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Calendula

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Introduction

Calendula is a plant in the daisy family. It has been used to ease swelling and redness on the skin. It can be used as a cream or an oil. It can also be made into a tea.

Dosages

There aren’t any advised doses for calendula.

What Research Shows

Likely Effective

Dermatitis —likely to improve skin symptoms caused by cancer treatmentA1, A2

May Be Effective

Diaper rash —may ease symptomsB1
Gingivitis—may ease symptomsC1
Vaginal yeast infection —may ease symptoms and improve sexual function D1

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It is likely safe to use calendula on the skin for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse, such as

People with a sensitivity to daisy flowers should talk to their doctor before using calendula. It may cause irritation.

References►

A. Dermatitis

A1. Kassab S, Cummings M, et al. Homeopathic medicines for adverse effects of cancer treatments. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;15(2):CD004845.

A2. Schneider F, Danski MT, et al. [Usage of Calendula officinalis in the prevention and treatment of radiodermatitis: a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial]. Rev Esc Enferm USP. 2015 Apr;49(2):221-228.

B. Diaper Rash

B1. Panahi Y, Sharif MR, et al. A randomized comparative trial on the therapeutic efficacy of topical aloe Vera and Calendula officinalis on diaper dermatitis in children. ScientificWorldJournal. 2012;2012:810234. doi: 10.1100/2012/810234. Epub 2012 Apr 19.

C. Gingivitis

C1. Mahyari S, Mahyari B, et al. Evaluation of the efficacy of a polyherbal mouthwash containing Zingiber officinale, Rosmarinus officinalis and Calendula officinalis extracts in patients with gingivitis: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2016 Feb;22:93-98.

D. Vaginal Yeast Infection

D1. Saffari E, Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi S, et al. Comparing the effects of Calendula officinalis and clotrimazole on vaginal Candidiasis: A randomized controlled trial. Women Health. 2017 Nov-Dec;57(10):1145-1160.

Last reviewed February 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
Last Updated: 4/7/2020

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