Calendula
Calendula officinalis
Key Facts
- Scientific Name
- Calendula officinalis
- Plant Family
- Asteraceae (Daisy family)
- Origin
- Native to the Mediterranean region and southwestern Asia
- Primary Use
- Topical & Skin Health
Overview
Calendula (pot marigold) is a flowering plant in the daisy family, widely used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, particularly in topical applications.
Traditional Uses
Used in traditional European and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat skin wounds, burns, rashes, and infections. Also used internally for digestive and menstrual complaints.
Active Compounds
Contains triterpenoids (oleanolic acid glycosides), flavonoids (quercetin, isorhamnetin), carotenoids, and polysaccharides.
Potential Benefits — Unverified Summary
Highly effective for wound healing, reducing skin inflammation, and treating dermatitis and eczema. May also have antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
Safety & Side Effects
Generally safe for topical use. May cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed or other Asteraceae plants. Avoid during pregnancy (may stimulate uterine contractions). Limited safety data for internal use.
When to See a Doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, severe rash)
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Severe digestive issues (persistent vomiting, bloody stools)
- Severe headache or dizziness
- Any symptoms that worsen or do not improve
Always consult a healthcare professional before using herbal supplements if you:
- Are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant
- Are taking prescription medications
- Have a chronic health condition
- Are scheduled for surgery
- Are giving herbs to children
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Calendula used for?
Highly effective for wound healing, reducing skin inflammation, and treating dermatitis and eczema. May also have antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
Is Calendula safe?
Generally safe for topical use. May cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed or other Asteraceae plants. Avoid during pregnancy (may stimulate uterine contractions). Limited safety data for internal use.
What are the active compounds in Calendula?
Contains triterpenoids (oleanolic acid glycosides), flavonoids (quercetin, isorhamnetin), carotenoids, and polysaccharides.
What is the scientific name of Calendula?
The scientific name of Calendula is Calendula officinalis.
What are the traditional uses of Calendula?
Used in traditional European and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat skin wounds, burns, rashes, and infections. Also used internally for digestive and menstrual complaints.
When should I see a doctor when using Calendula?
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using Calendula or any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medications, have a chronic health condition, or are scheduled for surgery. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe allergic reactions, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, severe digestive issues, or any symptoms that worsen or do not improve. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Source Records — Verification Pending
These identifiers were recorded in the original dataset. They are not complete citations or evidence that the claims above have been checked.
- PMC5871149
- Healthline-Calendula-2024
- NCCIH-Calendula-2025