Calendula
In short
Summary of findings for quick reference
Calendula flowers are a classic ingredient of European skin care. Medieval and early modern sources also describe internal uses and preparations involving other plant parts. They do not establish continuous exclusively external use of the flower. The European monographs for present-day traditional use concern Calendulae flos, the flower of Calendula officinalis.
Clinical findings are mixed. In 2004, Pommier and colleagues found less radiation dermatitis with a calendula ointment than with trolamine in 254 breast cancer patients. Later trials by Sharp and colleagues and Siddiquee and colleagues found no detectable advantage over other skin-care creams. Small wound-healing and oral-mucosa studies provide preliminary findings, not a general treatment recommendation. Results for specific preparations cannot be applied to every calendula ointment.
The EMA HMPCEuropean Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) monograph describes traditional use for minor skin inflammation and wounds and as a rinse or gargle for minor mouth and throat inflammation. It does not establish efficacy for radiation injury or recommend drinking calendula tea. Calendula medicines must not be used with a known Asteraceae allergy. The EMA does not recommend their use during pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety data are lacking.
Clinical evidence ↔ Historical significanceWe display two separate evidence categories: clinical evidence from modern trials and historical significance from documented healing tradition. Both are valuable, but they answer different questions.Read more
In every encyclopedia entry we evaluate two distinct categories of evidence. Clinical evidence as used in trials meets a narrower but scientifically essential bar. At the same time, the hundreds of thousands of plant species worldwide have only partially been captured and tested in modern studies.
Alongside the trial picture our researchers compile a comprehensive overview of where and since when a plant has been used across different traditions of natural medicine. When a plant has been used as a medicinal plant in many cultures across many generations, that historical significance deserves to be visible too.
Our position: a truly informative overview emerges only when both categories sit side by side. We communicate transparently what counts as what.
Overview
Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also called pot marigold, is one of the most familiar herbs of the Central European cottage garden. The bright orange to yellow flower heads are made into salves, infused oils, teas, and compresses, and have been part of the household pantry across the German-speaking world for generations.
Research focuses on the triterpenoids, especially faradiol esters, and flavonoids in the flowers. The EMA’s HMPC monograph describes traditional use for minor skin inflammation, to aid healing of minor wounds, and for minor inflammation of the mouth and throat. The German Commission E also assessed the flowers positively. Traditional use should be distinguished from clinically established efficacy.
History
Calendula is a familiar plant of Central European gardens and household remedies. Medieval and early modern herbals also describe internal uses. Its now-familiar role in skin care therefore represents only part of its history.
The plant has retained its place in modern phytotherapy. The EMA HMPCEuropean Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) monograph addresses calendula flower preparations as traditional herbal medicines. The German Commission E also assessed the flowers positively. Such monographs describe indications and safety limits; they do not constitute blanket approval of every calendula ointment.
Mechanism
The mechanistic research focuses on the triterpenoids in the flower heads. Faradiol esters in particular have been studied for anti-inflammatory activity in mice, among other models, and are considered the lead phytochemical markers for calendula. Flavonoids and carotenoids contribute to the broader profile.
Laboratory studies investigate anti-inflammatory effects of calendula extracts and processes involved in wound healing. How these findings translate to everyday calendula ointment use is not sufficiently established. They neither confirm a particular historical use nor establish reliable healing benefits in people.
Clinical evidence is mixed. In 2004, Pommier and colleagues observed less grade 2 or higher radiation dermatitis with a calendula ointment than with trolamine in 254 breast cancer patients. Sharp and colleagues’ larger 2013 trial with 420 randomised patients found no advantage over an aqueous cream. Siddiquee and colleagues likewise found no significant difference from Sorbolene in 2021; with 82 randomised participants, that study did not reach its planned size. Different preparations and comparator creams complicate direct comparisons.
A small 2013 study by Babaee and colleagues tested a two-percent mouthwash in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy, some with concurrent chemotherapy. It reported lower mucositis severity but described withdrawals inconsistently. For caesarean wounds, Jahdi and colleagues reported improved wound scores in a small 2018 trial without a placebo ointment. The older 2001 study by Lavagna and colleagues instead used a mixture of Hypericum and Calendula arvensis and does not establish an effect of Calendula officinalis alone. Such uses should be discussed with the treating team.
