Calendula, commonly referred to as pot marigold, is a vibrant flowering plant that is often enjoyed as a soothing tea or incorporated into various herbal remedies. The preparation of calendula tea involves the simple process of steeping the vibrant flowers in boiling water, while its extract is obtained from both the flowers and the leaves of the plant. Although it has a slightly bitter flavor profile, calendula tea has been cherished in traditional folk medicine for its numerous purported health benefits. Additionally, you can discover calendula extract in a variety of forms, such as oils, ointments, and tinctures.

Let’s explore seven potential benefits of calendula tea and its extract that may enhance your wellness journey.

1. Abundant in Antioxidants

Antioxidants are essential compounds that combat the damaging effects of oxidative stress within your body. Among these, calendula extract is rich in a variety of powerful antioxidants such as triterpenes, flavonoids, polyphenols, and carotenoids. Moreover, it is enriched with anti-inflammatory agents, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). While inflammation serves as a typical bodily reaction, prolonged inflammation is associated with various health issues, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.

A study conducted on rats that were given monosodium glutamate (MSG) revealed that calendula extract notably diminished oxidative stress and restored antioxidant levels by as much as 122%. MSG, widely used as a flavor enhancer, has been known to trigger headaches, dizziness, and numbness in sensitive individuals or when taken in excessive amounts. Despite the encouraging findings, more research involving human participants is essential. In summary, calendula is packed with numerous compounds capable of battling oxidative stress and inflammation in your body.

2. Potential Benefits for Wound and Skin Ulcer Healing

Calendula extract, commonly found in oils, ointments, and tinctures, is often applied topically for the treatment of wounds and skin ulcers. Additionally, you can utilize calendula tea as a soothing compress or in a spray bottle for direct application to your skin. However, the effectiveness of drinking the tea for similar benefits remains uncertain. Research conducted in laboratory settings and on animals suggests that calendula extract may play a role in regulating specific proteins essential for wound healing. In one laboratory study, it was observed that calendula extract significantly enhanced collagen production in healing wounds. This vital protein is crucial for generating new skin tissue.

In a notable 12-week study involving 57 individuals, an impressive 72% of participants treated with calendula extract reported complete healing of venous leg ulcers, compared to only 32% in the control group. Similarly, a 30-week investigation involving 41 adults suffering from diabetes-related foot ulcers revealed that 78% of those receiving daily treatment with calendula spray achieved complete wound closure. Thus, various forms of calendula can be applied to the skin to promote effective healing of wounds and ulcers.

3. Potential to Combat Certain Cancer Cells

The rich antioxidant profile of calendula (????? ???) may contribute to its potential anti-tumor properties. Studies conducted in vitro indicate that the flavonoids and triterpenes found in calendula may have the ability to combat various types of cancer, including leukemia, melanoma, colon, and pancreatic cancers. Further research highlights that the extract is capable of activating proteins that induce apoptosis in cancer cells, while simultaneously inhibiting other proteins that could hinder this process. However, it is essential to note that there is a significant lack of research involving human subjects. Thus, calendula tea or other calendula-based products should not be utilized as a standalone cancer treatment. While certain compounds within calendula show promise in combating specific cancer cells, thorough human studies are imperative to validate these findings.

4. Potential Antifungal and Antimicrobial Benefits

The extract of calendula is widely recognized for its impressive antifungal and antimicrobial capabilities. In a notable test-tube study, oil derived from calendula flowers demonstrated effectiveness against 23 strains of Candida yeast, a prevalent fungus linked to various infections including those affecting the oral cavity, vagina, and skin. Additionally, another test-tube investigation revealed that calendula extract can inhibit the proliferation of leishmania, the parasite responsible for leishmaniasis—a condition that may lead to skin sores or impact vital internal organs like the spleen, liver, and bone marrow.

For topical applications, you can utilize calendula oils, ointments, cloth compresses, or sprays directly on the skin. However, it's important to note that while these treatments show promise, further research involving human subjects is necessary to ascertain their true effectiveness. Even though calendula exhibits potential antifungal and antimicrobial properties, the current body of research involving human trials remains limited.

