7 Best Benefits Of Calendula Officinalis
Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region and is widely used in herbal medicine due to its numerous benefits.
The bioactive compounds responsible for its benefits, such as saponins, flavonoids, and carotenoids, particularly kaempferol and quercetin, contribute to its therapeutic properties.
Calendula officinalis has been found to heal wounds, reduce inflammation, and fight infections, making it a valuable remedy for various skin conditions and injuries.
Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it an effective treatment for burns, cuts, and other skin irritations, promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of infection.
Featured Study
According to BioMed research international, Calendula officinalis may help improve oxidative stress and restore folliculogenesis, leading to increased ovulation in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
This page lists the most important health benefits of Calendula officinalis.
Table of Contents
1. Heals wounds
Calendula officinalis heals wounds by promoting tissue repair and regeneration, reducing inflammation and preventing infection, thereby facilitating the natural healing process.
This benefit is crucial as it can help prevent complications such as scarring, prolonged healing times, and the risk of infection, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.
The plant's ability to heal wounds can be attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including triterpene saponins, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
To harness this benefit, calendula officinalis can be used in the form of herbal preparations such as creams, ointments, and salves, which can be applied topically to affected areas to promote wound healing and tissue repair.
Top Preparations:
- Cream
- Salve
- Ointment
- Calendula infused oil
- Calendula tincture
The following table displays the major constituents of Calendula officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Heals wounds.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Saponins | Cuts, lacerations, abrasions |
| Carotenoids | Burns, scalds, ulcers |
| Flavonoids | Wounds, bruises, hematomas |
2. Reduces inflammation
Calendula officinalis reduces inflammation, which is the body's natural response to injury or damage, characterized by the increased blood flow, heat, redness, and swelling in the affected area.
This benefit is crucial as inflammation can lead to chronic conditions such as arthritis, acne, and eczema, which can significantly impact a person's quality of life and daily activities.
The anti-inflammatory properties of calendula officinalis can be attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including triterpenoids, sesquiterpenes, and flavonoids, which have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.
To harness the anti-inflammatory benefits of calendula officinalis, it is best to use it in herbal preparations such as creams, ointments, and salves, which can be applied topically to soothe and calm irritated skin, or in tea form, which can be consumed to reduce internal inflammation.
Top Preparations:
- Cream
- Oil
- Tincture
- Salve
- Infused oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Calendula officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces inflammation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Calendulic acid | Eczema, burns, rashes |
| Oleic acid | Insect bites, acne, minor cuts |
| Saponins | Sore muscles, sprains, bruises |
3. Fights infections
Calendula officinalis fights infections by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and reducing inflammation, thereby preventing the spread of infection.
This benefit is crucial as it helps protect the body from various types of infections, such as wound infections, urinary tract infections, and even respiratory infections like pneumonia, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Calendula officinalis possesses bioactive constituents like triterpenoid saponins, sesquiterpene lactones, and flavonoids that contribute to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which are responsible for its infection-fighting capabilities.
To harness the infection-fighting properties of calendula officinalis, it can be used in various herbal preparations, such as ointments, creams, and infusions, which can be applied topically to wounds or ingested as a tea to help boost the immune system.
Top Preparations:
- Infusion
- Tincture
- Salve
- Cream
- Oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Calendula officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Fights infections.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Triterpene saponins | Urinary tract infections, bronchitis, skin abscesses |
| Phytosterols | Wounds, cutaneous infections, erysipelas |
| Flavonoids | Pneumonia, cellulitis, herpes simplex |
| Carotenoids | Mastitis, endometritis, sepsis |
4. Soothes skin irritations
Calendula officinalis soothes skin irritations by providing relief from inflammation and discomfort, which can be caused by various factors such as eczema, acne, minor burns, or sunburns.
This benefit is crucial as skin irritations can be painful, uncomfortable, and even lead to infections, affecting daily life and overall well-being.
The calendula officinalis plant owes its soothing properties to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
To harness the soothing benefits of calendula officinalis, it can be used in herbal preparations such as creams, ointments, and salves, which can be applied topically to affected areas for quick relief.
Top Preparations:
- Cream
- Salve
- Ointment
- Balm
- Tincture
The following table displays the major constituents of Calendula officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Soothes skin irritations.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Neryl acetate | Eczema, burns, rashes |
| Triterpene saponins | Acne, psoriasis, rosacea |
| Carotenoids | Irritated skin, insect bites, sunburns |
5. Treats burns
Calendula officinalis treats burns, which is the ability of the plant to provide relief and promote healing in individuals who have suffered from thermal, chemical, or radiation-induced skin injuries.
This benefit is particularly important as burns can be severe and debilitating, often requiring prolonged recovery periods and potentially leading to long-term scarring or other complications.
The plant's ability to treat burns is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that facilitate the healing process.
To utilize calendula officinalis for its burn-treating properties, individuals can incorporate it into their care routine through topical herbal preparations, such as creams, ointments, or salves, which can be applied directly to the affected area to promote healing and reduce discomfort.
Top Preparations:
- Salve
- Cream
- Ointment
- Marigold cream
- Pot marigold salve
The following table displays the major constituents of Calendula officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Treats burns.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Saponins | Minor burns, sunburn, second-degree burns |
| Carotenoids | Minor burns, sunburn, sun poisoning |
| Flavonoids | Minor burns, sunburn, inflammation |
6. Treats minor cuts
Calendula officinalis treats minor cuts, which refers to the plant's ability to accelerate wound healing and reduce the risk of infection.
This benefit is crucial as minor cuts can be painful and lead to more severe complications, such as infections or scarring, if left untreated or improperly cared for.
The plant's effectiveness in treating minor cuts can be attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including triterpene saponins, carotenoids, and flavonoids, which possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
To harness this benefit, calendula can be used topically in the form of creams, ointments, or salves, which can be applied directly to the affected area to promote healing and reduce discomfort.
Top Preparations:
- Cream
- Salve
- Ointment
The following table displays the major constituents of Calendula officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Treats minor cuts.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Calendulin | Abrasions, cuts, lacerations |
| Carotenoids | Scars, skin irritation, wounds |
| Saponins | Infections, inflammation, skin ulcers |
7. Cures acne
Calendula officinalis cures acne by exerting anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties on the skin, effectively reducing inflammation and preventing the spread of bacteria that cause acne.
This benefit is important as it can help alleviate the physical and emotional distress caused by acne, particularly in individuals who experience severe or persistent breakouts, and can also prevent scarring and other long-term consequences of acne.
The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of Calendula officinalis are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which have been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
To harness the acne-curing benefits of Calendula officinalis, it can be used in topical herbal preparations such as creams, lotions, and salves, or taken internally as a tea or tincture, although topical application is generally considered the most effective method of use.
Top Preparations:
- Cream
- Tincture
- Salve
The following table displays the major constituents of Calendula officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Cures acne.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Saponins | Acne, pustules, inflammation |
| Triterpene esters | Acne, dermatitis, redness |
| Flavonoids | Acne, inflammation, irritation |
| Phenolic acids | Acne, psoriasis, eczema |