Often referred to as pot marigold or pot calendula, calendula officinalis or simply calendula is an annual or biennial aromatic native to the countries in the Mediterranean. The herb is cultivated for use in herbal medicine throughout Latin America and in Eastern Europe.

In cases of minor injury and topical infection and irritation, calendula is an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and pain killing agent. Additionally, calendula has some chemical constituents which have been shown to have potential as being a transcriptase inhibitor for the treatment of HIV/AIDS in some studies.

Calendula can be used to treat the following conditions:

Conjunctivitis - Calendula washes are antibacterial and stimulate healthy growth tissue in the membranes surrounding the eye making it useful in treating conjunctivitis.

Allergies - By preventing the overgrowth of yeast in the bowel and promoting digestion, calendula can be beneficial in treating food allergies.

Gastritis - Studies in Germany have shown calendula to be effective in preventing the hormonal reactions that cause inflammation in the lining of the stomach. The herb reportedly does this by acting on the prostaglandin E1. Additionally, calendula has a powerful antibacterial effect that may counteract Helicobacter pylori infection which is associated with both peptic ulcers and gastritis.

Bowel diseases - Inflammation associated with bowel diseases can be reduced with calendula as it can reduce tension that promotes bowel problems and relax the nervous constriction of the digestive muscles helping the bowels.

Mucous membrane and skin disorders - Many cosmetic skin creams use calendula as an additive as it stimulates collagen production, filling in wrinkles. Additionally, calendula creams hydrate winter-dried skin, alleviate vaginal itching associated with menopausal tissue changes and relieve pain and inflammation cause by conditions like hemorrhoids and mastitis.

Calendula is available in tincture, tea, eye drop and cream form.

* Important notes: Calendula teas should not be used for more than two weeks or until symptoms subside because of the cumulative nature of the very mild toxins in the herb. Wait at least 6 weeks before resuming the tea. Exercise caution when driving or operation machinery if taking calendula with medications for anxiety and/or insomnia as the sedative effects of these medications can be increased by calendula when taken internally.

It is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using Calendula or any alternative therapies. Any recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.