Evidence supporting the use of: Calendula
For the health condition: Dysmenorrhea
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also known as marigold, has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe, India, and parts of the Middle East. Traditional healers have employed calendula extracts and teas for a variety of gynecological complaints, including dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). Historical texts and ethnobotanical surveys mention its use as an emmenagogue (to stimulate menstrual flow) and for alleviating menstrual cramps. The rationale for its use was generally based on its presumed ability to "regulate" menstruation and reduce inflammation, which may contribute to pain relief. However, high-quality scientific studies specifically examining calendula for dysmenorrhea are lacking. Most of the available studies focus on its anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and antimicrobial properties rather than menstrual pain. Therefore, calendula's use for dysmenorrhea is primarily supported by tradition, with little to no robust clinical evidence to validate its efficacy for this specific indication. As such, while calendula remains popular in folk medicine for menstrual discomfort, its use for dysmenorrhea should be considered as having weak evidence and should not replace established medical treatments.
Other ingredients used for Dysmenorrhea
AbutaAchyranthes
Actaea spicata
Aerva lanata
Agnuside
Agrimonia pilosa
Albizia
Alchemilla
Aletris
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
ambergris
anamu
Anemone
Angelica
anise
Anserina
Arisaema
Ashoka
avens
bethroot
black cohosh
Blepharis
blue cohosh
Boerhavia diffusa
Boswellia
calcium
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
chamomile
chaste tree
cohosh
Corydalis
Cyathula
Didymocarpus
dioscorea
dong quai
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
Erythropalum scandens
Euphorbia
Eupolyphaga sinensis
evening primrose oil
fennel
fish oil
gastrodia
ginger
Labisia pumila
Lady's Mantle
Lophira lanceolata
magnesium
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Montanoa tomentosa
Motherwort
omega-3 fatty acids
parsley
passionflower
Pennyroyal
peony
Peppermint
phytocannabinoids
Phytoestrogens
poppy
Pulsatilla
rue
Semecarpus anacardium
shepherd's purse
Trichosanthes
Viburnum
vitamin B6
vitamin E
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Wild yam
Other health conditions supported by Calendula
AbrasionsAbscesses
Acne
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Athlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diaper Rash
Diarrhea
Dysmenorrhea
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Eye Infections
Eyes (red or itching)
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Inflammation
Injuries
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Itching Ears
Oral Surgery
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
Poison Ivy or Oak
