Plant Comparison
Pot marigold vs Lavender
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Pot marigold and Lavender: they share 7 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cancer (anticancer research), eczema, …); 5 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Pot marigold | Lavender | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 7/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Pot marigold |
| Eczema | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Infection (general) | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Wounds | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Principal wound-healing and anti-inflammatory constituents of the flower.
Antioxidant flavonoids and carotenoids give the flower its orange-yellow colour and contribute to its antioxidant activity.
Minor aromatic and resinous constituents of the flower head.
Flower essential oil dominated by linalool and linalyl acetate, the principal compounds behind the calming, anxiolytic and antimicrobial activity.
Antioxidant constituents of the flower.
Pharmacological Actions
Calendula officinalis extracts show cytotoxic antitumor, pro-apoptotic and antimetastatic activity across many cancer cell lines and in animal models (preclinical).
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
A Calendula officinalis (LACE) aqueous extract inhibits proliferation (70-100%) of leukemia, melanoma, breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer cell lines via G0/G1 arrest and caspase-3 apoptosis and inhibits melanoma growth in nude mice; a systematic review documents its cytotoxic and antimetastatic antitumour activity (preclinical).
inferred from antifungal action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally very safe for topical use. May cause contact dermatitis in rare cases (Asteraceae family allergy). Internal use is safe in normal doses. Avoid during pregnancy at therapeutic doses (uterine stimulant potential). Generally safe during breastfeeding for topical use.
Duke (2002) rates calendula (Calendula officinalis) and notes anti-inflammatory, wound-healing (vulnerary), antifungal, and antispasmodic activities at experimental levels. Commission E (KOM) approves calendula flower for wound healing and anti-inflammatory uses, both topically and as a gargle. The plant contains flavonoids, triterpene saponins (oleanolic acid glycosides), and essential oils. Dose: 1–2 g dried flower as tea (for mouth rinse/gargle); or as cream/ointment containing 2–5% calendula extract for topical use. Duke notes that calendula is generally very well-tolerated, though Asteraceae sensitivity can occasionally cause allergic reactions (Duke, 2002).
Generally very safe. Essential oil should not be ingested in large amounts. Rarely, contact dermatitis may occur. May potentiate the effect of sedative medications. Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy.
Duke (2002) rates lavender as ++ and provides clinical evidence (score 2) for carminative activity, consistent with Commission E approval for nervous stomach disorders and functional abdominal complaints. Additional experimental activities include anxiolytic, antispasmodic, and antiseptic effects. The essential oil demonstrates COX-2 inhibitory and Alzheimer's-relevant properties at the experimental level. Dose: 1–2 teaspoons (4–8 g) dried flowers as tea; 1–3 drops essential oil in a carrier for topical or aromatherapy use. Duke notes that oral lavender oil (Silexan) has clinical evidence for generalized anxiety disorder (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Aromatic annual or short-lived perennial herb with soft, hairy, oblong leaves and branching, slightly sticky stems. The flower heads are bright orange to yellow, daisy-like, with numerous narrow ray florets surrounding a darker central disc, opening in sunlight and closing at dusk.[1]
Aromatic, evergreen, woody-based perennial subshrub with narrow, grey-green, felted leaves. Slender flowering spikes carrying whorls of small, tubular, two-lipped violet-blue flowers rise well above the foliage on long, unbranched stalks.[4]
Habitat
Widely cultivated as a garden and medicinal plant; believed native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, now naturalised in gardens and waste ground worldwide.[1]
Native to the mountains of the western Mediterranean (southern France, Spain, Italy); widely cultivated in sunny, well-drained, often calcareous sites across temperate and Mediterranean climates worldwide.[4]
Harvesting
The flower heads (or just the ray-floret petals) are picked by hand as they open, through the flowering season, and dried quickly in a warm, shaded, airy place to preserve colour and resin content.[1]
The flower spikes are cut as the flowers open, in mid- to late summer, when essential oil content is highest, and dried in a warm, shaded, airy place or distilled fresh for essential oil.[4]
Traditional Uses
Calendula flower is one of the most widely used topical wound-healing and skin-soothing herbs in Western herbal medicine, applied to cuts, grazes, minor burns and skin inflammation, and used internally as a gentle anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial remedy and as a gargle for mouth and throat irritation.[1]
Lavender flower has a long Mediterranean and European tradition as a calming, sedative herb for nervous tension, anxiety and insomnia, and as a mild digestive carminative and antiseptic for minor wounds and skin irritation; the essential oil in particular has an extensive modern clinical evidence base for anxiety and sleep support.[4]
Preparations
Dried petals infused in a carrier oil, used as a soothing base for topical creams and balms for skin healing.
