You’ve heard that calendula can help heal wounds, but did you know that you can also use this ancient remedy to clear up diaper rash and improve stretch marks? To help you get the most out of this versatile plant, we’ve compiled a list of the top calendula benefits for skin.
But first, let’s look at what calendula is and examine some historical uses of this healing flower.
Table Of Contents
- What Is Calendula?
- Historical Uses Of Calendula
- 6 Calendula Benefits For Your Family’s Skin
- Side Effects And Interactions Of Calendula
- Tips For Using Calendula
What Is Calendula?
Calendula is a plant in the daisy family. It has a yellow or orange flower, though farmers have also cultivated some white blooms.
You can eat the leaves and petals of this plant. Because it’s so beautiful and delicious, it is often used as a culinary herb in dishes like salad mixes.
Calendula grows best in full sun and well-drained soil and is native to the Mediterranean region. However, you can now find it in other parts of Europe, Asia, and North America.
Other Names For Calendula
Calendula has a few other names, including:
- Pot marigold
- Mary’s gold
- English marigold
- Common marigold
Though many of the plant’s other names refer to it as a type of marigold, it’s not the same as the Tagetes species, also commonly called a marigold.
The Tagetes species is the marigold you often see planted in vegetable gardens next to tomatoes. Unfortunately, this flower is not edible. Some varieties can even be harmful if consumed.
Because of their differences, these two plants are not medicinally interchangeable. So, if you're picking your own calendula to use, make sure it’s not a marigold before using it. If you can’t do that, it’s best to leave it.
Historical Uses Of Calendula
People have long known about the medicinal properties of this flower. The ancient Egyptians and Romans used it to heal wounds, and in the Middle Ages, the Greeks employed it as a treatment for snakebites.
In recent history, calendula was an ingredient in the ointment used to heal soldiers’ skin during World War I.
People still use this flower medicinally today, utilizing the petals and leaves of the plant. You can use these parts to create remedies in various forms, including:
- Oral supplements
- Topical creams and ointments
- Tinctures
- Capsules
- Oils
Calendula is also an ingredient in some over-the-counter products, such as:
Since it has many uses, keeping some calendula products on hand is a good idea. That way, you can easily reach them when you need this plant’s healing power.
6 Calendula Benefits For Your Family’s Skin
Now that you know a little bit more about the plant as a whole, let’s take a closer look at some of the top calendula benefits for your and your family’s skin.
1) Improving Stretch Marks
Calendula contains carotenoids, an antioxidant that helps skin cells regenerate. This plant also has anti-inflammatory properties. Because of these characteristics, some people believe that calendula can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
To try this calendula benefit, massage some calendula oil or cream into your skin twice daily. You can also add a few drops of calendula oil to your bath water to help moisturize your skin while you soak.
2) Clearing Up Diaper Dermatitis
Babies often experience diaper dermatitis, more commonly known as diaper rash. Wet or soiled diapers often cause this uncomfortable rash.
Calendula can help clear up diaper dermatitis due to its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. You can find it in some over-the-counter diaper rash creams, such as our easy-to-apply Diaper Rash Sprayable Cream.
In this cream, 99% of the ingredients are of natural origin, so you don't have to worry about harsh chemicals causing problems on your baby's delicate skin.
3) Healing Wounds
Calendula promotes healing and prevents infection in wounds. In addition, St. Luke's Hospital notes that it helps stimulate new skin growth, speeding up the healing process.
When mixed with other healing herbs, such as arnica, it can create a powerful wound-care combination. Our Arnica Gel is perfect for soothing bruises, scrapes, and other minor wounds.
4) Preventing Inflammation
Calendula petals are full of flavonoids, a naturally occurring plant compound. These are responsible for the flower's vibrant color and anti-inflammatory properties.
This compound can help reduce your body’s swelling, pain, and inflammation. It's why calendula is a popular treatment for inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis or gingivitis.
5) Protecting From The Sun’s Rays
The calendula plant contains compounds that can help protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. When used in sunscreen, it can provide natural SPF protection.
If you prefer a natural sunscreen, try our SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Stick. It’s perfect for on-the-go sun protection, and you don’t have to worry about it squeezing out all over your bag, like a traditional sunscreen.
This fragrance-free product is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It applies easily and won’t leave a white film all over your face. It’s also safe to use on kids and infants over six months old.
6) Nourishing The Skin
Calendula can nourish and moisturize your (and your baby’s!) skin. It's a proven botanical for people with eczema or dry skin. And when used in a lotion or cream, it can help hydrate and protect your skin from environmental damage.
Calendula can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The compounds in this flower help protect your body from oxidative stress, a major contributing factor to premature aging.
Side Effects And Interactions Of Calendula
While calendula is a natural remedy, that doesn't mean it's completely free of side effects. Though it's generally considered safe for use on your skin, some people may experience irritation.
So, if you notice any redness, swelling, or itchiness on your skin or your little one’s after using products containing calendula, discontinue use and wash the area with soap and water.
If you're allergic to other members of the daisy or aster family, which includes ragweed, you may also be allergic to calendula. It's important to do a patch test on a small area of skin before using any products containing this flower.
Seek medical care if you experience a severe reaction.
In addition, calendula can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and immunosuppressants. If you or your little one take any medicine, talk to your doctor before using this botanical. They'll be able to determine if it's safe.
Calendula And Babies
If you want to use calendula on your baby, it's generally considered safe. This plant has been used in baby products for centuries because it can soothe and protect delicate skin.
Calendula can help treat diaper rash, cradle cap, and other skin conditions when used topically. Because of this, you’ll often find calendula in baby lotions, diaper rash creams, and child-safe sunscreen.
Tips For Using Calendula
If you're interested in reaping calendula benefits, keep a few things in mind. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of this plant:
1) Do A Patch Test
As mentioned above, you'll want to do a patch test before using any product containing calendula. This will help you determine if you're allergic.
To do a patch test, apply a small amount of the product to a sensitive area, such as your inner wrist, and give it time. If you don't experience any irritation after 24 hours, it should be safe to use on your skin.
2) Use It Sparingly
A little goes a long way when it comes to calendula products. So start with a small amount instead of slathering on a ton. You can always add more if you need to.
3) Store It Properly
Calendula products usually have a shorter shelf life than other cosmetics. That’s because this plant is very sensitive to light and heat.
To extend the lifespan of your calendula products, store them in a cool, dark place. Also, always seal the lid tightly when the product isn’t in use. That way, you won’t experience any contamination.
Reap Amazing Calendula Benefits
Calendula's benefits are many and varied. This plant can help reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling throughout your body. It also protects from the sun's harmful UV rays, nourishes the skin, and more.
Though it has the possibility of side effects, calendula is generally considered safe to use topically, even in baby skincare products.
Our Mineral Sunscreen Stick, Diaper Rash Sprayable Cream, and Arnica Gel make it simple and easy to incorporate this botanical into your life. So shop our calendula-containing products and discover what this powerful plant can do for you and the little one in your life!