Calendula flower

Traditional Uses & Why Herbalists Value It

European herbalists infuse calendula flowers into oils and salves for skin care, or prepare washes and rinses. It is a vulnerary, an older term for a herb used on minor skin injuries, and an emollient, meaning softening and soothing. Calendula officinalis is the flower used in this tradition.

What Modern Research Has Found

European assessments recognize calendula flower's traditional use for minor skin inflammation and as an aid in healing minor wounds. Clinical studies have evaluated particular topical preparations, while laboratory work explores triterpenoids and flavonoids. Clinical results vary by preparation and setting.

Plant Part, Preparation & Natural Constituents

Flavonoids, triterpenoids and carotenoid pigments occur in the flowers. It belongs to the Asteraceae family.

Calendula flower in Formulae

Deep Heat pairs calendula's flower-based topical tradition with the warmer or cooler sensory roles of cayenne and menthol in an olive-oil-and-beeswax base.

Products Containing This Ingredient

• Deep Heat Muscle Ointment (5 oz)

Sources & Further Reading

• Calendulae flos >