Calendula Tea: Benefits for Skin and Digestion, How to Prepare and Side Effects

IMPORTANT: Calendula tea is generally well tolerated, but it is not without precautions. People allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (daisies, chamomile, ragweed, chrysanthemums, arnica) may develop allergic reactions and should avoid this plant. Pregnant women should avoid drinking calendula tea, since folk tradition and medical caution associate it with uterine stimulation; during breastfeeding it should only be used on a doctor’s advice. If you are taking sedatives, blood pressure medication, or diabetes medication, talk to your doctor, because calendula may have a mild calming and blood-pressure-lowering effect. Calendula tea does not replace medical treatment: if you have persistent symptoms (abdominal pain, skin lesions that won’t heal, severe inflammation), see a doctor.

Grandma Veta, in the village where my grandparents lived, kept an entire bed of marigolds behind the house that no one was allowed to plow up, no matter how far it spread across the path. “Leave them be, they’re the doctor of the house,” she would say, gathering the brightest flowers every summer morning and laying them out to dry on a sheet of newspaper in the cool attic. In winter, when our throats hurt or our stomachs were unsettled after the holidays, she would pull out a jar of dried petals, orange as the August sun, and make us a warm, slightly bitter tea sweetened with a teaspoon of linden honey.

I still remember how, when I had scraped my knee falling off my bicycle, she made a compress from the same tea, cooled down, and placed it over the wound. “Calendula heals the skin better than many ointments from the pharmacy,” she would say, and she wasn’t wrong: within a few days, the scrape had closed up nicely. That is how, as a child, I learned that this modest flower, which some dismissed as a mere garden weed, hid an entire green pharmacy inside it.

Calendula tea is made from the flowers of the Calendula officinalis plant, known popularly as marigold or pot marigold. It is a plant native to the Mediterranean region, cultivated for centuries in European gardens both for its beauty and for its healing properties. The orange or bright-yellow flowers open with the sun and close in the evening, which is reflected in the Latin name “calendula,” linked to “calendae” – the first days of the month in the Roman calendar. Prized by folk medicine for its soothing effect on the skin and the digestive mucosa, calendula tea remains one of the gentlest and most versatile remedies in the treasury of traditional herbalism.

Table of Contents

• What calendula tea is
• The composition of calendula flowers
• Health benefits of calendula tea
• How to prepare calendula tea correctly
• When and how much to drink
• External uses of calendula tea
• Combinations with other herbs
• How to choose and store calendula
• Practical Tips and Common Mistakes
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

What calendula tea is

Calendula tea is an infusion made from the dried (or, more rarely, fresh) flowers of the Calendula officinalis plant. Unlike the wild field marigold (Calendula arvensis), which has smaller and paler flowers, the cultivated variety has large, dense flower heads of an intense orange, the richest in active compounds. In herbalism, the “ligules” – the outer petals – are mostly used, but also the entire flower head.

Romanian folk tradition has used calendula for generations, especially in the form of an ointment for wounds, mild burns, and irritations, but also as a tea for the health of the stomach and the liver. The flower was ever-present in peasant gardens, being easy to grow and to dry. Today, calendula is recognized by modern medicine too for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, and the tea remains the simplest, most accessible way to benefit from them.

The taste of the tea is slightly bitter, herbaceous, with a subtle floral note. The color ranges from golden yellow to pale orange, depending on how many flowers are used. Many people prefer it sweetened with honey or combined with more aromatic herbs such as mint or chamomile.

The composition of calendula flowers

The effectiveness of calendula tea is due to a complex combination of active substances concentrated in the petals. Studies suggest that calendula flowers contain:

• Flavonoids (such as quercetin, isorhamnetin, and rutin) – compounds with antioxidant action that help neutralize free radicals and support the reduction of inflammation.
• Triterpenoids and triterpene saponins – considered the main contributors to the plant’s anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effect.
• Carotenoids (including beta-carotene and lutein) – pigments that give the orange color and play an antioxidant role; tradition links them to skin health.
• Volatile (essential) oils – which contribute to the mild antiseptic effect and the characteristic aroma.
• Mucilage – viscous substances that form a protective film over the mucous membranes, explaining the soothing effect on the throat and stomach.
• Phenolic acids and tannins – with astringent and mild antimicrobial properties.

This synergy of compounds explains why calendula acts simultaneously as an anti-inflammatory, a mild antiseptic, a wound-healer, and a soother. Important to note: some of the most valuable compounds (the triterpenoids) are more soluble in fats and alcohol, which is why ointments and tinctures are sometimes preferred for intensive external use, while the tea remains ideal for internal use and for gentle compresses.

