Calendula
(Calendula officinalis)

General Info

Active Forms

Absorption

Dietary Sources

Dosage Info

Dosage Range
Topically: Use a topical preparation 3-4 times daily as needed on affected area(s).

Internally: 20-60 drops, 3-4 times a day of a 1:1w/v fluid extract.

Most Common Dosage
Topically: 3 times a day as needed on affected area(s).

Internally: 40 drops, 3 times a day of a 1:1w/v fluid extract.

Dosage Forms

Adult RDI

Adult ODA

Overview

Interactions

Drug/Herb Interactions
•	Immunosuppressive medications

Used since ancient times as a healing agent, calendula is mentioned in herbal books that date back to 1373. The name calendula refers to the plant's tendency to bloom in accordance with the calendar – every month in some regions of the Mediterranean, or during the new moon. Used historically as "poor man's saffron," calendula was used both as a culinary herb and spice as well as a medicinal agent. Extracts of calendula flowers are popular as ingredients in various first aid and cosmetic formulations in Europe. Calendula is listed in the German Commission E Monographs for use as a mouthwash for the oral and pharyngeal mucosa as well as topically for the skin.(1)

Toxicities & Precautions

General
Calendula is reported safe in recommended dosages.

If used in wound healing and wound has not improved in 5-7 days, seek further medical attention.

Allergy
Caution with individuals allergic to plants in the daisy family (Compositae or Asteraceae). A study evaluated the contact sensitization to Calendula officinalis in over 440 patients. Two percent of the patients tested reacted to Calendula officinalis. Of the nine that reacted to the Calendula officinalis, only four reacted to a Compositae mix that contained both Calendula and Arnica.(2)

Side Effects
Discontinue topical use if rash or irritation develops.

Symptoms & Causes of Deficiency

Footnotes

¹ Schmidgall J, et al. Evidence for bioadhesive effects of polysaccharides and polysaccharide-containing herbs in an ex vivo bioadhesion assay on buccal membranes. Planta Med. Feb2000;66(1):48-53.
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² Reider N, Komericki P, Hausen BM, Fritsch P, Aberer W. The seamy side of natural medicines: contact sensitization to arnica (Arnica montana L.) and marigold (Calendula officinalis L.). Contact Dermatitis. Nov2001;45(5):269-72.
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Calendula(Calendula officinalis)

Calendula
(Calendula officinalis)