Calendula flowers are well known for having antiseptic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Calendula is a type of plant that is related to the daisy family. Another name for it is Marigold. It has quite a long history as a treatment for many skin conditions.
The Calendula plant is used to create creams, oils, ointments, salves, and butters to nourish the skin. Calendula may be quite useful in healing wounds, soothing chapped skin and hands and may prevent/treat itching and rashes. Calendula products may also help reduce inflammation (swelling and redness) of the skin. It has many other uses including radiation dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn, scrapes, diaper rash and scarring. Calendula is also known to increase collagen production.
Calendula appears in some preliminary studies to be highly effective in the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis in patients undergoing radiation for breast cancer. More studies are needed but this is exciting news.
In natural medicine it is used to treat an array of different ailments. The research on Calendulas benefits is improving and many studies exist showing its benefits for many skin conditions. It is always important to get the advice of a physician, or health care professional when starting a new product/treatment or medication
*Calendula like any other natural substance or drug may have side effects. This could be an allergic reaction or irritation.
*Calendula can cause severe reactions if you have an allergy to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. It is not advised for pregnant or breast-feeding mothers.