Calendula (Pot Marigold)
Calendula officinalis
金盏花
Pinyin: Jīn Zhǎn Huā
Plant Family
Asteraceae
Part Used
Flower head
Origin
Southern Europe, Mediterranean; cultivated worldwide
Safety Level
Safe
Overview
Calendula is an annual plant in the daisy family with bright orange-yellow edible flowers. It has been used medicinally since ancient times and is one of the most commonly used herbs in Western herbalism, especially for skin conditions. The name "marigold" comes from "Mary's gold," as the flowers were used in medieval church celebrations honoring the Virgin Mary.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
cool
Flavors (五味)
bitter
Meridians (归经)
skin, lymphatic, digestive
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Wound healing, cuts, burns, and bruises (topical)
- Skin inflammation, eczema, and dermatitis
- Inflammation of the mouth and throat (gargle)
- Menstrual cramps and delayed menstruation
- Fever and infection (diaphoretic)
- Digestive inflammation (ulcers, gastritis)
- Eye inflammation (compress)
- Lymphatic congestion
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Used topically as cream, ointment, oil, salve, tincture, and compress. Internally as tea, tincture, and capsules. Calendula cream is one of the most popular herbal first-aid creams. Calendula oil is made by infusing the flowers in carrier oil (olive, almond, etc.).
Suggested Dosage
Tea: 1-2 tsp dried flowers, steeped 10-15 min, 2-3 times daily. Tincture: 2-5ml 2-3 times daily. Topical cream/ointment: apply 2-4 times daily to affected area. Infused oil: apply to skin as needed.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Summer, when flowers are fully open. Picked on dry, sunny days and dried in shade at low temperature.
Quality Indicators
Bright orange-yellow color, whole flower heads, strong aromatic-herbal scent. Should be vibrant, not faded. For topical use, look for calendula cream with at least 2-5% calendula extract or 10% infused oil.
Storage
Store dried flowers in airtight container in cool, dark place. Shelf life: 1-2 years. Calendula oil: store in dark glass bottle, cool place, for up to 1 year.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Allergy to ragweed or other Asteraceae plants (cross-reactivity)Pregnancy (may stimulate menstruation - avoid internal use)Breastfeeding (topical is generally safe)Children: topical use is safe; internal use cautionSurgery (discontinue internal use 2 weeks before)
Possible Side Effects
- Topical: generally very safe; mild allergic reaction (rare)
- Internal: mild digestive upset (high doses)
- Allergic contact dermatitis (in sensitive individuals)
- Rare: anaphylaxis (in those with severe Asteraceae allergy)
Drug Interactions
- Topical: minimal systemic absorption, very low interaction risk
- Internal: Sedatives (may enhance effect - mild)
- Blood pressure medications (mild hypotensive effect - theoretical)
- Hormone therapies (mild estrogenic effect - theoretical)
- Generally very low interaction risk
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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