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Calendula - the Wound Healer

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Calendula - the Wound Healer

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Calendula is one of the best homeopathic remedies for bites, stings, and open skin wounds. It has the ability to heal any wound, let it be a superficial wound or deep diabetic ulcer.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Preetha. J

Published At June 30, 2017
Reviewed AtMarch 1, 2022

Overview:

Another name for Calendula is 'English Marigold.' Calendula has a long history of use and has been considered as a 'wound healer.' Calendula has been used not only by homeopathic physicians but also by Western medicine and many surgeons. I have personally seen many surgeons using Calendula for dressing superficial to deep wounds like a diabetic ulcer, accidental injuries, stab wounds, etc.

What Are the Key Ingredients of Calendula?

This medicine contains,

  1. Active Ingredient:

  • Triterpene saponins.

  • Triterpene alcohols.

  • Flavonoids like quercetin and isorhamnetin.

  1. Inactive Ingredients:

  • White petrolatum.

  • Paraffin.

  • Lanolin.

What Is a Calendula Used For?

Calendula is used for:

  • Open wounds.

  • At the site of the suture, after surgery.

  • Diabetic ulcers or any skin ulcers.

  • Hemorrhoids.

  • Deep cut or stab wounds.

  • Fever.

  • Insect bites and stings.

  • Peptic ulcers.

  • A perineal tear during vaginal delivery.

  • Inflammation (oral).

  • Conjunctivitis.

  • Wound after tooth extraction.

  • Leg ulcers.

  • Bleeding from a head or scalp after an injury.

  • Antispasmodic for cancers.

  • Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea).

These are a few indications for Calendula. It can be used in many such open wound cases. It is also effective for burn healing and is worth keeping Calendula handy not only by a physician but everybody as well.

How Does Calendula Act as a Healing Agent?

  • Calendula has an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory action. It mainly acts on the mucous membranes.

  • The antibacterial action of Calendula helps to prevent bacterial growth and thus promotes wound healing.

  • It also has a soothing effect. Hence, it immensely helps in relieving the sore, inflamed wounds and produces a cooling effect at the site of injury.

  • Calendula also has antioxidant effects, which demonstrate the free radical scavenging activity against the radicals, and thus facilitate wound healing.

  • Calendula also fastens the wound granulation and secondary development of the skin. Hence, many patients using Calendula feel less discomfort while dressing deep wounds.

What Is the Dosage and Administration of Calendula?

When you have a Calendula plant, you can benefit from the plant by drying the petals. Dried petals are obtained by plucking from a flower and putting in a paper towel away from the sun. These petals can be used to make tea and oils. To prepare a tea, boil 1 cup of water and add some dried flowers (5 to 10 ml of the herb) to the hot water. The mixture should be allowed to steep for 10 minutes, and any type of flavoring agents such as cinnamon, honey, and vanilla could be added. This mixture can be gargled as a mouthwash for oral sores because of its antispasmodic effects.

The topical products consist of 2 to 5 grams of the herb per 100 grams of the product and have been used for topical wound healing.

Preparations and Doses:

The available forms of Calendula are,

Available Forms

Available Dosages

Tea

1 cup orally three times a day or 1 to 2 grams of dried flowers per 150 ml of water, respectively.

Liquid Extract

0.5 to 1 ml orally three times a day or 1:1 in 40% alcohol, respectively.

Tincture

0.3 to 1.2 ml orally three times a day or 1:5 in 90% alcohol, respectively.

Ointment

Apply topically as needed.

How to Use a Calendula?

The uses of Calendula are as follows:

  • Calendula is available in the form of a cream, liquid, and mother tincture. It can be used internally and externally both.

  • Calendula cream or ointment can be directly applied to the wound with a sterile dressing.

  • Liquid or mother tincture cannot be directly applied. You need to add 5 to 10 drops of Calendula tincture in two teaspoons of water. Soak the dressing or gauze pad in the solution for a few seconds, and then apply it to the wound and cover it with a sterile dressing.

  • Calendula is also very effective in cases of burns. Calendula mother tincture or ointment proves very effective in healing the burnt area.

What Are the Drug Warnings and Precautions?

  1. Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have been allergic to calendula. This drug contains inactive ingredients, which may cause allergic reactions or any other problems. So, it is always better to speak to the doctor or pharmacist to know more information.

  2. Avoid increasing the dose by yourself or taking this medication more often than directed by the pharmacist or doctor because the dosage depends on age, response to the treatment, and medical condition.

  3. Calendula causes dizziness and slowed breathing. Sedative drugs, when taken unknowingly with Calendula, can make one more dizzy. In addition, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness and limit alcoholic beverages while taking Calendula medication.

What Are the Side Effects of Calendula?

There are not many side effects when it is taken by mouth; however, some of the adverse effects of calendula are:

  1. Avoid using calendula when you are allergic to,

    1. Ragweed.

    2. Daisies.

    3. Marigold.

    4. Plants in the Asteraceae or Compositae family.

  2. During pregnancy, calendula should not be used as it may affect the hormone levels and result in menstruation and harm an unborn baby. So, discuss the risks and benefits of this medicine before usage with your doctor.