Evidence
| Outcome | Class | Grade | Effect | Studies | Refs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topical wound healing supportThe EMA describes aid to minor-wound healing as traditional use. Jahdi and colleagues reported better wound scores with calendula ointment than routine care in 72 women after caesarean section in 2018. There was no placebo ointment and reporting contains ambiguities. Lavagna’s 2001 study of Hypericum with Calendula arvensis is not counted as evidence for Calendula officinalis alone.Adults with minor skin wounds; post-surgical (caesarean) | EmergingEmerging research. Early small trials suggest an effect but await replication. | CEvidence quality grade C. Mixed or limited evidence. Small trials, signals, or traditional use under an EMA HMPC traditional-use monograph. This is an evidence rating, not a product endorsement. | Preliminary signs of improvement | [7][5] | |
| Oral mucositis severity during radiotherapyBabaee and colleagues compared a two-percent calendula mouthwash with placebo in 40 randomised participants in 2013. Mucositis was less severe at several assessments. Small groups and inconsistent withdrawal reporting limit reliability. This is preliminary evidence, not established prevention.People with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy, sometimes with concurrent chemotherapy | EmergingEmerging research. Early small trials suggest an effect but await replication. | CEvidence quality grade C. Mixed or limited evidence. Small trials, signals, or traditional use under an EMA HMPC traditional-use monograph. This is an evidence rating, not a product endorsement. | Preliminary signs of improvement | [4] | |
| Skin inflammation including radiation dermatitisThe EMA describes traditional use for minor skin inflammation. For radiation dermatitis, Pommier 2004 found an advantage over trolamine; Sharp 2013 and Siddiquee 2021 found no detectable advantage over other skin-care creams. These findings do not establish a reliable general recommendation for preventing radiation skin reactions.Adults with minor inflammatory skin conditions; radiotherapy patients | EmergingEmerging research. Early small trials suggest an effect but await replication. | CEvidence quality grade C. Mixed or limited evidence. Small trials, signals, or traditional use under an EMA HMPC traditional-use monograph. This is an evidence rating, not a product endorsement. | Mixed findings | [7][1][2][3] | |
| Antimicrobial activity in the laboratoryLaboratory studies report antimicrobial activity of individual calendula extracts. This does not establish an effective treatment for skin infection. Concentration, extraction method and organisms tested affect the results.In vitro / preclinical | TraditionalTraditional use. Long-standing folk practice or EMA HMPC traditional-use monograph. | DEvidence quality grade D. Preliminary signal. A single small trial, pilot result, or laboratory or animal model. Clinical relevance unclear. This is an evidence rating, not a product endorsement. | Early Findings | [8] |
Usage
Forms and preparation
A calendula infusion can be used for dressings or for rinsing and gargling. Use dried flowers of medicinal quality and follow the product instructions for quantity, steeping time and use. Let the infusion cool adequately before skin or mouth contact and prepare it fresh. Spit out an infusion used for rinsing. For an oil maceration, loosely fill the dried flowers into a clean jar, cover them completely with a good plant oil (for example organic sunflower or olive oil), and let them steep for two to four weeks at room temperature, protected from light. Then strain and store cool. The classic calendula ointment is made from this oil maceration combined with beeswax.
Dosage
For the skin uses described, the EMA lists a thin layer of relevant ointments or creams two to four times daily. Follow the instructions of the particular product. Infusions are also used for dressings, rinsing or gargling. This monograph does not support recommending calendula tea to drink as treatment. If symptoms persist for more than a week, seek medical advice. Consult sooner if symptoms worsen or signs of skin infection appear. During radiotherapy or for a surgical wound, use calendula only after discussing it with the treating team.
Safety
Look-alikes
Similar plants and look-alikes
French and African marigolds (Tagetes)
A different genus (Tagetes) within the Asteraceae family. In English both are sometimes called "marigold", which leads to confusion. Tagetes has a noticeably different, stronger scent and different traditional uses. The classic calendula household remedy uses only Calendula officinalis.
