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Natural Awakenings Magazine May 2021 Greater Pittsburgh Edition
Homeopathic Calendula Cream for Radiation Burns
Homeopathic calendula cream is made from the dried flower petals of the garden marigold which contain flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Calendula is very soothing when applied topically to the skin and helps to calm redness, itchy skin, and soothe rashes associated with radiation burns.
It is estimated that a woman born today has a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime and 95 percent of patients experience some degree of radiation burns during treatment. Despite the evidence, the majority of medical centers have not yet integrated calendula cream as part of their medical protocol for radiation treatment.
In a clinical trial of Calendula Officinalis compared with Trolamine, 254 patients that applied calendula cream twice daily or more to irradiated areas, reserchers reported, “Calendula is highly effective for the prevention of acute dermatitis of grade 2 or higher and should be proposed for patients undergoing postoperative irradiation for breast cancer,” with fewer treatment interruptions. For the treatment of radiation burns, apply a thin layer of calendula cream to the affected area two to three times a day. Do not apply calendula cream three hours before radiation therapy and avoid using it on tattoo marks scheduled for radiation therapy until the treatments are finished.
Dr. Heidi Weinhold completed a four-year doctoral program in naturopathic medicine at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, has a private practice in Canonsburg and is available for naturopathic consultations. For more information, call 724-941-7701 or visit DoctorHeidi.net.
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