Standardised flower extract formulated into a cream or ointment for topical wound and skin care; the best-studied modern form.
Dried flower infused in hot water, 1-2 g in 150 ml, used still warm as a mouth rinse or gargle 2-4 times daily. The EU herbal monograph's posology for this preparation is OROMUCOSAL only - it does not support taking the infusion internally. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Dosage
The EU herbal monograph gives semi-solid preparations containing the equivalent of 2-10% herbal substance, applied as a thin layer to the affected area 2 to 4 times daily. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The EU herbal monograph gives 1-2 g of the flower in 150 mL water as an infusion, used still warm for rinsing and gargling 2 to 4 times daily, or to prepare impregnated dressings for the skin. This is an oromucosal and cutaneous preparation, not an oral tea. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The EU herbal monograph gives 1-2 g of the flower in 150 mL of boiling water as an infusion, three times daily, in adolescents, adults and elderly; a tincture at 2-4 mL three times daily is also listed. The monograph notes that lavender may impair the ability to drive or use machines. Not recommended under 12 years. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Pairings
Not documented
Lavender and valerian are both calming herbs used to aid relaxation and sleep; taken together their sedative effects can add up, so while they may help relaxation they can also increase drowsiness — avoid combining with sedative medicines or before driving.[22, 23]
Lavender and lemon balm are both calming herbs used to ease anxiety and aid sleep; taken together their sedative effects can add up, so while they may help relaxation they can also increase drowsiness — avoid combining with sedative medicines or before driving.[22, 24]
Lavender and chamomile are both calming herbs used to ease anxiety and aid sleep; taken together their sedative effects can add up, so while they may help relaxation they can also increase drowsiness — avoid combining with sedative medicines or before driving.[22, 25]
References & Sources
- Givol, O., Kornhaber, R., Visentin, D., Cleary, M. et al (2019) 'A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing', Wound Repair and Regeneration, 27(5), pp. 548-561. doi:10.1111/wrr.12737 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12737 - Shahane, K., Kshirsagar, M., Tambe, S., Jain, D. et al (2023) 'An Updated Review on the Multifaceted Therapeutic Potential of Calendula officinalis L', Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 16(4), pp. 611. doi:10.3390/ph16040611 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16040611 - Saffari, E., Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi, S., Adibpour, M., Mirghafourvand, M. et al (2016) 'Comparing the effects of Calendula officinalis and clotrimazole on vaginal Candidiasis: A randomized controlled trial', Women & Health, 57(10), pp. 1145-1160. doi:10.1080/03630242.2016.1263272 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2016.1263272 - Cruceriu, D., Balacescu, O. and Rakosy, E (2018) 'Calendula officinalis: potential roles in cancer treatment and palliative care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 17(4), pp. 1068-1078. doi:10.1177/1534735418803766 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735418803766 - Rezai, S., Rahzani, K., Hekmatpou, D. and Rostami, A (2023) 'Effect of oral Calendula officinalis on second-degree burn wound healing', Scars, Burns & Healing, 9, pp. 20595131221134053. doi:10.1177/20595131221134053 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1177/20595131221134053 - Kadowaki, W., Miyata, R., Mizuno, S., Fujinami, M., Sato, Y. and Kumazawa, S (2023) 'Prenylated acetophenones from the roots of Calendula officinalis and their anti-inflammatory activity', Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 87(7), pp. 683-687. doi:10.1093/bbb/zbad042 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1093/bbb/zbad042 - Samra, R.M., Maatooq, G.T. and Zaki, A.A (2022) 'A new antiprotozoal compound from Calendula officinalis', Natural Product Research, 36(22), pp. 5747-5752. doi:10.1080/14786419.2021.2023868 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2021.2023868 - Kaur, J., Sidhu, S., Chopra, K. and Khan, M.U (2016) 'Calendula officinalis ameliorates l-arginine-induced acute necrotizing pancreatitis in rats', Pharmaceutical Biology, 54(12), pp. 2951-2959. doi:10.1080/13880209.2016.1195848 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2016.1195848 - Aro, A.A., Perez, M.O., Vieira, C.P., Esquisatto, M.A.M., Rodrigues, R.A.F., Gomes, L. and Pimentel, E.R (2014) 'Effect of Calendula officinalis cream on achilles tendon healing', Anatomical Record, 298(2), pp. 