You may have heard of calendula cream but you're wondering what it is, what it does, or where you can get it. I have already written about calendula cream as an eczema treatment; however, I'd like to share some more information about this not well known cream.

What is it?

Calendula cream is a cream made from plants of the genus called Calendula that is also known as the common pot marigold.

What is it for, what does it do?

Calendula cream is known as a treatment for skin conditions such as dryness, eczema, and dermatitis. 

The Calendula plant that Calendula cream is made from has many medicinal properties. What follows is an excerpt from Wikipedia describing some of Calendula's medicinal and pharmacological properties.

Plant pharmacological studies have suggested that Calendula extracts have anti-viral, anti-genotoxic and anti-inflammatory properties. Calendula in suspension or in tincture is used topically to treat acne, reducing inflammation, controlling bleeding and soothing irritated tissue. There is "limited evidence" that calendula cream or ointment is effective in treating radiation dermatitis.

Calendula has been used traditionally for abdominal cramps and constipation. In experiments with rabbit jejunum the aqueous-ethanol extract of Calendula officinalis flowers was shown to have both spasmolytic and spasmogenic effects, thus providing a scientific rationale for this traditional use. An aqueous extract of Calendula officinalis obtained by a novel extraction method has demonstrated anti-tumor (cytotoxic) activity and immunomodulatory properties (lymphocyte activation) in vitro, as well as anti-tumor activity in mice. 

Wikipedia contributors, "Calendula," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendula (accessed February 12, 2010).

More specific to Calendula Cream is that it is sometimes used for acne, diaper rash, sore nipples from breastfeeding, dermatitis, cuts, sunburn, fungal conditions, rashes, and other minor skin conditions.

Where can you get Calendula Cream

 

Calendula Cream isn't as widely available as other skin products. That's surprising because many people have reported good effects from using Calendula Cream on skin conditions.

Specialty stores that sell natural foods, herbs, and supplements would be a good place to look first.

If you'd like to make your own Calendula Cream, there's a web page that has instructions how to make it yourself.