From battlefield dressing to modern medicine cabinet: The enduring power of calendula

• Calendula, or pot marigold, is a medicinal herb with a centuries-old history of treating wounds and skin conditions.
• Modern research supports its use in wound healing, with studies showing benefits for surgical sites, diabetic ulcers and radiation-induced skin damage.
• The plant’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it a promising, gentle remedy for managing eczema and other inflammatory skin disorders.
• Calendula is versatile in form, found in ointments, oils and creams, and can even be grown and prepared at home for personal use.
• While generally safe, individuals with allergies to plants in the daisy family should use calendula with caution.

In an era of complex skincare regimens and high-priced serums, a humble flower with a formidable history is capturing renewed attention from both scientists and natural health advocates. Calendula officinalis, commonly known as pot marigold, is not a new discovery. Its bright petals were used by Civil War surgeons to pack wounds and by medieval cooks to fortify soups against infection. Today, this ancient remedy is being validated by modern research for its significant wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties, offering a gentle, evidence-based option for managing stubborn skin conditions like eczema. The news is that a plant long nestled in folklore is now earning its place in contemporary dermatology and holistic health, bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and clinical science.

Rooted in history and ritual

Long before it was encapsulated in creams, calendula was a staple in the practical and spiritual lives of past cultures. Its name derives from the Latin calendae, meaning the first day of the month, a nod to its near-constant blooming cycle. By the Middle Ages, it had been christened “Mary-gold” in honor of the Virgin Mary and was a common ingredient in broths and possets, serving as a functional food long before the term was coined. The flower’s utility extended beyond the kitchen and apothecary into the realm of ritual. On Midsummer’s Eve in Europe, people gathered marigolds to hang over doors for protection from evil spirits, to slip under beds to ward off nightmares, and to weave into garlands symbolizing heartbreak or love. These historical uses underscore the deep cultural trust placed in this versatile plant.

The herbalists’ intuition meets modern science

The empirical observations of historical herbalists have found resonance in contemporary laboratories. Seventeenth-century English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper praised calendula for its ability to “cease inflammation” and cheer the heart. Modern science now attributes these effects to a rich profile of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, triterpenoids and carotenoids. These compounds confer potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Clinical research has demonstrated that topical calendula preparations can accelerate healing and reduce inflammation in a variety of settings, including:

• Surgical wounds and episiotomies
• Diabetic foot ulcers and pressure sores
• Radiation-induced dermatitis

This scientific backing transforms calendula from a folk remedy into a credible therapeutic agent. Its ability to stimulate collagen production and improve blood flow to injured areas provides a mechanistic explanation for its centuries-old reputation as a powerful skin healer.

A soothing ally for inflammatory skin

For the millions managing eczema, calendula presents a particularly compelling case. Eczema is characterized by inflamed, itchy and often broken skin that is vulnerable to infection. Calendula’s pharmacological profile directly addresses these issues. Its anti-inflammatory action can help calm the redness and irritation of eczema flares, while its antimicrobial properties may prevent secondary infections in cracked skin. Furthermore, its wound-healing capabilities support the skin’s natural repair process, helping to restore the damaged epidermal barrier. Its proven efficacy for other forms of dermatitis, such as diaper rash, and its well-documented healing mechanisms make calendula a low-risk, high-potential option for those seeking natural management strategies.

Navigating use and embracing access

For those interested in using calendula, product selection is key. Ointments are ideal for creating a protective barrier over dry, cracked skin, while water-based gels and lotions offer quicker absorption for larger, less severe areas. Consumers are advised to seek out products with high concentrations of calendula extract and to avoid those that have been irradiated, a process that can degrade the herb’s active compounds. As with any new topical treatment, a patch test is essential to rule out a potential allergic reaction, especially for individuals with known sensitivities to plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed or chrysanthemums. Perhaps one of calendula’s most radical features is its accessibility; it is a resilient plant that can be easily grown in a garden or pot, allowing individuals to harvest and dry the petals to create their own infused oils, salves and teas.

An ancient flower for modern healing

Calendula’s journey from battlefield dressing and medieval soup pot to modern medicine cabinet and skincare shelf is a testament to its enduring utility. It represents a rare convergence—a remedy that is equally comfortable in the context of a peer-reviewed clinical study and a homemade herbal salve. It does not promise miracle cures, but offers a reliable, gentle and scientifically-grounded approach to soothing and healing the skin. In a world searching for both natural solutions and evidence-based results, calendula stands out. It is a quiet yet powerful reminder that some of the most effective remedies are not found in complex formulas, but have been growing in plain sight all along, offering a little sunshine and a lot of common sense for holistic well-being.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

ScienceDirect.com

MedicalNewsToday.com