Calendula Uses: Our 14 Favorite Recipes (2024)

There are many, many uses for calendula! Calendula is perhaps most commonly known as a first aid support for cuts and wounds. It’s also used internally as an antimicrobial to help the body resist pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Having anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, astringent, and vulnerary properties, calendula is also a good herb for the skin. In this post, we have gathered together some of our favorite recipes using this herb for all sorts of uses.

Just about all of these recipes will require dried calendula flowers, which you can harvest and preserve on your own or purchase them from a quality source. For tips on drying calendula, check out Joybilee Farm’s articlehere, and if you choose to purchase your herbs, you can find them here.

Our Top 14 Favorite Calendula Recipes

Calendula Uses: Our 14 Favorite Recipes (1)

Elderberry Calendula Cold and Flu Elixir

The changing of seasons, right around late summer, is the perfect time of year to prepare one of our favorite cold and flu recipes using both calendula and elderberry. I especially enjoy making medicine from fresh plants, so this is the time to make my favorite cold and flu recipe – Elderberry Calendula Cold and Flu Elixir – including both elderberry and calendula, rose hips, orange peel, ginger, and elderflower.

http://theherbalacademy.com/2014/09/elderberry-calendula-cold-and-flu-elixir/

A Simple Calendula Tea

Drinking tea made from calendula can help in the treatment of urinary tract infections. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of the herb make it very soothing on the throat. Simply use your calendula tea as a gargle when your throat feels sore.

Learn more here: http://thefreerangelife.com/30-uses-for-calendula/

Calendula Uses: Our 14 Favorite Recipes (2)

Homemade Sugar Scrub

You can use this herbal sugar scrub every time you shower, or you can alternate it with soap as often as you’d like. Gently massaging it into your skin feels great and the oils will leave your skin soft, nourished, and glowing.

http://theherbalacademy.com/2014/07/how-to-make-a-homemade-sugar-scrub-with-calendula/

Calendula Uses: Our 14 Favorite Recipes (3)

Herbal Deodorant

If you too have been struggling with finding the perfect natural deodorant that keeps you from stinking, here it is.

http://theherbalacademy.com/2014/08/an-herbal-deodorant-that-works-finally/

Calendula Balm for Diaper Rash

Another easy balm recipe, which is a great use for diaper rash!

http://shalommama.com/calendula-balm

Calendula Uses: Our 14 Favorite Recipes (4)

Calendula Infused Facial Toner

This homemade toner is not only hydrating to the skin, but slightly astringent, anti-inflammatory, and helps the skin thanks to the calendula.

http://www.growingupherbal.com/calendula-infused-facial-toner/

Calendula Soap

Jan, author of Cold Process Soap Basics and Recipesand blogger over at The Nerdy Farm Wife shares with us two great recipes using calendula! This is a mild, unscented calendula soap bar that is gentle enough to use on almost everyone from babies to grandmothers.

http://thenerdyfarmwife.com/calendula-soap/

Calendula Uses: Our 14 Favorite Recipes (5)

A Natural Support for Irritated Eyes

This is another one of The Nerdy Farm Wife’s recipes, great for irritated eyes caused by: allergies, pool water, dryness, dust, wind, eye strain, and even pink eye. Of course, be sure to read the caveats and precautions at the end of her post before going ahead with the recipe!

http://thenerdyfarmwife.com/calendula-a-natural-remedy-for-irritated-eyes/

Calendula Uses: Our 14 Favorite Recipes (6)

Herbal Sinus Infusion Using Calendula, Sage, and Thyme

Certain times of the year, pollen is really bad and affects everyone in the family, including the pets! This Herbal Sinus Infusion is a great recipe for treating seasonaldiscomfort.

http://www.fresh-eggs-daily.com/2014/05/herbal-sinus-infusion-using-calendula.html

Calendula Uses: Our 14 Favorite Recipes (7)

DIY Herbal Sunburn Relief Spray

This combination of herbs is great to use on hot, damaged skin from a sunburn.

http://theherbalacademy.com/2014/07/4-ways-to-prevent-a-sunburn-naturally-a-diy-sunburn-relief-spray/

Simple Herbal Burn Salve

The herbs used in the herbal burn salve recipe above are commonly used herbs for burns, coming together for the perfect burn support!

http://theherbalacademy.com/2014/06/how-to-make-and-use-a-simple-herbal-burn-salve/

Calendula Uses: Our 14 Favorite Recipes (8)

Calendula, Oats, and Honey Lotion

The simplest remedy to treat environmental damage is to moisturize it with protective cream. You could of course buy it but it’s far more fun and less expensive to make it yourself. Another benefit to making your own is that you can control which ingredients you use and keep it as natural as possible.

http://www.lovelygreens.com/2014/08/calendula-oats-honey-lotion-recipe.html

DIY Herbal Healing Balm

This healing balm is excellent for acne, scrapes, burns, bruises, diaper rash, new tattoos, muscle pain, chapped skin and postpartum bottom care.

http://learningandyearning.com/diy-herbal-healing-balm

Herbal Lip Balm

From the Freerange Life, get this recipe for a moisturizing lip balm using dried calendula. It is simple to make and, best of all, only contains ingredients youcan pronounce!

http://thefreerangelife.com/calendula-lavender-lip-balm/

Further Reading on Calendula Uses

If you are looking for more calendula recipes and goodies, then you’ll want to stop by The Nerdy Farm Wife’s website to get a free ebook on calendula here:
http://thenerdyfarmwife.com/things-to-do-with-calendula-free-ebook/

And find plenty of additional calendula growing tips, recipes and remedies, and fun facts on our Calendula [Botanical] Pinterest board! Pin with us here:

So how are you using calendula? Share with us in the comments!

