19 Uses For Calendula Tea

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Calendula tea may be one of the easiest ways to utilize this powerfully medicinal plant known for it’s antioxidant, antiviral, astringent and anti-spasmodic properties. Learning about the health benefits of this beautiful flower as well as how easy it is to make calendula tea & the uses for calendula tea, should be in everyone’s tool kit of home remedies.

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Calendula, Calendula officinalis, is of the marigold family and is readily known as Pot Marigold. This beautiful flowering plant is known for its varied medicinal properties and has been referred to as a magical healing remedy throughout the ages.

CALENDULA IN THE GARDEN

There may be no easier flower to grow in your garden. Here in the Northeast, USA, right on the line of zone 5a and zone 5b, this flower will self-seed and provide prolific blooms year after year if allowed. Preferring full sun but tolerating partial sun, this flower is low-maintenance and easy to grow.

Many prefer to start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, but as this plant is fast-growing (45-60 days from seed to flower), direct seeding may be a viable option. Once introduced into your garden, this plant will provide yearly blooms as it readily self-sows if allowed.

The benefits of calendula, Calendula officinalis, not to be confused with ornamental Marigolds of the Tagets genus, not only reaches our medicine cabinets but our gardens as well. This amazing plant makes a wonderful companion plant in the garden area. PESTS BEWARE! Planted near chard, carrots, & tomatoes, calendula is known to deter pests.

Planted throughout the garden area, it will not only deter pests but can also help to reduce the number of weeds and provide protection against heat & wind on those valuable vegetable & perennial plants. WIN-WIN for increasing crop yields!

CALENDULA BENEFITS & WARNINGS

As with most powerful remedies from Mother Nature, the benefits do not come without some risk. Beginning any herbal or floral treatment should be fully researched prior to commencing. Here is what has been found to assist you in that endeavor.

BENEFITS OF CALENDULA

Calendula is known to possess powerful antioxidant, antiviral, astringent and anti-spasmodic properties, & has a multitude of uses. A complete list of “Calendula Flower Uses” will give additional options of how to put this beneficial plant to good use. A few of the favorites are:

• The flowering petals can be used fresh, adding to salads and dishes, having a similar taste to that of saffron.
• They can be dried and used in teas, wonderful for menstrual issues. 
• The dried petals can be tinctured, easing gastrointestinal issues as well as promoting oral health in homemade toothpaste and mouthwashes. 
• Infused into oil, it can be used for skin issues ranging from diaper rash, eczema/psoriasis, acne, and dry/chapping skin. 

The last being a favorite here on the hill. Making this oil and using it to create many of our products including our baby products, Diaper Cream & Baby Oil, ensures that the products created here are made with the finest, organic ingredients that are fully in our control.

To find a full listing of the organic hand-crafted products made with love and available here click the button below.

Interested in making your own oil either with flowers you’ve grown or purchased, a favorite source can be found here, be sure to read “How To Make & Use Calendula Oil” for step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow.

WARNINGS FOR CALENDULA

Although calendula is a gentle therapy that many will likely have no issue when taken internally or applied to the skin, there are a few precautions and warnings.

1. PREGNANCY & BREASTFEEDING – Do NOT take calendula while pregnant, either orally or topically. There is a concern for miscarriage as Calendula can stimulate menstruation. Although there is not enough evidence to date to suggest harm for usage while breastfeeding, err on the side of precaution and stay away from use until reliable information is known.
2. ALLERGIC REACTIONS – Calendula may cause a reaction in those allergic to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. This includes marigolds, ragweed, chrysanthemums, daisies & more. If you have allergies, consult with your practitioner prior to taking Calendula.
3. SURGERY – Discontinue use of Calendula products two weeks prior to surgery as Calendula may interfere with medications and cause extreme drowsiness.

HOW TO MAKE CALENDULA TEA

To make Calendula tea, there are three methods depending on the intent for usage.

1. TEA – Simply place 1-2 TBL of Calendula flowers into a mug, fill with boiling water and let steep.
2. INFUSION – Fill a mason jar 1/2 to 3/4 way full of flowers, cover with boiling water. Cover and let set 8-10 hours.
3. SUN TEA – The preferred method here on the hill. Harnessing the power of the suns rays will infuse the tea with its energy. There has never been an issue with safety using this method here. Should it be a concern for you, choose the infusion or tea method instead.

CALENDULA TEA – SUN TEA METHOD

Fill a mason jar 1/2 to 3/4 way full of Calendula flowers, fill with water and cover.

Place jar outdoors (preferably) or on the sunniest of window sills. Allow the tea to brew for 3-5 hours in the direct hot sun. Shown in the background is my calendula oil brewing as well. Find out how to make your own oil infusion in my article, “How To Make & Use Calendula Oil”.

Once brewed to desired consistency, bring in and either place in the refrigerator for future use or strain.

Strain into cup of your choice to enjoy.

19 USES FOR CALENDULA TEA

It’s fair to say that the uses for Calendula are many, but what is the tea good for and how do you use it? Here are 19 benefits and suggestions.

1. FACE WASH/TONER – the anti-septic properties in Calendula make this a healing tea for acne & breakouts
2. SORE THROAT – gargle with tea to ease inflammatory throat soreness
3. MOUTH RINSE – rinse & gargle to ease & heal canker sores, ulcers, thrush, & just as a preventative mouth-wash
4. HEALING SPRAY – used as an antiseptic spray to assist healing wounds, sores, & general skin issues such as eczema
5. HAIR RINSE – rinse hair & scalp to ease itchy scalp
6. DIGESTIVE AID – drink tea to help remedy gastric ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), & inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
7. MENSTRUAL REGULATOR – helps prevent menstrual cramps & induce menstruation
8. FEVER REDUCTION – help to assist in fever reduction by inducing sweat
9. SKIN IRRITATION – it’s anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties assist in treating and easing skin irritations such as diaper rash.
10. EYEWASH – treats pink eye and dry itchy eyes
11. FOOT SOAK – assist in healing fungal issues such as athletes foot
12. SITZ BATH – to soothe hemorrhoids, yeast infections, & other inflammatory issues
13. TEA COMPRESS – assists in preventing infections & promote healing to wounds, injuries, & burns
14. HOMEMADE BABY WIPES – help to alleviate & prevent diaper rash
15. ANIMALS – efficacious for dogs and cats (hot spots/itchy spots), as well as farm animals to treat flea bites, scratches, & small wounds
16. PREVENTATIVES – assist in supporting the immune system; can be added to elderberry syrup for an added boost to the immune system
17. SKIN TREATMENT – add tea to your favorite sugar scrub to promote healthy, youthful-looking skin
18. SUNBURN RELIEF – add with marshmallow root, aloe vera gel, and essential oil of lavender to create a wonderful sunburn relief spray
19. INTERNAL INFECTIONS – helps to improve bladder infections, upset stomach, cleanses the digestive tract, & relieves digestive disorders

These are just a few of the ways that Calendula can support & heal. Have you used this flower for it’s healing properties? What are some ways you utilize it? Join the conversation below or on any or our listed social media channels.

Love, Light, & Laughter ~