Calendula Benefits and Best Ways to Use It

You might be familiar with calendula as an ingredient in diaper rash ointments or wound support balms. But—as if its skin soothing powers weren’t enough--this golden flower has so much more to offer. It is beloved in the natural wellness world for helping the whole family in more ways than we can count.

In this blog, we’ll look at how this vibrant blossom can be a gentle yet powerful ally—ready to help with everything from cuts and scrapes to sniffles, coughs, and more.

Calendula at a Glance

Calendula—aka “pot marigold” (not to be confused with ornamental marigolds) --brightens up our gardens and our health with its sunshiney petals. It is traditionally used in oils, salves, creams, teas, and washes to support skin recovery, and it goes deeper than the skin to soothe sore throats and get lymph moving. It’s one of our go-to herbs to keep in the family first aid kit.

Calendula’s Top Benefits

Some of the ways calendula supports the whole family:

Soothes irritated or reactive skin

Helps calm irritated winter skin & hands that are chapped from endless dishwashing. We love to stash Soothing Skin Balm under the kitchen sink.
Gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. Our Baby Balm is a skin-loving must-have for mamas.

Supports skin repair and recovery

Traditionally used to mend the minor cuts, scrapes, cracked skin, and rough patches of an active lifestyle (tree climbing, anyone?)
Helps skin feel more comfortable while it recovers.

Offers gentle support

Soothing care after sunny, windy adventures. Our Sun Soothe is great for giving our skin some love when it’s gotten roughed up out in the elements.
Gentle moisture without the sting after shaving or waxing.

Supports the skin barrier and moisture balance

Helps dry, chapped skin feel softer and more protected.
Great in oils and salves for hands, lips, and winter skin.

Traditionally used for antimicrobial and cleansing support

You’ll see it in salves and washes for “keep it clean” support.
Helpful for minor skin issues where you want gentle cleansing and soothing. Our Anti-Itch Soap helps with both. (2)

Calendula Beyond the Skin

Traditionally supports lymph/skin drainage and gentle detox pathways

Sometimes used in herbalism when the skin feels “congested,” reactive, or for those hard-to-get-rid-of irritations, making it a key ingredient in our Lymphatic Cream.

Supports a healthy liver and menstrual cycle

It's a bitter herb that promotes detoxification and helps harmonize our hormones. (2)

How to Use Calendula

Calendula shines in lots of different forms—making it easy to fit into your routine. Some of them are:

Infused oil

Great for daily moisturizing and DIY blends like this Simple Calendula Salve

Salve/balm

Best for cuts, scrapes, or small rashes and irritated spots. Our All Purpose Salve comes in a super convenient stick that makes it easy to stash in your bag.

Cream/lotion

Good for keeping the whole body soft and soothed.

Tea

A comforting drink traditionally enjoyed warm to help with swollen lymph nodes, soothe digestive discomfort, or ease a fever. Great in a foot or full body bath for extra relaxation. Once cooled, it can double as a gentle face or body wash, or even a rinse for itchy eyes or scalp. For sore throats, it can be used as a soothing gargle. Some people even freeze it in ice cube trays to soothe summertime scrapes and sunburn. (2)

Compress

Cloth soaked in (cold or warm) calendula tea is great for calming irritated or sensitive skin spots.

Conclusion:

Calendula Is a Must-Have Herb for Everyday Life

For all the ways life can be tough on our skin—and everything within it—calendula has our backs. Its vibrant blossoms don’t just brighten gardens; they offer gentle, restorative care inside and out. Keeping a calendula salve on hand (literally) makes it easy to stay soft and soothed, while brewing the petals into tea brings calm and comfort to even the busiest days. This simple herb truly simplifies life, supporting the whole family in countless ways.

Disclaimer - This blog post is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services and its statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider regarding a specific medical condition.

Sources:

Calendula | Herbs | Herbal Reality https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/calendula/
14 Uses For Calendula Tea https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/14-uses-for-calendula-tea/