Health benefits of calendula tea

Supports skin health

The best-known benefit of calendula is related to the skin. Folk tradition uses the cooled tea as a compress for irritations, insect bites, mild sunburns, and itchy areas. Its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties help calm redness and support tissue regeneration. Drunk regularly, the tea is also valued for its supply of antioxidants, which contribute to healthier skin from the inside.

Aids digestion and soothes the stomach

Calendula tea is an old remedy for digestive discomfort. The mucilage forms a protective film over the gastric mucosa, while the mild anti-inflammatory effect may help in cases of gastritis, stomach irritation, or a burning sensation. Tradition also recommends it for the gentle stimulation of bile secretion, considering it useful after heavy meals and for supporting liver function.

Supports the healing of inflamed mucous membranes

Thanks to its soothing and antiseptic effect, calendula tea is used as a gargle for sore throats, mouth ulcers, irritated gums, or mild inflammations of the oral cavity. Studies suggest that calendula extracts may support the reduction of inflammation in the mucous membranes, which is why gargling with cooled calendula tea is a popular tip for oral hygiene.

Has a mild calming and antispasmodic effect

In folk medicine, calendula is considered a plant with a mild relaxing action on smooth muscle. This gentle antispasmodic effect explains why the tea is traditionally recommended for mild abdominal cramps and menstrual discomfort. Many women of the older generation drink a warm cup of calendula tea in the first days of their cycle to ease cramps.

Supports immunity and has antioxidant action

The wealth of flavonoids and carotenoids gives the tea antioxidant properties. Tradition includes it among the “winter teas,” alongside other herbs, as support for the body during the cold and flu season. Its mild antiseptic effect makes it a good ally for the throat during cold periods.

Helps gently detoxify the body

In folk herbalism, calendula is considered a “depurative” plant that supports the elimination of toxins by aiding the liver and gallbladder. Drunk in short courses, the tea is valued as a gentle tonic for cleansing the body, especially in spring.

How to prepare calendula tea correctly

Preparing calendula tea is simple, but a few details make the difference between a successful infusion and a bland one.

The classic recipe (infusion)

Ingredients:

• 1-2 teaspoons of dried calendula flowers (or 1 tablespoon of fresh flowers)
• 250 ml of water

Method:

1. Bring the water to a boil, then turn off the heat and let it “settle” for 30-60 seconds (the ideal temperature is around 90-95°C, not violently boiling water, which can destroy some of the fragile compounds).
2. Place the dried flowers in a cup or an infuser.
3. Pour the hot water over the flowers.
4. Cover the cup with a saucer (to retain the volatile oils) and let it steep for 8-10 minutes.
5. Strain and drink lukewarm. Optionally, sweeten with a teaspoon of honey (after the tea has cooled a little, so as not to destroy the enzymes in the honey).

Concentrated decoction for external use

For compresses, gargling, or local baths, prepare a stronger tea:

1. Use 2-3 tablespoons of flowers per 500 ml of water.
2. Let it steep for 15 minutes (or simmer over low heat for 5 minutes for a decoction).
3. Strain well and let it cool to body temperature.
4. Apply onto clean gauze compresses or use as a gargle.

When and how much to drink

For internal use, the usual dose recommended by herbal tradition is 1-3 cups per day, drunk between meals or after meals (especially after heavy meals, for the digestive and bile-stimulating effect). To support digestion, a cup 20-30 minutes before a meal is a common practice.

Courses are usually taken over limited periods: 2-3 weeks of consumption, followed by a one-week break. Continuous use over a very long term is not recommended without breaks, as with most medicinal plants. For the calming menstrual effect, the tea is drunk in the first days of the cycle, 1-2 cups per day.

In the evening, calendula can be combined with chamomile or lemon balm for a mild relaxing effect, useful before bedtime.

External uses of calendula tea

In addition to internal consumption, calendula tea is a prized external remedy:

• Compresses for irritated skin – gauze soaked in cooled tea, applied to the affected area for 10-15 minutes.
• Gargle for sore throats and mouth ulcers – rinsing the mouth and throat with lukewarm tea, 2-3 times a day.
• Local baths for hands and feet – for dry, cracked, or irritated skin.
• Hair rinse – tradition says it accentuates the golden highlights of blond hair and soothes an irritated scalp.
• Compresses for tired eyes – cooled tea, strained very well through a double layer of gauze, applied with caution (only if there is no allergy).

