Herb Weavers Journal #88 - Calendula - 4th March 2025

Calendula

Calendula is part of the marigold family, the beautiful orange petals are rich in naturally occurring compounds that are called flavonoids. These compounds have anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombogenic, antidiabetic, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects.

This makes calendula excellent for skin health, such as eczema, healing wounds, and even countering vaginal yeast infections such as thrush.

Calendula oil is made by infusing the flowers in of the plant into a carrier oil. The oil can be used on its own or as an ingredient in ointments, balms, creams, or lotions. The dried plant can also be made into a tincture and tea.

It can be used for nappy rash and pain, as an inflammation reducer, as well as a way to relieve treatment-related side effects for people with cancer. It also helps prevent blood from clotting too much (anti-thrombogenic), has positive effects on blood sugar levels and helps to protect the brain through its neuroprotective effects.

The flowers contain Triterpene saponins (oleanolic acid glycosides), Triterpene alcohols (α-, β-amyrins, faradiol) and quercetin and isorhamnetin which are both flavonoids I mentioned earlier.

Calendula is often found in skin care products as topical gels as it helps with the collagen in the skin and promotes new tissue growth in wound healing (acne) and help decrease skin inflammation.

Calendula also has some sun-protecting properties. One 2019 study determined that when it's in cream form, calendula has SPF (sun protection factor)

NB - Be aware of using calendula if you are allergic to ragweed, daisies, marigold, or plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family, as it could cause you to have an allergic reaction. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also not use calendula because it can change their hormone levels and may even cause a period.