You’ve probably seen those bright orange flowers blooming in gardens or vegetable plots many times, but do you know that certain types of calendula blossoms also offer impressive health benefits?
A specific variety of the calendula flower, Calendula officinalis (commonly known simply as calendula or “pot marigold”), has been used for nearly 1,000 years in herbal ointments, teas, tinctures and topical treatments.
Medicinal calendula is most often planted in gardens to repel insects, add color, and provide a pleasant scent. It is also valued for its numerous anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and antifungal properties. The use of Calendula officinalis in medicine is extensive—ranging from treating allergies, eczema and dermatitis, to reducing pain, swelling and redness caused by muscle spasms or injuries, to soothing eye inflammation or itching caused by conjunctivitis, and even helping fight fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, candidiasis, ear infections and more.
Historically and to this day, one of the most popular uses of calendula has been applying it to irritated skin on the hands or feet to reduce eczema-related itching, redness, sensitivity, dryness, and swelling.
Research shows that calendula can stimulate the regeneration of healthy new tissue and increase collagen production, which firms and strengthens the skin. It also promotes healing, moisturizes dry hands, and speeds up skin repair.
The wound-healing effect of calendula is believed to come from its ability to stimulate epithelial cell production, largely due to the glycoproteins and nucleoproteins found in the plant.
Calendula ointment is also associated with increased cell turnover and improved collagen metabolism. In folk medicine, calendula was applied to ulcerated wounds to prevent infection.
For those with dry, flaky or irritation-prone hands, calendula can be combined with other natural products like coconut oil or shea butter to enhance moisture and firmness.
Calendula and eczema go hand in hand. Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes red, dry, flaky patches, often with intense itching. It can be triggered by allergens, environmental factors, food and even stress. Regular use of calendula ointment improves skin quality and appearance.
Studies show that applying calendula ointment 2–3 times per day reduces pain, swelling (inflammation) and irritation. As a preventive measure, the cream is suitable for slow-healing wounds, sensitive skin and leg ulcers.
Calendula ointment can also be used to soothe sunburns, warts, insect bites, acne and sores. It also helps heal wounds, dry skin and blisters.
Calendula tea made from its blossoms can help reduce symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases or colitis. It is also beneficial for gastritis, acid reflux and ulcers, and can ease stomach or menstrual cramps.
Calendula tea is used to treat symptoms of cough, sore throat or fever and to reduce elevated temperature. The infusion works as an anti-inflammatory rinse for the mouth and throat.
Animal studies show that compounds found in calendula can help treat conjunctivitis and other chronic eye inflammations. Calendula has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and immune-stimulating properties that not only reduce eye infections but also protect eyesight and delicate eye tissues from UV damage, aging and oxidative stress. Calendula-based ointments have long been used to treat fungal infections of the genitals, feet, eyes, mouth and skin, as well as hemorrhoids, anal fissures and candidiasis.
Research shows that many active chemical compounds in calendula make it a natural cytotoxic and hepatoprotective herb. Experiments in animals and humans found that calendula flower extracts lower levels of C-reactive protein and cytokines and protect cells from free-radical damage—a major cause of aging and cellular decline.
Calendula tea is helpful for relieving muscle spasms, stomach cramps and PMS/menstrual pain. Calendula ointment may reduce cramping by improving blood flow to the painful area and decreasing inflammation.
Due to its strong scent, high antioxidant content and volatile oils, calendula can naturally repel mosquitoes, pests and insects.
Applying calendula cream to the skin helps prevent bites.
There is not enough evidence to fully confirm effectiveness, but calendula preparations may also help with:
Anal fissures. Since calendula promotes tissue healing and reduces swelling, applying calendula ointment to the anal or genital area may help with hemorrhoids or fissures. In one animal study, wounds treated with calendula cream healed by almost 90% in eight days, compared to only 51% in untreated subjects.
Diaper rash. Applying calendula ointment for 10 days reduced diaper rash more effectively than aloe vera gel.
Ear infections (otitis media). Some studies suggest that using calendula extract or ointment containing Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract Tocopherol for at least three days may reduce ear pain.
Vaginal atrophy. Using calendula ointment with calendula extract reduces symptoms such as itching, burning, dryness and pain during intercourse. Due to its antifungal properties, calendula ointment can also be used for vaginitis and intimate-area itching. Applying it to the affected area for four weeks may reduce irritation, pain, itching, burning when urinating and dryness.
Leg ulcers. Calendula ointment may speed the healing of ulcers caused by poor circulation.
Calendula is a medicinal flower that is dried and concentrated into ointments, teas and tinctures for both internal and external use.
It contains powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that fight infections, reduce swelling, improve circulation and slow aging—such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, linoleic acid, carotenoids and triterpenes. For this reason, calendula is widely used in medicine (ointments, extracts, tea), skincare (hand creams, lotions), agriculture and other fields.
Homemade calendula extract or tea can be prepared using dried calendula petals.
Stay healthy.
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