Calendula

Internally, Calendula is used for its anti-inflammatory, lymphatic and anti-microbial properties. Soothing to the gastrointestinal tract, Calendula is beneficial for gastric and duodenal ulcers. Calendula stimulates lymphatic drainage, providing benefit for enlarged and inflamed lymph nodes, acne and sebaceous cysts. Calendula exhibits anti-microbial activity and is used to support healing from internal infections.

Topically, Calendula is used for its vulnerary, styptic, antiviral and antifungal actions. It is often infused into balms or creams to combat skin inflammation and infection. Calendulas styptic properties help to dry and contract skin lesions including acne, while its vulnerary property encourages wound healing.

The flower heads of Calendula contain the highest concentration of active constituents. These are the parts used in herbal teas, liquid extracts and topical preparations.

Essential oils.

Anti-inflammatory effects are exerted by inhibiting COX-2 enzyme pathways.

Produce an anti-microbial effect internally and topically by rupturing microbial cell membranes.

Polysaccharides.

Immunomodulatory compounds that stimulate phagocytosis and anti-inflammatory cytokine production. This activity enhances the immune response and promotes faster wound healing.

Flavonoids.

Dampen an overactive inflammatory response by inhibiting inflammatory enzymes.

Reduce oxidative stress, which is known to accelerate the aging process, by scavenging reactive oxidative species.

Steroidal saponins.

Modulate the inflammatory response by increasing blood flow to injured tissue to deliver oxygen and nutrients and decreasing tissue swelling following the initial stage of inflammation.

Exert anti-microbial effects by rupturing microbial membranes, leading to bacterial cell death.

Triterpenoids.

Inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins, cytokines and nitric oxide. They also modulate inflammatory enzymes to prevent an overactive inflammatory process.

Bitter resin.

Produces anti-fungal and anti-bacterial effects by disrupting microbial cell membranes and microbial enzyme systems, resulting in bacterial cell death.

Exerts a vulnerary action that helps form a protective layer around injured tissue to support tissue granulation and remodelling.

The best calendula for medicinal use is Calendula officinalis. It is rich in healing compounds including flavonoids, bitter resins, and essential oils, making them ideal for reducing inflammation, supporting the lymphatic system and being made into topical creams and balms to support wound healing. Other varieties of Calendula such as Calendula arvensis or Calendula stellata lack quality research to compare their medicinal uses to Calendula officinalis.

Yes, they are the same plant. Marigold is a commonly used name for Calendula. The origin of the name Marigold is debated; some trace it to the Anglo-Saxon name Meargealla. While others believe it comes from a combination of ‘Mary’ and ‘gold’, referring to the flower’s golden petals, which were offered to the Virgin Mary by those who could not afford gold coins.

Calendula's anti-inflammatory activity supports skin health by supressing the overproduction of prostaglandins, a substance responsible for pain, redness and swelling following tissue injury. Although inflammation is the first step in the healing process, excessive or prolonged inflammation can lead to tissue damage, delayed healing, and chronic skin conditions. By helping to modulate this response, Calendula promotes a balanced and effective healing process.

Calendula also enhances tissue repair by stimulating angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and improving local blood circulation. This improved circulation delivers oxygen and essential nutrients to damaged tissue, accelerating regeneration and reducing healing time. Its antioxidant compounds further protect skin cells from oxidative stress and support collagen production, contributing to improved skin texture and elasticity.

In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, Calendula possesses notable antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which help prevent infection in wounds, cuts, burns, and other skin irritations.

Emerging clinical studies have revealed that Calendula can influence gene expression; upregulating genes associated with tissue repair and regeneration, while downregulating genes linked to inflammation.

Calendula is generally well-tolerated when used topically and is a common ingredient in products designed for sensitive, inflamed, or damaged skin. It is often used to soothe conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, sunburn, and minor burns.

Calendula has potent antioxidant properties, making it an effect ingredient in skincare to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Oxidative damage promotes aging of the skin. Calendula works to remedy this by scavenging free radicals and stimulating cell turnover and collagen production.

Kiwiherb has two organic calendula balms in our natural skincare range.

Organic Calendula Balm is made to support skin healing, encourage skin regeneration and soothe inflammation.

Organic Baby Balm is designed for babies from birth. Calms skin inflammation, stimulates rapid healing and supports tissue regeneration.

In an herbal tea, it is safe to consume 1 – 4 grams of dried Calendula petals up to 3 times daily. For adults, it is not recommended to exceed a daily dose of 3.5 mL of a 1:2 liquid Calendula extract.

Always follow dosage recommendations and consult with a naturopath or medical herbalist if using other medications or herbal products.

Calendula grows easily in most parts of New Zealand. Sow seeds directly into well-draining soil in a sunny garden position during spring or autumn. It prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts, making it well-suited to New Zealand’s climate. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, and deadhead old flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Calendula self-seeds readily, so once established, it will often return year after year.

The best time to plant Calendula in New Zealand is during early spring or autumn, when the weather is mild. Calendula thrives in cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts, making it ideal for these transitional seasons. Planting during these times allows the seeds to establish without the stress of extreme heat, leading to strong, healthy growth and prolonged flowering.

For mid-winter blooms, plant Calendula in early spring. For a spring to summer bloom, plant Calendula in Autumn.

The best time to harvest Calendula in New Zealand is during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when the flowers are in full bloom.  For optimal potency, pick the flowers in the late morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day.  Harvest regularly to encourage more blooms, and choose flowers that are freshly opened, as these contain the highest levels of beneficial oils and compounds. 

For edible flowers, harvest once blossoms are fully open and pick the petals out from the centre of the flower.  The petals can be used to decorate cakes, make tea and used as an inexpensive alternative to saffron.  

For medicinal purposes, harvest the entire flower head in the late morning after the dew has dried out, as this is when they contain the highest concentration of active constituents.  The flower heads can be infused into an oil, before being made into a soothing balm or cream. 

Calendula is native tosouthern Europe, particularly the Mediterranean region.It has been cultivated for centuries for its medicinal, culinary, and decorative uses, and has since naturalised in many parts of the world, including New Zealand.Its adaptability to various climates and soils has made it a popular garden companion across temperate regions globally.

Biswash Sapkota, & Paridhi Kunwar. (2024). A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Calendula officinalis linn. Natural Product Communications, 19(6). https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x241259021

Ovinuchi Ejiohuo, Samson Folami, & Abdulkadir Yusif Maigoro. (2024). Calendula in modern medicine: Advancements in wound healing and drug delivery applications. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry Reports, 12, 100199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmcr.2024.100199

Shahane, K., Kshirsagar, M., Tambe, S., Jain, D., Rout, S., Ferreira, M. K. M., Mali, S., Amin, P., Srivastav, P. P., Cruz, J., & Lima, R. R. (2023). An updated review on the multifaceted therapeutic potential of Calendula officinalis L. Pharmaceuticals, 16(4), 611. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16040611

Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. (n.d.). Shakespeare’s favourite flowers: The marigold. https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/explore-shakespeare/blogs/marigold-on-death-beds-blowing-the-marigold-in-shakespeare-and-victorian-england/