5. Potential Benefits for Oral Health

Calendula may provide therapeutic effects for various oral health issues, including gingivitis. This condition, marked by persistent inflammation of the gums, ranks among the most prevalent oral diseases worldwide. A six-month study involving 240 participants suffering from gingivitis revealed that those using a calendula mouthwash saw a remarkable 46% decrease in inflammation, compared to a 35% reduction observed in the control group. Additionally, laboratory tests indicated that a calendula-infused mouthwash effectively decreased the presence of microorganisms on suture materials used in tooth extractions. Researchers believe these beneficial outcomes stem from calendula's powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Moreover, gargling with calendula tea is commonly suggested as a remedy for sore throats, although this claim lacks robust scientific backing. Overall, the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial characteristics of calendula may significantly contribute to enhancing oral health by combating both gingivitis and harmful microbial growth.

6. Potential Benefits for Skin Health

Calendula extract, known for its soothing properties, is extensively used in various cosmetic products like creams and ointments. Research conducted in both laboratory settings and with human participants indicates that this extract can significantly improve skin hydration while promoting firmness and elasticity, potentially delaying the visible signs of aging. The underlying reason for these benefits appears to be its rich antioxidant profile, which may help combat skin damage resulting from oxidative stress.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation stands out as the primary contributor to oxidative stress affecting the skin. Notably, a laboratory study revealed that calendula oil exhibits a sun protection factor (SPF) of approximately 8.36. This suggests that sunscreens containing calendula oil could provide an additional layer of protection against sunburn. Moreover, a 10-day study involving 66 children suffering from diaper rash demonstrated that calendula ointment could serve as a safe and effective treatment option. In summary, the potent antioxidants and sun protection properties of calendula may help mitigate skin damage, slow down the aging process, and effectively address diaper rash.

7. Alternative Applications

While numerous individuals assert that calendula possesses various other applications, very few of these claims are substantiated by scientific research.

• May help regulate the menstrual cycle. It is often suggested that calendula can stimulate menstruation and alleviate menstrual cramps, although supporting studies remain scarce.
• May soothe sore nipples during nursing. Topical application of calendula products may assist in healing cracked nipples during breastfeeding; nevertheless, further investigation is warranted.
• May function as a facial toner. Due to its antimicrobial properties, calendula is thought to diminish acne and skin breakouts. However, there is no solid evidence to support this assertion.
• May enhance heart health. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of calendula may potentially lower the risk of heart attacks, yet these findings were derived from a single test-tube experiment that involved high concentrations.
• May alleviate muscle fatigue. Research conducted on mice indicates that calendula extract may lessen muscle soreness caused by exercise; however, since the study included extracts from two other plants, it complicates the ability to ascertain the specific effects of calendula alone.

Several studies suggest that calendula may promote cardiovascular health, alleviate muscle fatigue, and provide relief for sore nipples. Nonetheless, there is no scientific backing for its additional claims, such as regulating menstruation and treating acne.

Potential Side Effects and Cautions

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified calendula as safe for general use. Nevertheless, while it may enhance skin health for some individuals, it can trigger allergic reactions upon skin contact in others. To ensure safety, it is advisable to conduct a patch test by applying a small quantity of any calendula-infused product on your skin before broader use.

Individuals with known allergies to other members of the Asteraceae family, such as German chamomile (German chamomile) and mountain arnica (mountain arnica), might have an increased risk of developing a calendula allergy. In addition, pregnant women are generally advised to steer clear of calendula products to minimize the potential risk of miscarriage, due to the herb's purported effects on menstruation. Moreover, a comprehensive review encompassing 46 studies highlighted that calendula could potentially interact negatively with sedatives and medications aimed at controlling blood pressure. Therefore, if you are currently on either type of medication, it may be wise to refrain from using this herb.

In summary, while calendula is broadly acknowledged as safe by the FDA, it is prudent for pregnant women and individuals on sedatives or blood pressure medications to exercise caution and consider avoiding its use.

The Final Verdict

Calendula, a vibrant flowering plant, is enriched with a variety of beneficial phytochemicals that may offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and wound healing properties. This versatile herb is frequently enjoyed as an herbal tea and incorporated into a range of topical creams. However, it is important to note that additional research involving human subjects is essential, as much of the current evidence stems from in vitro or animal studies. Lastly, individuals who are pregnant or those who are taking sedatives or medications aimed at lowering blood pressure should steer clear of using calendula.