Calendula - Calendula officinalis - Topical panacea or just so-so?

If you love audio learning, skip right to my Calendula episode of the same title:

https://mysoundwise.com/episodes/16818420808233137e

The audio lesson is about 50 minutes, by far an expansion, and it is part of the series: 'Meaningful Monographs!' which are each about one medicinal plant.

The light version is here, the shaped-up notes from a podcast several years ago.

One woe of the humble herbalist: skin issues

Skin issues are a common concern for many individuals, ranging from dryness and rashes to hyperpigmentation and acne. As an herbalist, I often receive inquiries about these problems, and it's interesting to note that skin issues are frequently the first topic people ask about. Perhaps they believe it's an easy category, but contrary to popular belief, dermatology in conventional medicine is no walk in the park. When it comes to using herbs and natural healing methods, addressing skin health requires an inside-out approach. We must dig deeper to uncover the underlying causes and make necessary changes to stress management, diet, exercise, and lifestyle.

However, for those seeking quick recommendations or desperate parents searching for solutions to their child's persistent rashes, I do have a few herbs in mind. If I had to suggest just one to start with, this is my most often choice and I've featured it today as it's blooming in gardens where I live, and in many places.

When it comes to topical use for skin issues, Calendula takes the crown. It's worth noting that a small percentage of individuals may be allergic to it. In a study involving over 1032 patients, only two individuals exhibited reactions to ointments containing 10% calendula tincture. This means that approximately 0.2% of people, or two in a thousand, experienced an allergic response.

Now, let's address the question: What exactly is Calendula? We're talking about the same plant known by various names such as pot marigold or marigold (not the ruffly variety). The specific plant we're referring to is Calendula officinalis, a member of the composite family with daisy-like flowers. The preferred varieties are orange or yellow and possess a sticky resin, although the exact variety is not crucial.

But why do we love Calendula so much? Let me break it down for you:

• Calendula is anti-inflammatory. Numerous studies conducted from 1996 to the present have shown that triterpenoid esters contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, carotenoids present in Calendula offer specific benefits to the skin.
• Calendula has antibacterial properties, thanks to its essential oils and other constituents.
• It's an antioxidant, containing tocopherols, which you might recognize as the technical name for vitamin E.
• Furthermore, Calendula is believed to possess mild antifungal properties. It has been a key ingredient in various products, ranging from baby powders and diaper rash creams to remedies for common fungal overgrowths in adults.

What sets Calendula apart, in my opinion, is its remarkable affinity for the skin. Through its gentle and multifaceted actions, Calendula aids the skin's natural functions. The resins in Calendula help retain moisture, provide protection, and allow the skin to breathe while also exhibiting antimicrobial properties. With the complex nature of skin issues, it can be difficult and frustrating to reach a consensus on the underlying cause—whether it's dryness, oiliness, excess moisture, infection, inflammation, or an imbalance in the skin and immune system's regulation of these factors. Calendula steps in with its gentle balancing influence on all of these variables.

Moreover, Calendula is vulnerary, meaning it promotes wound healing in a gentle manner. When the cycle of scratching rashes or picking at blemishes perpetuates the condition, Calendula can be a sound approach to break the cycle. Even in the worst-case scenario, it is generally safe for everyone except the rare 1-2 in a thousand individuals who may have slight allergies. Interestingly, an allergy to the composite family can serve as an indicator of potential allergy to Calendula.

In conclusion, while addressing skin issues can be challenging, Calendula proves to be a valuable herb in the herbalist's toolkit. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and antifungal properties, coupled with its remarkable skin affinity, make it an ideal choice for those elusive skin problems that defy definitive diagnosis or reliable treatment.

Again, if you love audio learning, you might like to multitask and learn more immersed in my Calendula episode of the same title:

https://mysoundwise.com/episodes/16818420808233137e

The audio lesson is about 50 minutes, by far an expansion, and it is part of the series: 'Meaningful Monographs!' which are each about one medicinal plant.

-Heather Irvine (Sprig!)