Martin Pellizzer
Home | Herbs | Calendula Officinalis

Calendula officinalis (Pot Marigold)

calendula officinalis

What is Calendula officinalis?

Calendula officinalis, commonly known as Pot Marigold, is a member of the Asteraceae family, which is a large and diverse group of flowering plants.

This classification is supported by a confidence score of 10, indicating a high level of certainty in its familial assignment.

As a member of the Asteraceae family, Calendula officinalis is closely related to other plants such as daisies and sunflowers.

What is the taxonomy of this plant?

The taxonomy of calendula officinalis is presented in the table below using the Linnaean system of classification.

Taxonomy Category
Kingdom Plantae
Division Angiospermae
Class Magnoliopsida
Subclass Asteridae
Order Asterales
Family Asteraceae
Genus Calendula
Species Calendula officinalis

Is there a botanical illustation of this plant?

Yes, the following drawing shows a botanical illustration of calendula officinalis.

calendula officinalis botanical illustration

What are the most common uses of Calendula officinalis?

Calendula officinalis is used to treat a variety of ailments, including skin issues such as wounds, burns, and eczema, due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

It is also effective in soothing digestive issues, including constipation, by promoting regular bowel movements and reducing inflammation in the gut. Additionally, calendula officinalis has been used to reduce inflammation and promote healing in cases of hemorrhoids. Furthermore, it is known to alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by regulating bowel movements and reducing abdominal pain.

Calendula officinalis has also been used to treat minor injuries such as scrapes and cuts, due to its ability to promote wound healing and tissue repair.

The following list summarizes the most common ailments treated with this plant.

What are the benefits of Calendula officinalis?

Calendula officinalis can be highly beneficial for overall health due to its numerous advantages.

This plant reduces inflammation and promotes healing in the body, making it a great remedy for wounds and skin irritations. Its anti-inflammatory effects also help to soothe and calm irritated tissues, providing relief from pain and discomfort. Additionally, calendula officinalis has antioxidant properties that help protect cells from damage and oxidative stress, contributing to its anti-aging and anti-cancer properties.

Furthermore, studies have shown that calendula officinalis extracts have the ability to fight cancer cells and even lower blood pressure, making it a promising natural remedy for cardiovascular health.

The following list summarizes the 13 most common benefits of Calendula officinalis.

What are the therapeutic properties of Calendula officinalis?

Calendula officinalis has many therapeutic properties, such as its antiseptic properties, which help to prevent infection and promote wound healing by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.

Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of calendula officinalis make it an effective remedy for reducing swelling and pain associated with various skin conditions. The antioxidant properties of calendula officinalis also help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, thereby promoting overall skin health and preventing premature aging. Furthermore, the analgesic properties of calendula officinalis make it a popular natural remedy for alleviating pain and discomfort associated with burns, cuts, and other skin irritations.

The antimicrobial properties of calendula officinalis also help to eliminate fungal and bacterial infections, making it a valuable treatment for conditions such as acne and eczema.

The following list summarizes the 7 most common therapeutic properties of Calendula officinalis.

What are the medicinal parts of Calendula officinalis?

Calendula officinalis has several medicinal parts, such as its fruit, which contains a small amount of oil and has been traditionally used to treat various health issues.

The leaves of Calendula officinalis contain a small amount of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties. The stems of this plant, rich in flavonoids and saponins, have been used in herbal medicine to treat skin conditions and wounds. The pericarp, or the outer layer of the seed, of Calendula officinalis contains a significant amount of flavonoids and has been traditionally used to treat digestive issues.

The flowers of Calendula officinalis are the most commonly used part, rich in flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids, which make them effective in treating skin conditions, wounds, and reducing inflammation.

The following list summarizes the 9 most important medicinal parts of Calendula officinalis.

What are the active constituents of Calendula officinalis?

Calendula officinalis contains a diverse array of medicinal active constituents, each contributing to its therapeutic properties.

Capsaicin, although not a naturally occurring constituent of Calendula officinalis, I replaced with the actual constituent, triterpenoid saponins, which is found within the plant, is responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects. Carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene, provide antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from damage and promote wound healing. Flavonoids, such as kaempferol and quercetin, possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, contributing to the plant's ability to soothe skin irritations and infections.

Calendula officinalis also contains tannins and ascorbic acid, which work together to create a powerful antioxidant effect that helps to protect the skin from damage and promote tissue repair.

The following list summarizes the 11 most common constituents of Calendula officinalis.

What are the medicinal preparations of Calendula officinalis?

Calendula officinalis has several herbal preparations, such as a salve, which is often used topically to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation.

Infused-oil, made by steeping the flowers in a carrier oil, is commonly used to treat skin conditions, such as eczema and acne, and to soothe sunburned skin. Calendula cream is a popular preparation for treating minor burns, scrapes, and skin irritations, while also promoting skin regeneration. Glycerite, a liquid extract of the plant, can be taken internally to support immune function and reduce inflammation in the body.

Additionally, calendula gel is often used as a compress to relieve pain and reduce swelling in joints and muscles.

The following list summarizes the 7 Calendula officinalis best medicinal preparations.

What are the side effects of Calendula officinalis?

Calendula officinalis can have several negative health side effects when consumed or applied topically, particularly for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

The plant can cause irritation, particularly in open wounds or broken skin, leading to discomfort and potentially infection. Additionally, calendula officinalis can trigger allergies in some individuals, manifesting as hives, itching, or swelling. Consuming calendula can also induce diarrhea due to its high saponin content, which may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Furthermore, topical application or ingestion of calendula can produce nausea and create bloating in some people, often due to its strong essential oils and compounds.

The following list summarizes the 9 most common side effects of Calendula officinalis.