Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) in the garden

Q. I have been looking for ways to get rid of rosacea and have tried a number of products over the seven years I’ve had this problem.

Finally, a local herbalist gave me an herbal blend cream; the active ingredient was calendula. In two weeks the rosacea had gotten much better and I can honestly say that it has cured the long-term problem. I thought others would want to know.

A. Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition. It often begins with easy flushing and proceeds to permanent redness and dilated blood vessels. Sometimes there are pimples, and if the skin of the nose is involved, it may appear bumpy or bulbous.

Dermatologists have been looking at the properties of marigold (Calendula officinalis) because it may speed wound healing (European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, April 25, 2015).

We have not been able to find clinical trials of calendula extract for rosacea, although there are testimonials and calendula-containing creams on the web.

Calendula flowers, like chamomile flowers, contain significant amounts of bisabolol. This anti-inflammatory compound is also found in CamoCare Soothing Cream used for eczema. As with any herbal product, some people may develop sensitivities, so be alert for a rash.

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  1. Megan
    Reply

    Just wanted to add my 2 cents – I had awful rosacea down my neck and along my neck for about 6 months. It was terribly itchy, red and raw and I felt incredibly self conscious about it, so would wear scarves, even in summer! Calendula cream has been my absolute saviour.

    When I was in Germany I accidentally bought calendula ‘zahncreme’ not realising it was toothpaste! Using this on my neck/jaw, I saw a significant improvements in the first week. I stopped using the ‘zahncreme’ when I realised it was toothpaste, and bought a tube of calendula cream, which seemed to be the magic ingredient. I’m pleased to share that it was, and after using it for the past 3 weeks, my rosacea is almost gone. I’m still amazed/thankful that I can’t speak German and didn’t know what ‘zahncreme’ was!

    I must also mention that I rub dead sea salt into the area evening/night before I use the calendula cream. I’m not sure if this helps that much (and it stings incredibly) but I find that because the rosacea area goes really red, I can better see what the improvement is. Every morning the rosacea literally recedes up my neck, and has almost disappeared! I would highly recommend you try straight calendula cream if you are having issues with rosacea.

  2. Anna
    NC
    Reply

    I have or had the worst Rosacea. I had lots of sores and redness. I didn’t even want to go outside.

    I started a routine of washing my face with a Tea Tree Oil face soap then I followed up with my own mix of TTO in extra virgin olive oil. It took about a week and my skin is very clear.

    During this time I started drinking a good B Complex drink and I think that helped also.

    When I make my own TTO=EVOO mix. I just take a small bottle with a lid. I put about 10 drops of TTO to about 1/4 cup EVOO. Shake each time before use. Apply lightly to your face after you washed with the TTO facial soap. Pat off any excess oil on the face.

    Do this twice a day.

  3. Kristie
    Winston-Salem, NC
    Reply

    Help I have rosacea and I need this cream. Please provide the name of your local herbalist. Where can I get the same cream????

  4. Mary
    Reply

    Would love to hear more about calendula cream.

  5. Mary
    Reply

    I tried Calendula cream based on the comment of the reader above. It really did help to reduce the redness and it was easy to apply makeup over it.

  6. Marie
    Reply

    I have been reading that coconut oil (I use it in the kitchen) is a very effective body moisturizer. I have had eczema flare ups and skin issues most of my life. Now that I am elderly, my skin is paper thin, bone dry and itchy. Dermatologist’s magic bullet? Steroids… which dries the skin even further. They recommend using Vaseline (petroleum oil!) I don’t like using it, but it helps the most.

    So, I tried the coconut oil and the result was amazing! Unfortunately, after 2 days, I was going out of my mind because my whole body itched!! And a rash to go with it. My pharmacist suggested taking allergy medication for relief. Does this mean that I should stop cooking with it?

  7. Janis
    Reply

    I have used Calendula cream or ointment for decades for a variety of skin irritations.Currently I am using Calendula cream for allergy-irritated eyelids. This works much better than steroids and I have had no side effects.
    I used Calendula cream during radiation for breast cancer. This took the redness and soreness down quite a bit. I used this cream about three times a day at that time. It was a big help to me.

  8. Sherry
    seattle
    Reply

    My Rosacea went away when I adopted a gluten free diet. The skin reacts to what is put into the body more than what is put on it.

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