A small study conducted at a burn unit in an Indian hospital compared the effects of topical Calendula and an iodine-based ointment on patients with thermal burns. The researchers found that the participants given Calendula experienced faster wound healing, dealt with less infection and had better control of wound discharge.
Dermatitis is a common problem for people undergoing radiation. In one randomized trial, post-operative breast cancer patients who were prescribed radiation therapy applied either Calendula or trolamine, a common pain reliever, to affected areas. Those given Calendula experienced a lower occurrence of dermatitis and experienced less pain. And despite finding Calendula more difficult to apply, they were more satisfied with their treatment outcomes.
There’s some evidence that suggests that taking Calendula supplements before working out may prevent or lessen muscle soreness. In one study, male rowers were given daily Calendula supplements or a placebo for one week prior to completing a workout designed to induce delayed onset muscle soreness. Calendula did not appear to affect muscle function, but the intervention group felt less muscle pain and experienced less inflammation based on markers including serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB).
Some research indicates that Calendula may be an effective treatment for people with bacterial vaginosis who prefer to avoid synthetic drugs. In one small study, people diagnosed with BV were given either a topical cream containing Calendula or metronidazole, a commonly prescribed medication. After one week of treatment, the participants in both groups were free of symptoms, and no one reported adverse side effects.
One study on people who underwent episiotomies during labor and childbirth compared the effects of Calendula ointment to standard care for episiotomies. Participants in the intervention group applied the ointment to the affected area four hours after the procedure and every eight hours for 10 days. The participants who received the Calendula ointment reported lower pain levels starting on day two and throughout the rest of the study.
According to one study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology, swishing with Calendula may bolster gum and dental health. For six months, study participants rinsed their mouths twice daily; the control group used water, and the intervention group used a diluted Calendula tincture. Compared to their baseline, participants who were given the Calendula mouthwash showed a significant reduction in clinical parameters, including the plaque index, gingival index, bleeding gums and oral hygiene. The control group showed no improvement.
