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 Calendula (Calendula officinalis) Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain calendula. Decisions to use herbs or supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with their pharmacist or health care provider before starting. Scientists have studied calendula for the following health problems:
Calendula has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially very serious and even life-threatening. You should consult a health care provider before using calendula for any unproven use.
Allergies People with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae or Compositae family (ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies) may be more likely to have allergic reactions to calendula. Rash and a severe allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock have been reported after gargling with calendula. Side Effects Other than allergic reactions, most side effects in humans have been minor. These include skin and eye irritation. However, in one small animal study, calendula caused a fatal reduction in blood glucose, lipids, proteins and triglycerides. Herbs, such as calendula, may cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal upset, although these reactions have not been reported in humans. High doses of calendula may lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding Calendula cannot be recommended during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Results from animal studies suggest that calendula could induce spontaneous abortion and may be toxic to sperm. Interactions with drugs, supplements and other herbs have not been thoroughly studied. The interactions listed below have been reported in scientific publications. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with your health care provider or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements. Interactions With Drugs Based on high doses of calendula used in animal studies, calendula may, in theory, increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan); barbiturates, such as phenobarbital; narcotics, such as codeine; and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating heavy machinery. It is also possible that calendula may lower blood pressure. If you are considering taking calendula and have low blood pressure or are taking drugs to control high blood pressure, please discuss this with your health care provider. Other possible interactions include hypoglycemic (diabetic) medications or insulin and medications that decrease lipids and triglycerides (cholesterol-lowering drugs). Calendula may increase the effects of anti-fungal medications. Calendula may also increase the effects of antispasmodics, which are drugs that help stop muscle spasms in the intestines. Use cautiously if you are taking drugs that can damage the liver or kidneys because calendula may increase the risk of organ damage. Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements No serious interactions between calendula and any herbs or supplements have been reported in humans. However, some interactions are possible based on effects seen in animal studies. For example, calendula may, in theory, increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs or supplements, such as valerian. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery. It is also possible that calendula may add to the effects of herbs or supplements that may lower blood pressure, such as hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha). Because the stem and leaves of calendula contain lutein and beta-carotene, a possible supplement interaction exists with products that contain these ingredients. Calendula may increase the effects of anti-fungal herbs or supplements. Calendula may also increase the effects of herbs or supplements that help stop muscle spasms in the intestines (called antispasmodics). Use cautiously if you are taking herbs or supplements that can damage the liver or kidneys because calendula may increase the risk of organ damage. The doses listed below are based on scientific research, publications or traditional use. Because most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly studied or monitored, safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients even within the same brand. Combination products often contain small amounts of each ingredient and may not be effective. Appropriate dosing should be discussed with a health care provider before starting therapy; always read the recommendations on a product's label. The dosing for unproven uses should be approached cautiously, because scientific information is limited in these areas. For Wound Healing Or Skin Inflammation Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Ointment: A strength of 2 to 5 percent applied to the affected area of skin three to four times daily has been used. Tincture: A strength that has been used is 1:1 in 40 percent alcohol or 1:5 in 90 percent alcohol, diluted at least 1:3 with freshly boiled water, applied to the skin as a compress, three to four times daily. Otic: A dose of five drops of a combination product called NHED solution instilled into affected ear three times a day has been studied. Children (Younger Than 18) The dosing and safety of calendula have not been studied thoroughly in children, and calendula cannot be recommended. For Ear Infections Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Calendula is one of several herbs in a commercially available product called Otikon Otic Solution. A dose of five drops into the affected ear three times daily has been used. Children (Younger Than 18) The dosing and safety of calendula have not been studied thoroughly in children, and calendula cannot be recommended. Although calendula has been suggested for many conditions, it has been most studied as a treatment for wound healing, skin inflammation and ear infections. Calendula is thought to be safe when used externally (on the skin), but it should not be taken by mouth. Calendula is not recommended in pregnant or breast-feeding women or in children. When used on the skin, calendula appears to be well tolerated; the only side effects reported have been in people with allergies. Consult your health care provider immediately if you experience side effects. The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
Selected Scientific Studies: Calendula Natural Standard has reviewed all of the currently available medical literature to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created. Some of the more recent studies are listed below:
Last updated September 03, 2008 ©©1996-2000 InteliHealth Inc. All rights reserved. Source: Inteli-Health Inc. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Use of this online service is subject to InteliHealth's disclaimer and the terms and conditions .
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