(Calendula officinalis L. Asteraceae)
Calendula – In summer, when excessive sun exposure can cause burns or redness of the skin, marigold preparations in the form of ointments or oils can provide us with safe protection.
Marigold is an annual plant of orange-yellow flowers, which is present almost all over the world from Europe, West Asia to America. Although it has a long history of application, recorded by the ancient Greeks and raRomans, it has gained real popularity in folk and conventional medicine in the last 20 years. Today, marigold is one of the most widely used medicinal plants in herbal and homeopathic medicine as well as cosmetics.
Traditional use
Marigold tea has traditionally been used to treat stomach ulcers, conjunctivitis, liver and biliary tract diseases, convulsions, and sweating for fever. Marigold tinctures and ointments have been used to heal wounds, eczema, cuts, insect bites, ulcers, varicose veins, burns, cracked nipples in breastfeeding mothers, fungal and bacterial infections, bruises, glandular swelling, frostbite and abscesses.

What does calendula contain and how does it work?
Marigold contains flavonoids, carotenoids, resin, saponins, mucus and essential oils.
What part of the plant is applied?
Flower tops with orange-yellow petals, which contain the most medically active ingredients.
What do modern scientific research say about the effectiveness of marigold?
Flower tops with orange-yellow petals, which contain the most medically active ingredients.
Several scientific papers have confirmed that marigold preparations accelerate the healing of wounds, ulcers and burns while reducing the inflammatory process at the site of injury. There is evidence that marigold preparations applied inside the oral cavity contribute to the healing of oral lesions and cracks that heal slowly. This action is achieved by strengthening the immune system, antibacterial action, activating tissue regeneration and epithelial regeneration.
The application of calendula ointment has been confirmed to have a positive effect on reducing venous ulcers on the legs. The application of balms containing calendula, contributed to faster healing of diabetic wounds. A study in women with breast cancer who received radiation therapy showed that the use of calendula ointment significantly reduced dermatitis accompanied by redness, irritation and pain. Marigold preparations in the form of drops can reduce pain and inflammation in cases of ear infections.
Several clinical studies justify the use of calendula tea to treat stomach ulcers especially in the initial stage. Marigold ingredients, high molecular polysaccharides stimulate the immune system and thus strengthen the body’s resistance. Recent research has shown that marigold works against the AIDS virus and prevents the development of certain types of cancer. These results, however, require further research to justify the use of marigold in the treatment of these diseases.
In what dosage forms is it used?
For external use, preparations are made in the form of calendula ointment, cream and gel, then calendula oil, alcoholic tincture of calendula and non-alcoholic calendula ear drops. For internal use, tea, alcoholic tincture, capsules and suppositories with marigold extract are used.

How is marigold dosed?
In case of burns, redness or skin irritation after sunbathing, apply a thin layer of marigold ointment with 5% marigold extract three to four times a day. Dosage the tea by soaking 5 g of dried marigold flower in 250 ml of boiling water and then drinking it chilled 2 to 3 times a day. Take the tincture three times a day for 10 drops. Take capsules and suppositories according to the doctor’s advice and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Is marigold harmful?
Marigold belongs to the group of harmless medicinal plants, there are no known contraindications or side effects, so it can be used freely, except for tinctures, by children, pregnant women, nursing mothers and the elderly.
Are there any interactions with any medications?
Marigold belongs to the group of harmless medicinal plants, there are no known contraindications or side effects, so it can be used freely, except for tinctures, by children, pregnant women, nursing mothers and the elderly.
No drug interactions are known at the normal dosage of calendula preparations
Calendula products:
Image by Vikramjit Kakati , by Marina Pershina, by silviarita from Pixabay