Calendula

Calendula officinalis · Pot marigold

Snapshot

Indications	Contraindications
Radiation dermatitis prevention¹ Venous leg ulcers² Minor wound healing³ Gingivitis⁴ Oral mucositis^5–7 Diaper dermatitis⁸	Pregnancy⁹ Daisy-family plant allergy⁹ Breastfeeding¹⁰

Calendula (Calendula officinalis, pot marigold) is a daisy-family flower used topically and as a rinse, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions in preclinical work¹⁰. Uses follow from that: radiation dermatitis prevention in patients receiving radiotherapy, venous leg ulcer healing, and gingivitis or oral mucositis rinses.

A Cochrane review found one low-bias trial in which topical calendula beat trolamine for preventing radiation dermatitis; the authors called this preliminary and said it needs replicating¹. An underpowered randomized trial found no difference from standard cream¹¹. For wounds, a systematic review found mixed results in chronic ulcers and burns. A 2020 meta-analysis conducted to inform radiodermatitis guidelines found that topical calendula increased the risk of developing radiodermatitis¹². Over 900 products list calendula, mostly liquid extracts, alongside creams, ointments, capsules, and teas¹⁰; see Form comparison.

Allergy is the main safety concern, so Health Canada labels exclude patients allergic to daisy-family plants and those who are pregnant⁹. For breastfeeding, Health Canada labels ask for a practitioner's advice before use⁹.

Last updated October 16, 2026. Read how we make monographs.

In the full monograph

57 sources, 45 studies

When to useThe situations practitioners use it for, each with the reason and the study behind it.
SafetyWho should avoid it, who needs extra care, and the side effects reported in studies.
InteractionsThe medicines and supplements it interacts with, the effect of each, and what labeling says to watch.
Protocol notesThe doses used in studies, how and when they were taken, and how the forms on the market compare.
How it worksWhat it is and how it works in the body, in plain terms.
Published studiesThe studies behind each use, popular claims checked against them, and trials still under way.
Word of mouthWhat patients and practitioners report online, kept separate from the clinical evidence.
Clinical perspectiveA closing read of where the evidence is solid, where it is thin, and what has not been studied.

Snapshot

In the full monograph

Sources