycle
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Botanical Name:
Calendula officinalis L.
Common Names:
Calendula, Pot Marigold, Garden Marigold, Mary’s Gold
Family:
Asteraceae (Compositae)
Plant Description:
Calendula is an annual herb with bright yellow to orange daisy-like flowers. Native to southern Europe but widely cultivated globally, it thrives in sunny, well-drained soil. It has a sticky, resinous texture and a mild, herbaceous scent.
Parts Used:
Fresh or dried flower heads (petals and sometimes receptacle)
Constituents:
Triterpenoid saponins
Flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, isorhamnetin)
Carotenoids (e.g., lutein, zeaxanthin)
Essential oil (volatile oils including faradiol esters)
Polysaccharides
Phenolic acids (e.g., caffeic, chlorogenic acids)
Resins
Traditional Uses:
Wound healing: Used topically for cuts, bruises, and minor burns
(Weiss, 1988)Anti-inflammatory: Infusions and salves for skin inflammation and rashes
(Mills & Bone, 2000)Menstrual regulation: Mild emmenagogue in traditional European medicine
(Hoffmann, 2003)
Modern Herbal Uses:
1. Wound Healing and Skin Repair
Calendula has well-documented vulnerary and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation in minor wounds, burns, and abrasions
(Preethi et al., 2009)
2. Dermatological Applications
Used for eczema, dermatitis, diaper rash, and radiation-induced dermatitis
(Pommier et al., 2004)
3. Oral and Mucosal Conditions
Calendula rinses are used for gingivitis, mouth ulcers, and sore throats due to its soothing and antimicrobial actions
(Della Loggia et al., 1994)
4. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant
Internal and topical use supported by studies showing inhibition of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress
(Marcelino et al., 2012)
Pharmacological Actions:
Vulnerary (wound-healing)
Anti-inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Antifungal
Astringent
Lymphatic stimulant
Dosage (Traditional Use):
Infusion: 1–2 teaspoons dried petals per cup of hot water, steeped 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times daily
Tincture: 1:5 in 40% alcohol, 2–4 mL up to 3 times daily
Topical: Apply creams, salves, or compresses 2–3 times daily to affected area
(Always consult a qualified health care provider for internal use.)
Safety and Contraindications:
Safety class: 1 (herb can be safely consumed when used appropriately)
(American Herbal Products Association, 2003)Cautions:
Avoid during pregnancy when taken internally due to potential emmenagogue action
Rare allergic reactions may occur in individuals sensitive to Asteraceae family plants
Drug interactions: No major interactions known
References:
Mills, S., & Bone, K. (2000). Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Churchill Livingstone.
Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press.
Weiss, R. F. (1988). Herbal Medicine (trans. Meuss, A.R.). Beaconsfield Publishers.
American Herbal Products Association (2003). Botanical Safety Handbook, 2nd Edition.
Preethi, K. C., Kuttan, G., & Kuttan, R. (2009). “Anti-inflammatory activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis Linn. and its possible mechanism of action.” Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 47(2), 113–120.
Pommier, P., Gomez, F., Sunyach, M. P., D’Hombres, A., Carrie, C., & Montbarbon, X. (2004). “Phase III randomized trial of Calendula officinalis compared with trolamine for the prevention of acute dermatitis during irradiation for breast cancer.” Journal of Clinical Oncology, 22(8), 1447–1453.
Della Loggia, R., Tubaro, A., Sosa, S., Becker, H., Saar, S., & Isaac, O. (1994). “The role of triterpenoids in the topical anti-inflammatory activity of Calendula officinalis flowers.” Planta Medica, 60(6), 516–520.
Marcelino, J., de Oliveira, R. J., et al. (2012). “Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Calendula officinalis extract against acetaminophen-induced liver damage.” BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 12:61.