Calendula officinalis, commonly known as pot marigold, has a long history of traditional use across Europe, particularly in Western herbal medicine. It has been prized for its bright orange or yellow flowers, which were historically used as both food and medicine.

Traditionally, Calendula was applied externally to promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and prevent infection. It was a staple in household first aid kits, often infused in oils or made into salves for cuts, grazes, burns, insect bites, and sore nipples. Internally, it was used as a gentle lymphatic cleanser and a remedy for gastrointestinal inflammation, supporting liver function and bile flow. Calendula tea was given for fevers, menstrual pain, and digestive discomfort, and the plant’s mild oestrogenic properties linked it to reproductive health and delayed menstruation.

In folklore, Calendula symbolised warmth, joy, and protection. It was used in religious ceremonies, strewn on doorsteps to ward off evil, and its golden petals added to broths and breads for their sunny hue and health-promoting qualities.

Calendula officinalis is a key herb in modern herbal practice for its reliable wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. It is indicated both topically and internally for a wide range of acute and chronic conditions involving tissue damage, inflammation, or lymphatic congestion.

Topical applications are used for slow-healing wounds, burns, eczema, varicose ulcers, cracked nipples, fungal skin infections, and post-surgical recovery. It can be applied as a cream, infused oil, ointment, or diluted tincture. Calendula is especially useful in treating delicate or sensitive skin, and its astringent yet soothing nature makes it ideal for infants, the elderly, and those with fragile tissues.

Internally, Calendula supports lymphatic drainage, particularly in cases of glandular swelling, chronic infection, or post-infectious fatigue. It is a valuable herb for gastrointestinal health, especially in the presence of inflammation, ulceration, or sluggish digestion. Herbalists often use it in formulae for gastritis, mouth ulcers, and leaky gut-type presentations. Calendula’s mild choleretic effect also supports the liver and gallbladder, and it may be considered in conditions of hepatic congestion or menstrual stagnation.

Calendula can be safely combined with other herbs for tissue repair, immune support, hormonal regulation, or lymphatic stimulation. It is well tolerated and suitable for long-term use, especially in low to moderate doses.

Calendula is generally considered very safe for topical and internal use. However, avoid internal use during pregnancy unless under supervision of a qualified practitioner, due to its mild emmenagogue activity. Those with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae (daisy) family may experience sensitivity or allergic dermatitis. Use with caution alongside immunosuppressive medications due to Calendula’s immunostimulant effects.

Calendula officinalis contains a diverse range of active phytochemicals responsible for its broad spectrum of therapeutic effects:

1. Triterpenoid esters: Including faradiol monoesters – anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
2. Flavonoids: Quercetin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
3. Carotenoids: Lycopene, lutein, beta-carotene – antioxidant activity and skin repair.
4. Saponins: Mild immune-modulating and expectorant properties.
5. Essential oils: Including α-cadinol, δ-cadinene – mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions.
6. Polysaccharides: Immunostimulatory activity through macrophage and lymphocyte activation.
7. Phenolic acids: Caffeic, chlorogenic – antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential.

These constituents act synergistically to produce Calendula’s anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, antimicrobial, and lymphatic tonic effects.

Pharmacokinetic data on Calendula officinalis is limited due to its complex phytochemical profile and traditional use as a whole plant extract. However, key actions can be attributed to triterpenoid esters, flavonoids, carotenoids, and polysaccharides:

• Absorption: Active constituents such as flavonoids and carotenoids are absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract and exhibit local tissue healing effects topically.

• Metabolism: Likely metabolised by hepatic cytochrome enzymes; no specific CYP450 inhibition or induction noted in clinical data, but caution is advised when combining with drugs metabolised via the liver.

• Excretion: Believed to be excreted primarily via bile and urine.

Related Drug Considerations:
Calendula may enhance the effects of other vulneraries and immunomodulants (e.g. Echinacea spp.). It may also potentiate the effects of mild anti-inflammatory agents or interfere with immune-suppressive medications.

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