Tea, salves, baths, and impressive health benefits

Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, is more than just a bright splash of color in the garden. This golden flower has been treasured for centuries in traditional medicine for its gentle yet powerful healing properties—both internally and externally.

🌿 Which Parts of the Plant Are Used?

• Petals – most commonly used, fresh or dried
• Whole flower heads – ideal for oil infusions or salves
• Leaves – edible but rarely used due to bitter taste and coarse texture

✅ Top 12 Health Benefits of Calendula officinalis

1. 🩹 Wound Healing

Calendula is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, helping speed up healing of:

• Minor cuts
• Burns
• Insect bites
  💡 Use: Apply calendula salve or cream 2–3 times a day.

2. 👶 Soothes Skin Irritations

Helpful for:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Diaper rash
  💡 Use: Use calendula-based creams or balms.

3. 🦶 Antifungal Properties

Combats:

• Athlete’s foot
• Yeast infections
  💡 Use: Foot soak with calendula tea or infused oil.

4. 🍵 Anti-inflammatory (Internal)

A mild tea made with calendula can help soothe:

• Sore throats
• Mouth ulcers
• Gastritis or stomach inflammation
  💡 Use: Drink 1–2 cups of calendula tea daily.

5. 🩸 Menstrual Support

Traditionally used to:

• Regulate menstrual cycle
• Reduce cramping
  💡 Use: Steep 1 tsp dried petals in hot water and drink as tea.

6. 💧 Supports Lymphatic Drainage

Helps stimulate the lymph system and reduce swelling.
💡 Use: Drink calendula tea or use as a compress.

7. 🦷 Oral Health

Antimicrobial properties help treat:

• Gingivitis
• Mouth sores
• Sore gums
  💡 Use: Gargle with cooled calendula tea.

8. 🛡️ Rich in Antioxidants

Petals are packed with flavonoids and carotenoids that help fight free radicals.
💡 Use: Add fresh petals to salads or brew as tea.

9. 👁️ Eye Care (With Caution)

Traditionally used to relieve:

• Eye strain
• Mild irritation
  💡 Use: Use cool, strained calendula tea as an eyewash (must be sterile and freshly prepared; consult a healthcare provider).

10. 🌿 Immune Support

Calendula can help the body fend off infections.
💡 Use: Drink regularly during season changes.

11. 🍽️ Digestive Support

Relieves:

• Bloating
• Mild ulcers
• Inflammation in the gut
  💡 Use: Drink a mild calendula infusion before meals.

12. 🍃 Detox for Liver and Gallbladder

Used traditionally to:

• Stimulate bile production

• • Support liver detoxification
💡 Use: Combine with herbs like dandelion or milk thistle in detox blends.

🛠️ How to Use Calendula at Home

🍵 Calendula Tea

You’ll need:

• 1 tsp dried petals (or 1 Tbsp fresh)
• 1 cup hot water

Instructions:

1. Add petals to a cup.
2. Pour hot water over them.
3. Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes.
4. Strain and enjoy.

Drink up to 2 cups per day.

🌸 Healing Salve

1. Dry calendula petals.
2. Infuse them in olive oil for 2–3 weeks.
3. Strain and mix with melted beeswax.
4. Store in jars for skin use (cuts, eczema, burns).

🛁 Soothing Bath Soak

1. Fill a muslin bag with dried calendula petals.
2. Add to warm bath water.
3. Relax and let the herb soothe your skin.

🥗 Edible Petals

• Sprinkle on salads, rice, eggs, or soups
• Adds color and antioxidants
• Can be dried and stored for future use

⚠️ Precautions

• Generally safe for most people
• May cause allergic reaction in those sensitive to the Asteraceae family (like ragweed)
• Not recommended during pregnancy unless advised by a professional
• Always patch test new salves on a small area of skin

🌼 Final Thoughts

Calendula officinalis is a simple, beautiful plant with powerful health benefits. Whether you grow it, brew it, eat it, or apply it—it belongs in every natural medicine cabinet and garden.

Let its golden petals bring you natural healing, inside and out. 🌿✨