Calendula herbal oil (Calendula officinalis) has been one of my favorite ingredients for our skincare products not only because it's great materia medica, but it’s also been used for centuries because of its amazing properties. The oil, extracted from the calendula flower, or marigold as you may know it, is a powerful antioxidant with potent anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It’s full of vitamins A and C, which are known for their ability to repair and protect skin cells, as well as essential fatty acids that can help moisturize and heal dry or damaged skin due to its vulnerary properties (Givol et al., 2019).
When used topically, calendula herbal oil may help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness and inflammation, calm rashes and dermatitis, reduce the appearance of scars, fight bacteria and fungus on the skin’s surface, promote healing of cuts and scrapes, and brighten uneven complexion tones.
As we begin to review the benefits of plants for complementary purposes to help mitigate side effects from treatments such as cancer, some studies show benefits when calendula is used in topical preparations to prevent post radiation dermatitis, but more research has to be done in humans to truly understand the effects (Kodiyan & Amber, 2015).
In addition to having many therapeutic benefits for skin health, calendula herbal oil can also be helpful for those who struggle with scalp issues like dandruff or psoriasis. When massaged into the scalp gently using circular motions it can help soothe dryness or itchiness while promoting healthy hair growth at the same time.
Overall it’s clear that calendula herbals can offer benefits for various types of skin conditions ranging from burns and wounds to eczema or psoriasis, but as always, because research studies are usually conducted in vitro or in animals, it can be difficult to understand its large scale benefits from a human perspective. However, for me, I have seen a difference in my skin as a result of incorporating this plan into my skincare routine. While it may be something to explore, as always, consult with your dermatologist prior to trying new products on your skin, especially if you do suffer from various skin conditions.
References
Givol, O., Kornhaber, R., Watson, R., Cleary, M., Haik, J., & Harats, M. (2019). A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 27(5), 548–561. https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12737
Kodiyan, J., & Amber, K. T. (2015). A Review of the Use of Topical Calendula in the Prevention and Treatment of Radiotherapy-Induced Skin Reactions. Antioxidants, 4(2), 293–303. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox4020293