If you are interested in learning more about calendula usesalong with many other uses of common and not-so-common herbs, join us anytime in our Online Introductory Herbal Course or Intermediate Herbal Course.

Calendula Uses: Our 14 Favorite Recipes (9)

Calendula Uses: Our 14 Favorite Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Who should not use calendula? ›

DO NOT apply it to an open wound without a doctor's supervision. People who are allergic to plants in the daisy or aster family, including chrysanthemums and ragweed, may also have an allergic reaction to calendula (usually a skin rash). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use calendula.

What are the culinary uses for calendula? ›

The leaves and petals of this plant are edible. The leaves are typically bitter and often are added to leafy salads. The fresh petals are used as a garnish, seasoning, or a traditional yellow cheese colorant. Calendula was also used historically as medicine and a dye for fabrics, foods, and cosmetics.

What are the side effects of calendula? ›

Calendula might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking calendula with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

What can you do with calendula? ›

The petals are a popular choice for floral displays and potpourri mixes. They can also be cooked and eaten. Calendula oil is made by infusing the flowers in carrier oils such as olive oil or coconut oil. The oil can be used on its own or as an ingredient in ointments, balms, creams, or lotions.

Does calendula raise blood pressure? ›

However, the same studies found that in high doses, calendula acts like a sedative and also reduces blood pressure. For this reason, it might not be safe to combine calendula with sedative or blood pressure medications.

Is calendula safe for liver? ›

Calendula officinalis extract was effective in reducing the formation of lipid droplets and increasing sinusoid capillaries, indicating a protective action on the liver.

What are two main healing benefits of the herb calendula? ›

The herb's antifungal and antimicrobial properties help prevent infection and heal injuries to body tissues. Calendula is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components, which might help to fight cancer, protect against heart disease, and ease muscle fatigue.

Why is calendula so good? ›

Calendula flowers are rich in antioxidant compounds, including flavonoids, polyphenols and carotenoids, that help neutralise free radicals and limit their effects. This means calendula skincare including calendula creams benefit the skin by protecting it from stressors and keeping it healthy-looking.

What does calendula taste like? ›

Calendulas have a mildly sweet taste that is slightly bitter, and as it dries these flavors become more intense. It can be used to add color to soups, stews, poultry dishes, custards and liquors. The common name for Calendula officinalis in Britain is 'pot-marigold,' named so because of its use in broths and soups.

What does calendula heal? ›

Calendula oil has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that might make it useful in healing wounds, soothing eczema, and relieving diaper rash. Calendula oil is a natural oil extracted from marigold flowers (Calendula officinalis). It's often used as a complementary or alternative treatment.

What does calendula do for lungs? ›

A tea made from Calendula is most indicated in allergic congestion, or in chronic conditions of stagnation that would welcome a little heat from these bright flowers. A tincture can also be used, at doses of ¼ to ½ tsp. three times a day. A Chinese tonic, it strengthens the lungs specifically and immunity in general.

Does calendula have estrogen? ›

Calendula officinalis Linn. flower extract (COE) is known for its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, estrogenic and neuroprotective activities.

What does calendula mix well with? ›

Our favorite anti-inflammatory blends with Calendula are Lavender and Chamomile because of their complementary soothing properties and lovely aromas. Yarrow and Comfrey are good pairings in a healing salve due to their respective healing properties.

Can you put calendula on your face? ›

Calendula is a great option for all skin types, but as always, if you're concerned about any potential breakouts or adverse side effects, it's a great idea to do a patch test before using any product.

What is the best companion for calendula? ›

Calendula officinalis, commonly known as marigold, is an exceptional companion plant for various vegetables, including tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, peas, French and runner beans.

Does calendula interact with any medications? ›

There are no known scientific reports of interactions between calendula and conventional or herbal medications. Theoretically, calendula may interact with sedative and antihypertensive (blood pressure) drugs, so talk to your doctor before combing these drugs with calendula.

Is calendula good for all skin types? ›

As we just read, calendula has anti-inflammatory properties and can help calm redness and inflammation and ease skin discomfort. In addition to being soothing for any type of skin, this means that calendula can provide some relief from conditions like eczema or diaper rash.

What type of skin is calendula good for? ›

Calendula is a gentle herbal ingredient that is well tolerated by all skin types in general. Even people with dry, irritated or sensitive skin can also benefit from the usage of calendula. However, it is advisable to do a small patch test on the hidden part of your skin before using calendula for the first time.

How do you know if you're allergic to calendula? ›

SIDE EFFECTS: An allergic reaction to this product is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

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