Calendula: Natural Healing Solutions

For those seeking a natural remedy to address skin issues or wounds, consider the power of flowers—specifically, calendula. Its blossoms, and sometimes its leaves, offer versatile treatments for various ailments.

Calendula boasts a rich history as a botanical remedy for healing wounds and soothing skin. Often mistaken for a true marigold, this vibrant flower is classified as a vulnerary, aiding in tissue repair. With anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial properties, it is primarily applied externally for cuts, scrapes, and skin infections, and occasionally used internally to treat inflamed mucous membranes.

Uses of Calendula

A variety of topical applications are available for external use. For instance, calendula salve is a multipurpose product ideal for inclusion in first-aid kits or home medicine cabinets. Beyond addressing minor cuts and scrapes, it effectively soothes chapped lips and alleviates diaper rash. Calendula tea can serve as a mouthwash for gum and tooth infections, a gargle for sore throats and tonsillitis, or a sitz bath for genital inflammation or hemorrhoids. Additionally, drinking the tea may help with bladder infections or stomach ulcers.

Calendula Preparations and Dosage

Calendula products such as soaps, oils, lotions, salves, and creams are widely available at health food stores. Herb shops also offer bulk dried flowers, tinctures, and calendula succus—a preparation made by extracting fresh juice from leaves and young flowers, preserved with a small amount of alcohol. Naturopathic practitioners often use calendula succus during minor surgeries to aid incision healing and apply it topically for skin wounds and infections. For internal use, the recommended dosage is 1 teaspoon, three or more times daily.

Calendula Precautions and Warnings

Avoid using fat-based ointments, including calendula salve, on oozing or weeping wounds; opt for watery solutions like calendula tea instead, ensuring the area dries completely between applications. For recently stitched wounds, wait until stitches are removed and scabs form before applying calendula ointments or similar preparations. A brief, gentle application of calendula succus or tea is permissible, but avoid rubbing or friction. Note that calendula should not be consumed internally during pregnancy.

Side Effects of Calendula

Fortunately, calendula is generally regarded as safe and non-toxic, with no commonly reported side effects.

To learn more about treating common medical conditions at home, try the following links:

Jennifer Brett, N.D. is the director of the Acupuncture Institute for the University of Bridgeport, where she also teaches at the College of Naturopathic Medicine. A prominent figure in her field, Dr. Brett specializes in treating various conditions using nutritional and botanical solutions. She has appeared on WABC TV (NYC) and Good Morning America to discuss the benefits of herbs for health. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author, nor the publisher assume responsibility for any outcomes resulting from treatments, procedures, exercises, dietary changes, actions, or medications based on this content. This information does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or healthcare provider before starting any treatment. Additionally, many complementary therapies, including natural or herbal remedies, lack extensive scientific evaluation. Combining these with over-the-counter or prescription medications may cause adverse reactions. Always consult your primary healthcare provider before trying new therapies.