Calendula

Calendula commonly known as marigold is used for medical purposes since centuries. It is important to be clear that not all houseplants called marigold belong to the calendula family. Although native to Mediterranean calendula is an ornamental plant that is grown throughout the world now. Calendula has high amounts of flavonoids and appears to have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. The dried orange-yellow petals of the flower heads are used for medical purposes.

Generally calendula is not taken orally except in certain diluted homeopathy medicines and mainly is used in the form of ointment, creams, drops or tinctures.

Health and calendula

Calendula ointment when applied on skin in recommended dose may help to reduce severe dermatitis (pain, skin irritation and redness) in patients receiving radiation therapy for breast cancer.
The pain cause by ear infection can be relieved to a certain exist by the use of calendula as it may have mild anesthetic (pain-relieving) properties.
Calendula is generally used to reduce mild skin inflammation and as skin wounds cure to treat minor skin wounds. Although calendula is safe for tropical application, it should not be applied on an open wound without any medical supervision.
Traditionally calendula is used for warts treatment, yeast infections, varicose veins, acne, anemia, appetite stimulant, atherosclerosis, athlete’s foot, bacterial infection, blood purification, bladder infection, bowel irritation, cholera, circulatory problems, constipation, cough, conjunctivitis, gingivitis, diaper rash, diuretic, edema, eye inflammation, fungal inflammation, gout, headache, HIV, insomnia, nausea, pain, skin cancer, sore throat, spleen disorders and toothache. These all benefits are based on scientific theories and to ensure its safety and effectiveness for humans more detailed scientific researches are required.

Side effects of calendula

Calendula may be associated with fatal reduction in blood sugar levels accompanied by decreased serum lipids and proteins. Thus patients with diabetes, hypoglycemia, drugs, herbal or dietary supplements taken to reduce blood sugar levels should use calendula with caution.
Calendula may lower blood pressure, thus patients on medication for high blood pressure and use of calendula in combination may have increased effects.
Calendula may cause drowsiness and if combined with sedative drugs may lead to increased drowsiness in an individual.
Calendula may also cause atopic dermatitis (skin irritation) and eye irritation.
Although it has no side effects on uterus and sperm morphology, calendula is not recommended in pregnant and lactating ladies as its safety and effectiveness is not well specified.

Calendula should be administered under medical supervision by a health care professional to avoid any health complications in individuals.

Submitted on January 16, 2014