Calendula Tea Benefits: 7 Science-Backed Health Properties You Should Know

Calendula, commonly known as pot marigold, is a vibrant flowering herb that has been treasured in traditional medicine for centuries. This golden-orange flower can be brewed into a soothing tea or processed into extracts, oils, and topical preparations that offer numerous health benefits.

The tea is prepared by steeping dried calendula flowers in hot water, creating a slightly bitter yet aromatic beverage. The extract, derived from both flowers and leaves, is concentrated and used in various wellness products.

Rich in beneficial plant compounds, calendula has gained attention from researchers studying its therapeutic potential. From supporting skin health to fighting inflammation, this herbal remedy offers a range of wellness benefits backed by emerging scientific evidence.

Let’s explore seven compelling reasons why calendula tea and extract deserve a place in your natural health toolkit.

1. Rich Source of Powerful Antioxidants

Calendula stands out for its impressive antioxidant profile. These beneficial compounds work to neutralize free radicals in your body, protecting your cells from oxidative damage that can contribute to premature aging and chronic diseases.

The flower contains several types of antioxidants, including flavonoids, triterpenes, polyphenols, and carotenoids. Each of these compounds plays a unique role in defending your body against cellular stress.

Research has shown that calendula extract can significantly boost antioxidant levels in the body. In animal studies, the extract demonstrated the ability to reverse oxidative stress markers and restore depleted antioxidant reserves by substantial margins.

Beyond antioxidants, calendula contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may help combat chronic inflammation. Since ongoing inflammation is linked to conditions like metabolic syndrome, obesity, and cardiovascular concerns, calendula’s anti-inflammatory properties make it particularly valuable for overall health maintenance.

2. Supports Natural Wound Healing and Skin Repair

One of calendula’s most celebrated uses is promoting wound healing and treating various skin injuries. The extract, whether applied as an oil, ointment, or compress soaked in cooled tea, has shown remarkable healing properties.

Scientific studies reveal that calendula extract influences protein expression in ways that accelerate the wound healing process. Specifically, it increases collagen production at wound sites—an essential protein for forming new, healthy skin tissue.

Clinical research has demonstrated impressive results. In one study involving people with venous leg ulcers, those treated with calendula extract experienced complete healing at rates more than double that of the control group within a 12-week period.

Similarly, research on individuals with diabetes-related foot ulcers showed that daily treatment with calendula spray led to complete wound closure in the vast majority of participants over a 30-week period. These findings suggest calendula could be a valuable adjunct therapy for difficult-to-heal wounds.

3. Exhibits Anti-Cancer Properties in Laboratory Studies

Emerging laboratory research suggests that calendula’s antioxidant compounds may possess anti-tumor activity. While it’s crucial to note that calendula should never replace conventional cancer treatment, the preliminary findings are intriguing.

Test-tube studies have examined calendula’s effects on various cancer cell lines, including leukemia, melanoma, colon cancer, and pancreatic cancer cells. The results indicate that specific flavonoids and triterpenes found in calendula may inhibit cancer cell growth.

Researchers believe the extract works through multiple mechanisms—activating proteins that trigger cancer cell death while simultaneously blocking proteins that would normally prevent this process.

However, it’s essential to emphasize that these are preliminary laboratory findings. Human clinical trials are necessary before any conclusions can be drawn about calendula’s role in cancer prevention or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding cancer treatment options.

4. Demonstrates Antifungal and Antimicrobial Activity

Calendula extract has earned recognition for its ability to fight various microorganisms, including fungi and bacteria. This property makes it potentially useful for addressing certain infections, particularly those affecting the skin.

Laboratory testing has shown that calendula flower oil effectively combats multiple strains of Candida yeast—the fungus responsible for common infections affecting the mouth, vaginal area, and skin. In one comprehensive test, calendula oil proved effective against 23 different Candida strains.

Additional research has explored calendula’s effectiveness against parasites. Test-tube studies indicate that the extract can inhibit the growth of leishmania, the parasite that causes leishmaniasis—a disease that can produce skin sores and affect internal organs.

You can apply calendula preparations directly to affected skin areas in the form of oils, ointments, compresses, or sprays. However, keep in mind that most evidence comes from laboratory studies, and human clinical trials are needed to confirm these antimicrobial effects in real-world applications.

5. Promotes Oral Health and Combats Gingivitis

Calendula shows promise as a natural remedy for maintaining oral health, particularly in combating gingivitis—a common condition characterized by inflamed and bleeding gums.

A significant clinical study involving 240 participants with gingivitis found that those who used a calendula-based mouthwash experienced notably greater reduction in gum inflammation compared to the control group over a six-month period.

The oral health benefits extend beyond gingivitis. Laboratory research has demonstrated that calendula mouthwash can reduce the number of harmful microorganisms that may colonize dental sutures after tooth extraction procedures, potentially lowering infection risk.

These protective effects stem from calendula’s dual action as both an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent in the oral cavity.

Many people also use calendula tea as a gargle for soothing sore throats, though scientific evidence for this particular use remains anecdotal. The anti-inflammatory properties theoretically support this application, but more research is needed.

6. Enhances Skin Health and Fights Aging Signs

Calendula extract has become a popular ingredient in cosmetic products, and for good reason. Both laboratory and human studies support its skin-enhancing properties.

