Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Calendula? Is Calendula safe for nursing mother and child? Does Calendula extracts into breast milk? Does Calendula has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Calendula influence milk supply or can Calendula decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Calendula lactation summary

Calendula is safe in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Calendula is 1 out of 8 which is considered Safe as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 1 indicates that usage of Calendula is mostly safe during lactation for breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research also indicates that Calendula does not cause any serious side effects in breastfeeding mothers.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Calendula safe in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Calendula usage in lactation

The inflorescences of this plant originating in Europe are used.It contains polysaccharides, flavonoids, saponins… Attributed properties which do not have sufficient clinical evidence to support them: healing agent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory (local, dermatological). There is no evidence of its efficacy when taken orally to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Indications from the Commission E of the German Ministry of Health and the EMA: topical treatment of minor skin inflammations, ulcers and burns. Since the last update we have not found any published data on its excretion in breast milk. A plant devoid of toxicity. Oral use during breastfeeding is not advised (EMA 2008, Amir 2011).The small dose and poor plasma uptake of most topical dermatological preparations make it very unlikely that significant amounts will pass into breast milk. There is no evidence of its effectiveness in treating nipple cracking or inflammation. If applied to the breast, do so after breastfeeding and clean before the next feed.

Answer by DrLact: About Calendula usage in lactation

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) flowers contain triterpene glycosides and aglycones, carotenoids, and essential oils. Topical application of calendula products has been used to treat sore and cracked nipples during nursing, either in homeopathic or pharmacologic preparations,[1][2][3] although little high-quality evidence supports this use.[4] One uncontrolled case series found that a cream containing Mimosa tenuiflora and Calendula officinalis was useful for healing cracked nipples during breastfeeding;[5] however, the lack of a control group and the presence of another ingredient makes the evaluation of calendula's efficacy impossible. Oral calendula has no specific lactation-related uses and no information is available on the oral use of calendula during breastfeeding. Calendula is "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) as a food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration when used as a seasoning or flavoring. Allergic reactions, including cross-reactions to chrysanthemums, daisies and marigolds, occur rarely. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products. More detailed information #about dietary supplements# is available elsewhere on the LactMed Web site.

Alternate Drugs

Alfalfa(Unsafe)
Cranberry(Safe)
Melatonin(Safe)
Aloe(Low Risk)
Echinacea(Low Risk)
Dong Quai(Low Risk)
Coriander(Safe)
Rhubarb(Low Risk)
Calendula(Safe)
Ginkgo(Low Risk)
Licorice(Unsafe)
Sage(Low Risk)
Caraway(Safe)
Chamomile(Safe)
Cumin(Safe)
Hops(Low Risk)
Lecithin(Safe)
Fenugreek(Safe)
Coenzyme Q10(Low Risk)
Lavender(Low Risk)
Basil(Unsafe)
Chasteberry(Unsafe)
Castor(Unsafe)
Nutmeg(Low Risk)
Oregano(Low Risk)
Garlic(Safe)
Ginger(Safe)
Aloe(Low Risk)
Echinacea(Low Risk)
Dong Quai(Low Risk)
Coriander(Safe)
Rhubarb(Low Risk)
Calendula(Safe)
Ginkgo(Low Risk)
Licorice(Unsafe)
Sage(Low Risk)
Caraway(Safe)
Chamomile(Safe)
Cumin(Safe)
Hops(Low Risk)
Lecithin(Safe)
Fenugreek(Safe)
Lavender(Low Risk)
Basil(Unsafe)
Chasteberry(Unsafe)
Castor(Unsafe)
Nutmeg(Low Risk)
Oregano(Low Risk)
Garlic(Safe)
Ginger(Safe)
Cranberry(Safe)
Aloe(Low Risk)
Echinacea(Low Risk)
Dong Quai(Low Risk)
Coriander(Safe)
Rhubarb(Low Risk)
Calendula(Safe)
Ginkgo(Low Risk)
Licorice(Unsafe)
Sage(Low Risk)
Caraway(Safe)
Chamomile(Safe)
Cumin(Safe)
Hops(Low Risk)
Lecithin(Safe)
Fenugreek(Safe)
Lavender(Low Risk)
Basil(Unsafe)
Chasteberry(Unsafe)
Castor(Unsafe)
Nutmeg(Low Risk)
Oregano(Low Risk)
Garlic(Safe)
Ginger(Safe)
Cranberry(Safe)
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. We do not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.