Combinations with other herbs

Calendula tea blends harmoniously with other herbs, depending on the desired purpose:

• Calendula + chamomile – to soothe the stomach and for a double anti-inflammatory effect.
• Calendula + mint – for digestion and a more pleasant, refreshing aroma.
• Calendula + lemon balm (melissa) – for relaxation and calming the nervous system.
• Calendula + yarrow – a traditional combination for menstrual discomfort.
• Calendula + linden – for the cold season, as support for the throat and immunity.
• Calendula + artichoke or dandelion – to support the liver and the digestion of fats.

For blends, use equal amounts of each herb, about 1 teaspoon of the mixture per 250 ml of water.

How to choose and store calendula

The quality of the tea depends directly on the quality of the flowers. Here are some guidelines:

• Color – good-quality dried flowers keep an orange or intense-yellow hue. Washed-out, brownish, or grayish flowers have lost some of their active compounds.
• Aroma – a herbaceous, slightly resinous smell is a sign of freshness.
• Origin – prefer calendula from trusted producers, ideally from crops free of pesticides, or picked from your own garden.
• Fresh flowers are picked in dry weather, around midday, when fully open, and dried in the shade, in a thin layer, in a well-ventilated place.

Store them in airtight glass jars or paper bags, in a dark, dry, and cool place. Dried flowers retain their qualities for about a year. After that interval, the tea remains safe but less effective.

Practical Tips and Common Mistakes

Mistake no. 1: Using violently boiling water. Water that is too hot can degrade the flavonoids and volatile oils. Let the water rest a little after boiling, down to about 90-95°C.

Mistake no. 2: Steeping uncovered. If you don’t cover the cup, the aromatic volatile oils escape with the steam. Always cover the vessel while steeping.

Mistake no. 3: Excessive consumption without breaks. Medicinal plants should not be drunk endlessly. Respect courses of 2-3 weeks with breaks, to avoid buildup and to maintain effectiveness.

Mistake no. 4: Ignoring an Asteraceae allergy. People allergic to daisies, chamomile, ragweed, or chrysanthemums may also react to calendula. Do a test with a small amount first.

Mistake no. 5: Drinking it during pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid calendula tea, out of caution, given its potential uterine-stimulating effect.

Mistake no. 6: Using old, faded flowers. Brownish flowers have lost almost all their active compounds. For an effective tea, use flowers with a vivid color.

Mistake no. 7: Sweetening with honey in boiling-hot tea. Add the honey only after the tea has cooled a little, to preserve its properties.

Conclusion

Calendula tea is a gentle yet surprisingly versatile remedy that combines folk tradition with the support of modern medicine. From soothing the stomach and supporting digestion to caring for the skin and easing sore throats, this modest flower of the sun fully deserves its place in the pantry of medicinal plants. The secret lies in the quality of the flowers, in correct preparation, and in measured consumption, in courses with breaks. Like any natural remedy, calendula does not replace a doctor’s advice in the case of serious conditions, but it remains a trustworthy ally for the small everyday discomforts – exactly as Grandma Veta knew, with her jar of petals orange as the sun.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cups of calendula tea can I drink per day? Generally, 1-3 cups per day are recommended, in courses of 2-3 weeks followed by breaks. Start with one cup a day to see how your body reacts.

Does calendula tea have contraindications? Yes. It is contraindicated for people allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family and for pregnant women. People on blood pressure, diabetes, or sedative treatments should consult their doctor.

Can I drink calendula tea while breastfeeding? Only on a doctor’s recommendation. Out of caution, avoidance is preferred during breastfeeding, since safety data are limited.

What does calendula tea taste like? It has a slightly bitter, herbaceous taste with a subtle floral note. It can be sweetened with honey or combined with mint or chamomile for a more pleasant aroma.

Does calendula tea help with weight loss? It is not a weight-loss remedy. It may support digestion and a gentle detox, but it does not cause weight loss on its own. A balanced diet remains essential.

Can I use calendula tea on my skin? Yes, cooled, well-strained tea can be applied as a compress on mild irritations, bites, or sunburn. Do a patch test on a small area of skin first.

How long do dried calendula flowers keep? About a year, if kept in airtight containers in a dark, dry, and cool place. After that the tea becomes less effective.

Is calendula tea good for sore throats? Yes, gargling with lukewarm calendula tea is a traditional remedy for an irritated throat, mouth ulcers, and inflamed gums, thanks to its mild antiseptic and soothing effect.