  3. Do not breastfeed while taking this medication because it can pass through the breast milk.

  4. Before undergoing any surgery, discuss the calendula use with the doctor and always inform your doctor about all the prescription, nonprescription and herbal products you use to avoid future complications.

What Are the Drug Interactions of Calendula?

  1. Drug interactions increase the risk of serious side effects and cause the medicines not to work properly. So, it is better to inform your doctor about all the prescription, nonprescription, and herbal drugs you are taking.

  2. Do not stop or change the dosage of the drug by yourself; always ask your doctor's approval before changing the dosage of the drug.

  3. Calendula causes sleepiness and drowsiness, and medications that make us sleepy are called sedatives. When Calendula is taken with other sedative medicines, it may cause too much sleepiness. The sedative drugs that may interact with Calendula are:

  • Lorazepam (Ativan).

  • Clonazepam (Klonopin).

  • Zolpidem (Ambien).

  • Phenobarbital (Donnatal).

  1. Always keep a list of all the products you are taking and share it with the doctor or pharmacist to reduce the risk of serious drug interactions.

What Are the Common Brand or Trade Names of Calendula?

The common brand names of Calendula are:

  • Marybud.

  • Bride of the sun.

  • Garden marigold.

  • Calendula officinalis.

  • Gold blooms.

  • Holligold.

  • Golden Flower of Mary.

  • Pot marigold.

  • Marigold.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What Is the Difference Between Calendula and Marigold?

The main difference between Marigold and Calendula is the petals. The petals of Calendula are lengthy and straight, whereas the petals of Marigold are rectangular ones with round corners. The other names for Calendula are pot marigold and common marigold. The whole part of Calendula is edible, while only some parts of Marigold are edible.

2.

What Are the Advantages of Calendula?

The various advantages of Calendula are:
- Antioxidant effect.
- Promotes oral health.
- Treats various skin disorders.
- Fights cancer cells.
- Heals ulcers.

3.

What Happens When You Use Calendula on the Skin?

Calendula is a natural extract obtained from marigold flowers. You can use it for treating eczema, perineal tears, or any parasitic infections. It has high levels of antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is mostly preferred as an alternative treatment method.

4.

How Does Calendula Smell Like?

The smell of Calendula is often sweet and strong, like a musky smell. Sometimes the smell of Calendula can be warm, like a wooden smell. The smell of the Calendula is easily recognizable.

5.

Is Calendula Safe for Usage in the Face?

Calendula extracts and oil is safe for the face. It helps in maintaining the skin in a hydrated condition. The overall appearance of the skin is enhanced by the use of Calendula. If you experience any abnormal signs after usage, then it is necessary to stop it immediately. You are advised to re-continue after genuine advice from your doctor.

6.

Can Calendula Help in Overcoming Wrinkles?

One of the important properties of Calendula is its antioxidant effect. The antioxidant effect helps in delaying the process of aging and cell death. The oxidative damages to the cells are also prevented. Calendula is good at reducing wrinkles.

7.

Is Calendula Safe for Consumption?

The beneficial effects of Calendula are more when it is taken for first aid purposes. Some people recommend it to be taken internally for digestive problems and yeast infections. Some people experience mild irritation on consumption, and in such cases, it is necessary to stop the consumption.

8.

Does Calendula Have Antifungal Property?

Yes, Calendula is an antifungal agent. It can be used for treating a wide range of fungal infections. It can help in treating dandruff and dermatitis. You can contact icliniq.com for more help.

9.

Is Calendula Considered Toxic?

Calendula is not toxic generally. It is having a high medicinal value and can be used for various purposes. It is known to provide several uterine contractions in pregnant women, so it is considered unsafe during pregnancy.

10.

Does Calendula Serve Well for Your Hair?

Yes, Calendula is good for dry hair and scalp. You can use a hair conditioner and shampoo that contains Calendula. It helps in providing a moisturizing effect to the scalp and maintains it in a healthy way. Conditions like dandruff can also be treated.

11.

Does Calendula Oil Help in Lightening the Skin?

Calendula contains a component called flavonoids. It helps in reducing the darker pigments present in the skin. Also, Calendula can increase the production of collagen. This can help in improving the elasticity of the skin and reduces wrinkles by enhancing blood flow.

12.

Is Calendula Useful for Dark Spots?

Calendula is very helpful in removing the dark spots in the skin. It can provide a lighter skin tone due to the presence of flavonoids. The elasticity of the skin is restored, and so the skin appears smooth and soft.

13.

What Are the Benefits of Calendula Soap?

Calendula soap is beneficial for the following problems:
- Psoriasis.
- Scratches.
- Eczema.
- Insect bites.
- Rashes.
- Chapped skin.

14.

What Is the Usage of Calendula Tincture?

The Calendula tincture is specifically used for treating burns and wounds. It helps to reduce the inflammation at the injury site, and it also reduces bleeding. The irritated tissue can be cured using Calendula tincture.

15.

What Are the Side Effects of Calendula?

Calendula is generally considered a non-toxic one. But, it is considered a risk factor in pregnancy. The common side effects faced by people who use Calendula are drowsiness and sleepiness.
Dr. Sheetal Kamble
Dr. Sheetal Kamble

Homeopathy

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