Calendula or Marigold is a genus of about 15–20 species of herbaceous plants in the daisy family Asteraceae. They are native to southwestern Asia, Western Europe, Macaronesia, and the Mediterranean. The petals are edible and can be used fresh in salads. The petals and oil contain many medicinal properties.

Here are the 7 health benefits of calendula.

1.     Calendula may increase healing speed in skin conditions. 

Calendula has shown to be highly effective in patients with acute dermatitis of grade 2 or higher. In the study of 254 patients, the researchers found that the occurrence of acute dermatitis of grade 2 or greater was significantly lower when the patients used calendula.

2.     Calendula shows benefits for people with ulcers.

A study of 34 patients with venous leg ulcers showed the benefits of marigold ointment on venous ulcers. The ointment was applied twice a day for three weeks and showed promising healing abilities.

3.     Calendula contains anti-viral properties.

Research has suggested that calendula has anti-viral properties of the molecules called glycosides extracted from the plant. In the study, the molecules could inhibit vesicular stomatitis virus infection.

4.     Calendula may have anti-cancer effects.

Researchers from Universidad de Granada, Spain, confirmed the anti-cancer effects of calendula extracts on tumor cells from different forms of leukemias, melanomas, fibrosarcomas, breast, prostate, cervix, lung, pancreas and colorectal cancers. The inhibition ranged from 70 percent to 100 percent.

5.     Calendula may treat muscular disorders.

Calendula extract has shown to help muscle spasms in the rabbit jejunum. 

6.     Calendula may help inflammatory conditions.

A study of 170 patients suggests that calendula combined with Symphytum showed benefit in stomach inflammation. Also, the herbs showed comparable results to antacids.

7.     Calendula may help an individual with acne.

Calendula has been shown to treat acne when applied topically.