FAQs
How do you make calendula ointment at home?
Start with an oil maceration: loosely fill a clean jar with dried calendula flowers, cover them completely with a plant oil (for example sunflower or olive), and let it steep for two to four weeks at room temperature, protected from light. Then strain. For the ointment, melt the finished calendula oil with beeswax in a water bath (about 10 g of wax per 100 ml of oil) and pour into clean jars. Make small batches and store them cool and protected from light. A fixed shelf life cannot be guaranteed for a homemade ointment. It is intended for intact skin care, not as a substitute for a tested wound preparation.
Is calendula the same as tagetes (French/African marigold)?
No. True calendula (Calendula officinalis) and tagetes (French or African marigold) both belong to the Asteraceae family but are different genera. In English, both are sometimes called "marigold", which causes confusion. For traditional skin care, only calendula is meant; the information on Calendula officinalis cannot be transferred to Tagetes.
Can I use calendula during pregnancy?
The EMA does not recommend calendula medicines during pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety data are lacking; ointments and compresses are not automatically exempt. Traditional use is not sufficient evidence of safety. Discuss care of irritated skin with your midwife or doctor and follow the instructions for the particular product.
How often can I apply calendula ointment?
For suitable ointments and creams, the EMA lists a thin layer two to four times daily; follow the package leaflet. Seek medical advice if symptoms last longer than a week, and sooner if they worsen or signs of infection appear. Do not use with an Asteraceae allergy.
When do you harvest calendula for personal use?
In a Central European garden, calendula flowers from June through October. Pick the flowers in late morning on a dry day, then dry them in a shaded, airy spot. Store the fully dried flowers in a dry, dark place and check for moisture and mould before use. For a continuous harvest, pick the open flower heads regularly; the plant will keep producing.
8 sources.
- P. Pommier; F. Gomez; M. P. Sunyach; A. D’Hombres; C. Carrie; X. Montbarbon. Phase III randomized trial of Calendula officinalis compared with trolamine for the prevention of acute dermatitis during irradiation for breast cancer. 2004. doi:10.1200/JCO.2004.07.063
- Lena Sharp; Kristina Finnilä; Hemming Johansson; Marie Abrahamsson; Thomas Hatschek; Mia Bergenmar. No differences between Calendula cream and aqueous cream in the prevention of acute radiation skin reactions--results from a randomised blinded trial.. 2013. doi:10.1016/j.ejon.2012.11.003
- Shihab Siddiquee; Margaret A. McGee; Andrew D. Vincent; Eileen Giles; Robyn Clothier; Scott Carruthers; Michael Penniment. Efficacy of topical Calendula officinalis on prevalence of radiation-induced dermatitis: A randomised controlled trial. 2021. doi:10.1111/ajd.13434
- Neda Babaee; Dariush Moslemi; Mohammad Khalilpour; Fatemeh Vejdani; Yasaman Moghadamnia; Ali Bijani; Mahmoud Baradaran; Mohammad Taghi Kazemi; Asieh Khalilpour; Mahdi Pouramir; Ali Akbar Moghadamnia. Antioxidant capacity of calendula officinalis flowers extract and prevention of radiation induced oropharyngeal mucositis in patients with head and neck cancers: a randomized controlled clinical study. 2013. doi:10.1186/2008-2231-21-18
- Fereshteh Jahdi; Akram Haghighi Khabbaz; Maryam Kashian; Mohsen Taghizadeh; Hamid Haghani. The impact of calendula ointment on cesarean wound healing: A randomized controlled clinical trial. 2018. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_121_17
- S. M. Lavagna; D. Secci; P. Chimenti; L. Bonsignore; A. Ottaviani; B. Bizzarri. Efficacy of Hypericum and Calendula oils in the epithelial reconstruction of surgical wounds in childbirth with caesarean section.. 2001. doi:10.1016/s0014-827x(01)01060-6
- European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). European Union herbal monograph on Calendula officinalis L., flos, Revision 1. 2018. Source
- European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Assessment report on Calendula officinalis L., flos, Revision 1. 2018. Source
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