Calendula: Uses, Benefits & How to Use It

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a bright orange flower people use for skin problems, minor wounds, and inflammation. It’s gentle, often found in creams, oils, teas, and ointments. If you want a simple, practical herb for first aid and daily skin care, calendula is a solid choice. Below I’ll explain what it helps with, how to use it, and important safety notes.

Quick uses and what the evidence shows

Use calendula topically for cuts, scrapes, diaper rash, mild eczema, sunburn, and minor surgical wounds. Small clinical trials and many traditional uses show calendula can speed wound healing and reduce redness. Research suggests it has mild anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing effects—so it calms irritated skin and lowers infection risk when used as part of basic wound care.

People also drink calendula tea to soothe the digestive tract or use it as a mild mouth rinse for sore gums. The internal use is less studied than topical use, but many herbalists recommend tea for short-term digestive irritation.

How to use calendula: forms and practical tips

Topical cream or ointment: Apply a thin layer to clean skin 1–3 times daily. Good for wounds, diaper rash, and eczema patches. Choose products that list calendula extract or calendula officinalis on the label.

Calendula oil (infused oil): Warm a small amount between your fingers and massage into dry or damaged skin. Use once or twice daily. It’s great for chapped skin, minor burns, and as a soothing nightly treatment.

Tea: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried calendula flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Drink up to two cups a day for mild digestive relief. Don’t use strong or long-term internal dosing unless advised by a healthcare pro.

Tincture: Follow the product label. Tinctures are more concentrated; a common approach is a few drops in water 1–2 times a day, but check the bottle and ask a pharmacist or herbalist if unsure.

DIY quick salve: Infuse dried calendula in olive oil for 2 weeks (or gently warm the oil and flowers for 1–2 hours on very low heat), strain, and mix with beeswax to set. Use this salve for cuts, dry patches, and minor burns.

Patch test every product: Put a little on your inner forearm and wait 24 hours. Stop if you see redness, itching, or swelling.

When to be careful: Avoid calendula if you have known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (ragweed, marigold, chamomile). Don’t take calendula supplements during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical advice. If you’re on strong blood thinners or immunosuppressants, check with your doctor before using calendula regularly.

Bottom line: Calendula is a low-risk, useful plant for everyday skin care and minor healing. Use it topically first, do a patch test, and ask a clinician before adding strong internal or long-term use—especially with pregnancy or prescription meds.