Evidence supporting the use of: Calendula
For the health condition: Athlete's Foot

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) has a long-standing history in traditional herbal medicine for its purported antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. Its use in supporting or treating Athlete’s Foot (tinea pedis) is primarily based on traditional use rather than robust scientific validation. Folk healers and herbalists have commonly recommended calendula preparations, such as ointments, infusions, or salves, for various skin infections and inflammations, including fungal conditions like Athlete’s Foot. The rationale is rooted in calendula’s observed ability to soothe irritated skin and potentially inhibit microbial growth, as demonstrated in vitro studies (test tube/lab settings) that show some antifungal activity against dermatophytes, the fungi responsible for Athlete's Foot.

However, clinical evidence directly supporting calendula’s efficacy for Athlete’s Foot in humans is sparse. Few, if any, well-designed randomized controlled trials specifically address its effectiveness for this condition. Most available data are either anecdotal or extrapolated from studies on calendula's general antimicrobial effects or its use in other types of skin lesions. As a result, while calendula remains a popular traditional remedy, current scientific evidence is insufficient to recommend it as a primary treatment over established antifungal medications. Its use may be justified as a complementary approach for symptom relief, but claims of efficacy should be made with caution until more rigorous research is conducted.

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Products containing Calendula

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