428-435. doi:10.1002/ar.23057 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ar.23057 - Zhang, X., Wang, R., Finiuk, N., Stoika, R., Lin, H., Wang, X. and Jin, M (2023) 'Active compounds from Calendula officinalis flowers act via PI3K and ERK signaling pathways to offer neuroprotective effects against Parkinson's disease', Food Science & Nutrition, 12(1), pp. 450-458. doi:10.1002/fsn3.3792 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.3792 - Kadowaki, W., Miyata, R., Fujinami, M., Sato, Y. and Kumazawa, S (2023) 'Catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors from Calendula officinalis leaf', Molecules, 28(3), pp. 1333. doi:10.3390/molecules28031333 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031333 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2018) 'European Union herbal monograph on Calendula officinalis L., flos, Revision 1'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-calendula-officinalis-l-flos-revision-1_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-calendula-officinalis-l-flos-revision-1_en.pdf - Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Medical%20Herbalism - Nicolaus, C. et al (2017) 'A double-blind, randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of a monograph-based Calendula cream versus a comparator cream', 35(1), pp. 81--89. Randomized trial
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A%20double-blind%2C%20randomized%20controlled%20trial%20to%20investigate%20the%20efficacy%20and%20safety%20of%20a%20monograph-based%20Calendula%20cream%20versus%20a%20comparator%20cream - Preethi, K.C. and Kuttan, R (2009) 'Wound healing activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis', 20(1), pp. 73--79. doi:10.1515/jbcpp.2009.20.1.73 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1515/jbcpp.2009.20.1.73 - Jimenez-Medina, E. and Garcia-Lora, A. and Paco, L. and Algarra, I. and Collado, A. and Garrido, F (2006) 'A new extract of the plant Calendula officinalis produces a dual in vitro effect: cytotoxic anti-tumor activity and lymphocyte activation', BMC Cancer, 6, pp. 119. doi:10.1186/1471-2407-6-119 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-6-119 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
- Tan, L., Liao, F.F., Long, L.Z., Ma, X.C. et al (2023) 'Essential oils for treating anxiety: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and network meta-analysis', Frontiers in Public Health, 11, pp. 1144404. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1144404 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1144404 - Dos Reis Lucena, L., Dos Santos-Junior, J.G., Tufik, S. and Hachul, H (2021) 'Lavender essential oil on postmenopausal women with insomnia: Double-blind randomized trial', Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 59, pp. 102726. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102726 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102726 - Moss, M., Cook, J., Wesnes, K. and Duckett, P (2003) 'Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in healthy adults', International Journal of Neuroscience, 113(1), pp. 15-38. doi:10.1080/00207450390161903 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1080/00207450390161903 - Denner, S.S (2009) 'Lavandula angustifolia Miller: English lavender', Holistic Nursing Practice, 23(1), pp. 57-64. doi:10.1097/01.HNP.0000343210.56710.fc Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.HNP.0000343210.56710.fc - Basch, E., Foppa, I., Liebowitz, R., Nelson, J., Smith, M., Sollars, D. and Ulbricht, C (2004) 'Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Miller)', Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 4(2), pp. 63-78. doi:10.1080/j157v04n02_07 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/j157v04n02_07 - Betlej, I., Andres, B., Cebulak, T., Kapusta, I., Balawejder, M., Zurek, N., Jaworski, S., Lange, A., Kutwin, M., Pisulewska, E., Kidacka, A., Krochmal-Marczak, B., Boruszewski, P. and Borysiuk, P (2024) 'Phytochemical composition and antimicrobial properties of new Lavandula angustifolia ecotypes', Molecules, 29(8), pp. 1740. doi:10.3390/molecules29081740 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081740 - Rahimian, Z., Sadrian, S., Shahisavandi, M., Aligholi, H., Zarshenas, M.M., Abyar, A., Zeraatpisheh, Z. and Asadi-Pooya, A.A (2023) 'Antiseizure effects of Lavandula angustifolia L', BioMed Research International, 2023, pp. 4121998. doi:10.1155/2023/4121998 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/4121998 - de Melo Alves Silva, L.C., de Oliveira Mendes, F.D.C., de Castro Teixeira, F., de Lima Fernandes, T.E., Barros Ribeiro, K.R., da Silva Leal, K.C., Dantas, D.V. and Neves Dantas, R.A (2023) 'Use of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil as a complementary therapy in adult health care: a scoping review', Heliyon, 9(5), pp. e15446. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15446 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15446 - Lejeune, V.B.P., Lopes, R.V., Baggio, D.F., Koren, L.D.O., Zanoveli, J.M. and Chichorro, J.G (2023) 'Antinociceptive and anxiolytic-like effects of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil on rat models of orofacial pain', Journal of Applied Oral Science, 30, pp. e20220304. doi:10.1590/1678-7757-2002-0304 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-7757-2002-0304 - Mykhailenko, O., Hurina, V., Ivanauskas, L., Marksa, M., Skybitska, M., Kovalenko, O., Lytkin, D., Vladymyrova, I. and Georgiyants, V (2024) 'Lavandula angustifolia herb from Ukraine: comparative chemical profile and in vitro antioxidant activity', Chemistry & Biodiversity, 21(9), pp. e202400640. doi:10.1002/cbdv.202400640 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202400640 - Shamabadi, A. and Akhondzadeh, S (2021) 'Efficacy and tolerability of Lavandula angustifolia in treating patients with the diagnosis of depression: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials', Journal of Complementary & Integrative Medicine, 20(1), pp. 81-91. doi:10.1515/jcim-2020-0498 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2020-0498 - Cardia, G.F.E., Silva-Filho, S.E., Silva, E.L., Uchida, N.S., Cavalcante, H.A.O., Cassarotti, L.L., Salvadego, V.E.C., Spironello, R.A., Bersani-Amado, C.A. and Cuman, R.K.N (2018) 'Effect of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil on acute inflammatory response', Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018, pp. 1413940. doi:10.1155/2018/1413940 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1413940 - Aboalhaija, N.H., Syaj, H., Afifi, F., Sunoqrot, S., Al-Shalabi, E. and Talib, W (2022) 'Chemical evaluation, in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of Lavandula angustifolia grown in Jordan', Molecules, 27(18), pp. 5910. doi:10.3390/molecules27185910 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27185910 - Caputo, L., Reguilon, M.D., Minarro, J., De Feo, V. and Rodriguez-Arias, M (2018) 'Lavandula angustifolia essential oil and linalool counteract social aversion induced by social defeat', Molecules, 23(10), pp. 2694. doi:10.3390/molecules23102694 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23102694 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2012) 'Community herbal monograph on Lavandula angustifolia Miller, flos'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-lavandula-angustifolia-p-mill-flos_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-lavandula-angustifolia-p-mill-flos_en.pdf - Cavanagh, H.M.A. and Wilkinson, J.M (2002) 'Biological activities of lavender essential oil', 16(4), pp. 301--308. doi:10.1002/ptr.1103 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1103 - Lis-Balchin, M (2002) 'Lavender: The Genus Lavandula'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Lavender%3A%20The%20Genus%20Lavandula - Schuwald, A.M. et al (2013) 'Lavender oil-potent anxiolytic properties via modulating voltage dependent calcium channels', 8(4). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0059998 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0059998 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003 - Dold, M., Bartova, L., Volz, H.P., Seifritz, E., Moller, H.J., Schlafke, S. and Kasper, S (2023) 'Efficacy of Silexan in patients with anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials', European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 273(7), pp. 1615-1628. doi:10.1007/s00406-022-01547-w Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-022-01547-w - Bent, S., Padula, A., Moore, D., Patterson, M. and Mehling, W (2006) 'Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis', The American Journal of Medicine, 119(12), pp. 1005-1012. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 - Haybar, H., Javid, A.Z., Haghighizadeh, M.H., Valizadeh, E., Mohaghegh, S.M. and Mohammadzadeh, A (2018) 'The effects of Melissa officinalis supplementation on depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorder in patients with chronic stable angina', Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 26, pp. 47-52. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.04.015 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.04.015 - Amsterdam, J.D., Li, Y., Soeller, I., Rockwell, K., Mao, J.J. and Shults, J (2009) 'A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder', Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 29(4), pp. 378-382. doi:10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181ac935c Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181ac935c
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.