Health Benefits of Calendula

Benefits

Calendula is applied to the skin to reduce pain and swelling (inflammation) and to treat poorly healing wounds and leg ulcers.
It is also applied (used topically) for nosebleeds, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, inflammation of the rectum and inflammation of the lining of the eyelid (conjunctivitis).
Calendula is good for acne and nappy rash. An infusion is good for digestion and relieves colitis and symptoms of menopause.
This herb can act as an anti-fungal agent; it can be used to treat athlete’s foot, ringworm and candida.
Calendula contains chemicals, which have been shown in animal studies to speed up wound-healing by several actions that include increasing blood flow to the affected area and promoting the production of collagen proteins. Calendula also possesses antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects due to its flavonoid
It is also used for treating sore throat and mouth, menstrual cramps, cancer and stomach and duodenal ulcers.
In one small study of about 250 women undergoing radiation therapy after surgery for breast cancer, a commercial calendula ointment reduced the amount of skin irritation better than another commonly-used commercial preparation. Women who used the calendula ointment also reported less pain from the radiation. Investigations into anti-cancer and anti-viral actions continue.