Calendula officinalis has been used medicinally for centuries. What makes it so special?
Calendula Officinalis
Calendula Officinalis Facts
Description
Calendula officinalis (Asteraceae) is an aromatic, annual herb with yellow to orange flowers that is native to the Mediterranean area. It is also known as pot marigold and has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Sesquiterpene glycosides, saponins, xanthophylls, triol triterpenes, and flavonoids are some of the compounds of the essential oil of the plant.
Uses
- Skin inflammations and other conditions (eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis etc)
- Conjunctivitis and other eye inflammations
- Ear infections
- Diaper rashes and baby care in general
- Wound healing
- Internal and external ulcers.
- Treating mouth and throat soreness
- Nosebleeds
- Menstrual cramps
- Varicose veins
- Hemorrhoids
- Muscle spasms
- Anal fissures
- Cancer
- Collagen regeneration
- General skincare
- Homeopathic preparations
- Cooking
- Practical uses
Side Effects
For most people, it is considered as likely safe when taken orally or applied to the skin. Although an allergic reaction is unlikely, you should contact your pharmacist or your doctor if you notice dizziness, swelling or have trouble breathing. Usage should also be avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Interactions
Calendula can cause sleepiness and drowsiness so it should not be taken along with CNS medications. Some of the CNS depressants are lorazepam (Tavor, Ativan), diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), bromazepam (Lexotanil), zolpidem (Ambien), phenobarbital (Donnatal) and mephobarbital (Mebaral). In theory, it could also interact with medications that treat high blood pressure or diabetes. It should also not be taken along with herbs and supplements that have a similar effect like California poppy, catnip, hops, Jamaican dogwood, kava, St. John’s wort, skullcap, valerian, and yerba mansa. There are no known interactions with foods.
Dosing
There are not enough clinical results to determine a recommended dosage and it varies a lot depending on several factors like age and health condition.
Sources
- https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits
- http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/calendula-oil.aspx
- http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-marigold.html
- http://naturalsociety.com
- https://el.wikipedia.org
- https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/235.html#Dosage
- http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/gcc-107206
- http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rbcf/v44n3/a08v44n3.pdf
- http://www.centerchem.com/Products/DownloadFile.aspx?FileID=6565
- https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/calendula-a-natural-remedy-for-irritated-eyes/
- http://www.medicinenet.com/marigold_calendula_officinalis-oral/page2.htm
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/prescription-drugs/cns-depressants/what-are-cns-depressants
- http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/calendula