Calendula is being used as an anecdotal solution for its potential role in managing Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), but more evidence is required to validate its efficacy. Calendula has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. The petals of the calendula flower are commonly used in tinctures, salves, and teas to treat a variety of conditions. Calendula is most commonly used topically for skin conditions, but it can also be taken internally for digestive and menstrual issues. TSW is a complex illness and more research is required around the efficacy of Calendula.
Topical steroid withdrawal is a complex health phenomena that can be described as a series of symptoms associated with the gradual or abrupt cessation of topical corticosteroid use. Symptoms of TSW can include red, itchy, and inflamed skin, as well as fatigue, anxiety, and depression. There is no known cure for TSW, but throughout Facebook groups and online communities, some people are suggesting that Calendula can help to relieve the symptoms. Please keep reading before you attempt to use Calendula to assist with Topical Steroid Withdrawal.
Calendula for Eczema and Psoriasis
Eczema and Psoriasis are the most common underlying skin conditions of people with Topical Steroid Withdrawal. Although it is difficult to separate the symptoms of TSW from Eczema and Psoriasis, communities online are suggesting the use of Calendula to potentially improve their symptoms.
What is Calendula?
Calendula is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. The plant contains natural compounds that may help to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
A study found that a tincture containing 20% calendula was effective in reducing symptoms of atopic dermatitis, including itchiness and redness.
What are the benefits of Calendula for Eczema?
Calendula is thought to be beneficial for eczema because it soothes inflammation and helps to speed up healing.
Calendula extract may be effective in reducing inflammation and redness in people with eczema. When applied to the skin, Calendula is thought to speed up the healing process by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.
Calendula is most commonly used for skin conditions such as wounds, cuts, scrapes, and burns. It is also used topically for diaper rash, eczema, cold sores, and other skin irritations.
Can Calendula help with psoriasis?
There is less scientific evidence to support the use of calendula for psoriasis. However, some people find that it helps to soothe their skin and reduce redness and scaling.
How is Calendula used?
When applied topically, calendula may be found in ointments, salves, creams, and lotions. It can also be made into a compress. To make a compress, steep 2-3 grams of calendula flowers in boiling water for 10 minutes. Once cooled, apply the liquid to a clean cloth and place it on the affected area for 15-20 minutes.
Calendula may also be added to baths. Add 2-3 grams of calendula flowers to a bathtub filled with warm water. Soak in the tub for 15-20 minutes.
Calendula tea may also be helpful. To make the tea, steep 2-3 grams of calendula flowers in boiling water for 10 minutes. This may be taken up to three times per day.
Does Calendula help with Topical Steroid Withdrawal?
Calendula has not been specifically studied or proven to assist in people with topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). Although anecdotally, some people suggest it may help with TSW, we are collecting information to understand if there is a trend of success with Calendula.
Topical Steroid Withdrawal is a highly complex health condition caused by an adverse reaction to the cessation of prescribed steroid creams. Because TSW is an iatrogenic illness, currently there is no known cure, standardized medical treatment, or support for sufferers. Many people suffering with Topical Steroid Withdrawal are turning to online groups and Facebook forums to try an array of products, therapies and solutions to manage their inflammation of their skin during this withdrawal period from topical steroids. The challenge we are seeing is that there is no tracking of the efficacy of Calendula and other anecdotal solutions.
At TSW Assist, we are aiming to discover the collective efficacy of anecodotal recommendations from the TSW community. We hope to identify trending solutions that may be helpful in assisting with the symptoms experienced during topical steroid withdrawal.
Learn more about the crowd-sourced insights for topical steroid withdrawal that are trending as helpful.
More research is required to understand the benefits of Calendula for TSW
If you are considering using Calendula for Topical Steroid Withdrawal, it is important to understand that more research is needed to understand its efficacy. Although some people may have success with Calendula in treating their eczema or psoriasis, further clinical studies are required for TSW.
Through the TSW Assist website, we hope to share crowd-sourced information on the efficacy or inefficacy of Calendula in helping TSW, as well as other solutions that may help.
If you are unsure, please speak to a healthcare professional before using Calendula for topical steroid withdrawal.
ℹ️ Related: How To Heal TSW Naturally? The Nuances of Eczema and TSW