🌼 How to Make Calendula Tea – And Why You’ll Love Drinking It
A Soothing, Herbal Sip for Skin, Digestion, and Everyday Wellness
When you think of tea, your mind probably jumps to familiar options like chamomile or green tea—but have you ever tried calendula tea?
This golden-hued infusion, made from the vibrant orange petals of Calendula officinalis, is much more than a pretty garden flower. It’s a powerful herbal remedy that’s been used for centuries to support healing, digestion, skin health, and overall wellness.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to easily make calendula tea at home, why it deserves a spot in your daily self-care ritual, and how it can support your body from the inside out. Whether you’re sipping to relax or targeting a specific health need, calendula tea is an herbal remedy worth exploring.
🌿 What Is Calendula?
Calendula (often called pot marigold) is a medicinal flower known for its bright yellow and orange blossoms. While it’s commonly grown in herb gardens for its cheerful color, its petals are actually loaded with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
Used in salves, teas, oils, and tinctures, calendula is a gentle yet effective remedy for a variety of skin and internal issues.
💡 Fun fact: Calendula is often confused with marigolds (Tagetes), but they’re different plants! Make sure you’re using Calendula officinalis for tea.
🍵 Why Drink Calendula Tea?
Here’s the exciting part—calendula isn’t just for your skin. When steeped in hot water, those lovely petals turn into a soothing herbal tea that helps support your body in so many ways.
Top Health Benefits of Calendula Tea:
1. 💆♀️ Supports Skin Health (From the Inside Out)
Calendula tea helps detoxify the liver and lymphatic system, which can reduce skin flare-ups like acne, eczema, or rashes. The antioxidants also help your body repair and protect skin cells.
2. 🌿 Aids Digestion
Calendula has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects in the gut. It can calm indigestion, reduce bloating, and even help protect against ulcers or mild infections in the digestive tract.
3. 💧 Gentle Detox Support
It helps flush toxins by supporting liver function and promoting healthy lymphatic drainage, without being overly harsh or dehydrating like some detox teas.
4. 🩸 Supports Menstrual Health
Calendula tea has traditionally been used to regulate menstrual cycles and ease cramping or PMS symptoms thanks to its mild antispasmodic effects.
5. 🛡️ Boosts Immunity
With powerful flavonoids and plant-based compounds, calendula tea helps your body fight inflammation and boost your immune response, especially during cold or flu season.
6. 😌 Calms the Mind
Like chamomile, calendula has mild sedative properties that help reduce nervous tension, stress, and anxiety—making it perfect for an evening unwind.
🍯 How to Make Calendula Tea (Step-by-Step)
Making calendula tea is super simple, and you can use either fresh or dried calendula petals. If you grow calendula at home, just make sure your blooms are chemical-free and fully dried.
✅ What You’ll Need:
- 1–2 teaspoons dried calendula petals (or 2–3 fresh heads)
- 1 cup hot water (just below boiling, about 190–200°F / 88–93°C)
- Optional add-ins: raw honey, lemon, ginger, mint, or chamomile
🍵 Instructions:
- Measure the petals: Add 1–2 tsp of dried calendula to a tea infuser or directly into a mug/teapot.
- Pour hot water over the petals.
- Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes to extract all the medicinal goodness.
- Strain (if loose) and sip slowly. Sweeten with honey or lemon if desired.
🌼 Tip: For a stronger brew (especially if using it for skincare or digestion), let it steep longer—up to 20 minutes.
🌟 Calendula Tea Variations
Want to customize your blend? Try these combos:
| Blend Name | Ingredients | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Glow from Within | Calendula + chamomile + rose petals | Skin-soothing + anti-inflammatory |
| Detox & Digest | Calendula + ginger + fennel + peppermint | Gut health + digestion support |
| Calm & Clear | Calendula + lemon balm + lavender | Relaxation + lymphatic support |
| Hormone Harmony | Calendula + red raspberry leaf + nettle | Menstrual balance + minerals |
💧 Can I Use Calendula Tea Topically?
Yes! Calendula tea is just as effective on your skin as it is inside your body. After steeping and cooling, you can:
- Use as a gentle facial rinse (great for acne-prone skin)
- Soak a cotton pad and use as a toner
- Add to your bath water for full-body relaxation
- Use as a hair rinse for dry or irritated scalps
- Apply to minor cuts or rashes with a clean cloth
🧖♀️ Calendula’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits make it amazing for skincare.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I drink calendula tea every day?
Yes! Calendula tea is generally safe for daily use in moderate amounts. Aim for 1–2 cups a day. As with any herb, take breaks periodically and always listen to your body.
Q: Are there any side effects?
Calendula is very gentle, but avoid if:
- You’re pregnant or breastfeeding (consult your healthcare provider first)
- You’re allergic to ragweed, daisies, or marigolds
- You’re taking sedatives or diuretics (speak with your doctor)
Q: Can I use fresh calendula instead of dried?
Absolutely! Just make sure the petals are clean and pesticide-free. Use about 2–3 full blossoms per cup.
Q: Where can I buy dried calendula petals?
You can find them at:
- Local herb shops
- Natural food stores
- Online herbal retailers (look for organic, food-grade)
Q: Can I mix calendula tea with other teas?
Yes! Calendula blends beautifully with herbs like chamomile, lemon balm, mint, rooibos, and even green tea. Get creative!
✅ Conclusion: A Gentle Herbal Hug in a Cup
Calendula tea is a beautifully simple, all-natural remedy that offers gentle support for your skin, digestion, immunity, and mood. It’s one of those herbal infusions that feels like a small ritual—one you can enjoy daily without needing a long list of ingredients or fancy tools.
Whether you’re using it as part of your skincare routine, to help your tummy settle after a meal, or simply to wind down at night, calendula tea is an easy way to bring more nature and nourishment into your life.
So, the next time you’re steeping a cup of tea, why not reach for the golden petals of calendula? It just might become your new favorite herbal companion.
🧾 Recipe Recap Card
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Dried calendula petals | 1–2 tsp per cup | Base herb—healing & soothing |
| Hot water (190–200°F) | 1 cup | Extracts the herbal properties |
| Optional honey | 1 tsp (to taste) | Flavor + antibacterial support |
| Optional herbs | Mint, chamomile, lemon | Boost flavor + function |