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Overview: Calendula is a plant called Calendula officinalis. The flower is used to make tea, skin care products, and dietary supplements. These products may be used to help with minor burns, wounds, sore throat, and stomach upset, but their benefits for any use are not well defined. Calendula seems to be well tolerated, although there is not enough research to know what common side effects it may cause. Before using calendula, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are using.

Uses

What is calendula used for?

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is applied to the skin to help with minor burns and wounds. It may also be taken by mouth to help with stomach upset or a sore throat. However, its benefits for any use are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed calendula for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does calendula work (mechanism of action)?

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, refers to a plant called Calendula officinalis. The calendula flower is used to make several products, including dietary supplements, teas, and skin care products. It is not the same as the plant most commonly known as a marigold in the U.S. (true marigold), which is in the Tagetes genus.

Some of the chemicals in calendula can help lessen swelling (inflammation), which may be helpful when applied to minor burns or wounds. This effect may also help soothe a sore throat. But the actual effects of calendula are poorly understood, and its benefits are not well defined.

Herbal products, such as calendula, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific calendula product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store calendula?

You should store calendula as directed on the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of calendula?

Calendula seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Side effects may vary depending on the way you are using calendula and the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of calendula that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of calendula?

While less common, the most serious side effects of calendula are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Calendula may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using calendula and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use calendula?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use calendula.

  • Calendula
  • Calendula officinalis
  • Marigold
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific calendula products they stock.

What should I know about calendula before using it?

Calendula is available in skin care products, teas, and dietary supplements. These products cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep calendula out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as calendula, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific calendula product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Calendula is available in many different forms, including as a tea, liquid extract, or dietary supplement. The tea may be used as a beverage or applied to the skin as a compress. Calendula is also added to other products that are applied to the skin, such as ointments and creams. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.

The FDA has not tested calendula products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using calendula?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if calendula is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Allergies to Certain Plants. Calendula is part of the Asteraceae (daisy) family of plants. People who have allergies to other plants in this family may be more likely to have an allergic reaction to calendula. Some examples of other common plants in the Asteraceae family include arnica, echinacea, chamomile, yarrow, ragweed, asters, and chrysanthemums. If you have an allergy to one of these plants, talk to your health care provider before using calendula.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how calendula could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if calendula passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does calendula interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between calendula and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect calendula.

Does calendula interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between calendula and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with calendula is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using calendula with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much calendula?

If you or someone else has used too much calendula, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Calendula is available in a wide range of doses and forms, including in products that are applied to the skin. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use calendula safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.