Research indicates that calendula extract can improve skin hydration while enhancing firmness and elasticity—key factors in maintaining youthful-looking skin. These anti-aging effects are attributed primarily to calendula’s rich antioxidant content, which protects skin from oxidative damage.

Ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure is the primary cause of oxidative stress in skin tissue. Interestingly, laboratory analysis has found that calendula oil possesses measurable sun protection factor (SPF) properties, though not sufficient to replace proper sunscreen. Sunscreens formulated with calendula oil may offer additional protective benefits.

Beyond anti-aging benefits, calendula has shown effectiveness in treating common skin irritations. A clinical study involving children with diaper rash found that calendula ointment provided safe and effective relief within just ten days of treatment.

The combination of antioxidant protection, anti-inflammatory action, and antimicrobial properties makes calendula a versatile ingredient for various skin health applications.

7. Additional Potential Benefits Under Investigation

Several other potential benefits of calendula are widely discussed, though scientific evidence remains limited or preliminary:

Menstrual Support: Traditional herbalists have long recommended calendula for regulating menstrual cycles and easing cramps. However, scientific studies validating these uses are currently lacking. Women should consult healthcare providers before using calendula for menstrual concerns.

Breastfeeding Support: Some evidence suggests topical calendula products may help soothe cracked or sore nipples during nursing, though more rigorous research is needed to confirm effectiveness and safety.

Acne Treatment: Due to its antimicrobial properties, calendula is sometimes used as a natural face toner to reduce acne and breakouts. While the antimicrobial activity is established, specific evidence for acne treatment remains anecdotal.

Cardiovascular Health: One test-tube study suggested calendula’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties might reduce heart attack risk markers. However, this was a single laboratory study using high doses, so clinical relevance remains unclear.

Exercise Recovery: An animal study indicated that calendula extract might reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness. However, the study combined calendula with other plant extracts, making it difficult to isolate calendula’s specific contribution.

While these potential benefits are intriguing, they require more robust scientific investigation before definitive recommendations can be made.

Safety Considerations and Precautions

The Food and Drug Administration recognizes calendula as generally safe for use. However, like any herbal remedy, it’s not suitable for everyone, and certain precautions should be observed.

Allergic Reactions: While calendula benefits many people’s skin, others may experience allergic contact reactions. Always perform a patch test by applying a small amount of any calendula product to a limited skin area before widespread use. Wait 24 hours to check for redness, itching, or irritation.

People with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family—including chamomile, ragweed, daisies, and mountain arnica—may be more susceptible to calendula allergies.

Pregnancy Considerations: Due to calendula’s traditional use for stimulating menstruation, pregnant women should avoid calendula products to minimize any theoretical risk of miscarriage. Consult your healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies during pregnancy.

Drug Interactions: Research reviews have identified potential interactions between calendula and certain medications, particularly sedatives and blood pressure medications. If you’re taking any prescription medications, discuss calendula use with your doctor or pharmacist before incorporating it into your routine.

Quality Matters: When purchasing calendula products, choose reputable brands that provide information about sourcing and manufacturing practices. Organic, pesticide-free calendula is preferable, especially for products you’ll consume as tea.

How to Use Calendula Tea and Extract

Preparing Calendula Tea: To make calendula tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried calendula flowers in 8 ounces of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and enjoy up to three times daily. You can add honey or lemon to improve the slightly bitter taste.

Topical Applications: For skin applications, you can use cooled calendula tea as a compress, add it to a spray bottle for wound care, or purchase calendula-infused oils and ointments. Apply to clean skin 2-3 times daily or as needed.

Oral Rinse: Use cooled calendula tea as a mouthwash by swishing it in your mouth for 30-60 seconds, then spitting it out. This can be done after regular brushing and flossing.

Dosage Considerations: While no standard dosage has been established for calendula, most studies have used extract concentrations ranging from 2-5%. For tea, 1-4 grams of flowers per day is commonly suggested, though you should start with smaller amounts to assess tolerance.

The Bottom Line

Calendula tea and extract offer an impressive array of potential health benefits, from providing powerful antioxidants to supporting wound healing, fighting harmful microorganisms, and enhancing skin health. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of this bright flower make it a valuable addition to natural wellness approaches.

While traditional use and emerging scientific evidence support many of calendula’s benefits, it’s important to recognize that much of the current research relies on laboratory and animal studies. More human clinical trials are needed to fully understand calendula’s therapeutic potential and optimal applications.

Calendula tea can be enjoyed as part of a varied diet and healthy lifestyle. For topical uses, calendula-based products offer a natural option for skin care and minor wound management.

However, calendula should complement—not replace—conventional medical care. If you’re pregnant, taking medications, or have existing health conditions, consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating calendula into your wellness routine.

When used appropriately and with proper precautions, calendula represents a time-honored herbal remedy that bridges traditional wisdom with modern scientific investigation, offering natural support for multiple aspects of health and wellness.

Sources:

• National Center for Biotechnology Information – Calendula officinalis: An Important Medicinal Plant
• National Center for Biotechnology Information – Antioxidants and Human Health
• National Center for Biotechnology Information – Efficacy of Calendula in Gingivitis
• National Center for Biotechnology Information – Skin Care Benefits of Plant Extracts
• National Center for Biotechnology Information – Antifungal Activity of Calendula Oil
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Health Information Resources
• PubMed – Medical Literature Database