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Herbs & Supplements
Garden Marigold
Scientific Name: Calendula
Other Names: Calendula officinalis, Gold Bloom, Golden Marigold, Holligold, Marybud, Pot Marigold
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Uses
Even though oral forms of calendula have not been proven effective in studies, they have been used historically to treat stomach irritation and ulcers. Calendula is believed to have some antispasmodic (preventing or relieving muscle tightness) action, so it has also been taken by mouth to relieve menstrual cramps and other kinds of muscle spasms. Results from laboratory studies show that low doses may cause weak muscle spasms, but higher doses may produce a relaxing effect on some muscles. In some animal studies, calendula has appeared to lengthen sleeping time. Calendula also has a high content of flavonoids, chemicals that act as antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants are thought to protect body cells from damage caused by a chemical process called oxidation. Oxygen free radicals, natural chemicals that are produced by oxidation, may suppress immune function. Calendula's antioxidant effect may enhance immune function in general, but more studies are needed for all the possible oral uses of calendula.
Currently, topical forms of calendula are more commonly used than oral forms--especially in Europe. Calendula contains chemicals that have been shown in animal studies to speed up wound healing by several actions that include increasing blood flow to the affected area and promoting collagen production. Collagen is a natural protein that supports body tissues, strengthens cells, and makes skin flexible. Calendula also possesses antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects due to its flavonoid content. In mouthwashes and gargles, calendula soothes sore throat or mouth tissue; in solutions, it treats hemorrhoids; in lotions and ointments it relieves acne, burns, diaper rash, insect bites, razor burns, scrapes and other relatively minor conditions of the skin or mucous membranes. One small study of about 250 women undergoing radiation therapy after surgery for breast cancer found that a commercial calendula ointment reduced the amount of skin irritation better than another commonly used commercial preparation. Women who used the calendula ointment also reported less pain from the radiation. Calendula cream may also help to protect against skin damage from chemicals. Results from recent animal and laboratory studies show that calendula may also have some anti-infective properties--particularly against fungal infections and against viruses, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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