That cheerful orange flower blooming in your garden isn’t just a pretty face—it’s your gateway to discovering countless ways to use calendula! Calendula (Calendula officinalis) might be the most versatile medicinal herb you’ll ever grow, with uses spanning from your medicine cabinet to your dinner plate. While many gardeners appreciate its bright blooms, few realize the extraordinary healing potential hiding in these petals. I’ve been growing calendula from my Nicole Apelian’s Medicinal Garden Kit for a few years, and I’m continually amazed by how many ways this single plant serves my household. From soothing skin irritations to adding vibrant color to salads, calendula truly earns its place in any medicinal herb garden.
Let’s explore 21 remarkable ways to use calendula in your daily life—many of which might surprise you!
Healing & Medicinal Uses
1. Soothing Calendula Salve
The most popular use for calendula is creating a healing salve. Infuse the dried petals in oil, combine with beeswax, and you’ve got a powerful remedy for cuts, scrapes, diaper rash, and dry skin. The anti-inflammatory properties make it especially effective for minor wounds.
2. Calendula-Infused Oil
Before making salves or creams, you’ll need calendula-infused oil. Simply fill a jar halfway with dried calendula flowers, cover completely with olive or sweet almond oil, and let sit for 4-6 weeks (or use the quick heat method). This oil becomes the base for countless remedies.
3. Healing Spray for Minor Wounds
Create a natural antiseptic spray by combining calendula tincture with witch hazel and a drop of lavender essential oil. Perfect for cleaning minor cuts and scrapes, especially for children who might resist traditional first aid.
4. Soothing Eye Compress
For tired, irritated eyes, make a mild calendula tea, let it cool completely, and apply with a clean cloth as a compress. The gentle anti-inflammatory properties can reduce redness and swelling.
5. Calendula Tincture
Create a shelf-stable extract by soaking dried calendula flowers in high-proof alcohol for 4-6 weeks. This tincture can be used internally (consult a healthcare provider first) or as a base for many topical applications.
6. Throat-Soothing Spray
Combine calendula tincture with honey and warm water for a spray that soothes sore throats naturally. The antimicrobial properties may help fight the underlying infection while coating irritated tissue.
7. Calendula-Infused Honey
Infuse raw honey with dried calendula petals for 2-4 weeks. The resulting golden honey makes a delicious medicinal treat for sore throats or can be used in face masks.
Skincare & Beauty Applications
8. Gentle Facial Cleanser
Add calendula-infused oil to a castile soap base for a gentle, nourishing face wash suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. The cleanser helps reduce inflammation without stripping natural oils.
9. Calendula Bath Bombs
Add dried calendula petals to homemade bath bombs for a skin-soothing soak. The petals release beneficial compounds while creating a beautiful, spa-like experience.
10. Hydrating Face Cream
Combine calendula oil with shea butter, a touch of beeswax, and a few drops of essential oil for a luxurious face cream that rivals expensive brand-name products.
11. Soothing Bath Tea
Fill a muslin bag with dried calendula flowers, lavender, and oats for a soothing bath tea. Simply hang the bag from your faucet while running a warm bath for skin-nourishing goodness.
12. Natural Hair Rinse
Create a calendula-infused vinegar to use as a final hair rinse. It adds shine, soothes the scalp, and may help with dandruff. The vinegar smell dissipates once your hair dries.
13. Lip Balm
Calendula-infused oil makes an excellent base for homemade lip balm. Combined with beeswax and a drop of peppermint essential oil, it creates a healing balm for chapped lips.
Culinary Delights
14. Colorful Salad Topper
Fresh calendula petals add a bright pop of color and a mild peppery flavor to green salads. Remove the bitter base of the petals before sprinkling them over your favorite greens.
15. Natural Food Coloring
Dried and powdered calendula petals make a wonderful natural yellow-orange food coloring for frosting, butter, and other culinary creations without artificial additives.
16. Calendula Butter
Infuse softened butter with finely chopped calendula petals and herbs like thyme or parsley. Refrigerate to let the flavors meld, then serve on fresh bread or use to finish vegetable dishes.
17. Healing Herbal Tea
Dried calendula petals make a slightly spicy, warming tea that supports the immune system and aids digestion. Combine with mint or chamomile for additional benefits and flavor.
18. Calendula Rice
Add dried calendula petals to rice while cooking for a beautiful golden color and subtle flavor. This works especially well with basmati or jasmine rice for special occasions.
19. Decorative Garnish
The whole flower heads can be used as stunning garnishes for special-occasion cakes, cheese plates, or even floating in summer punch bowls.
Household Uses
20. Natural Fabric Dye
Calendula flowers create a beautiful yellow-orange natural dye for fabric. The color is especially vibrant on natural fibers like wool, silk, and cotton.
21. Homemade Soap
Add dried calendula petals to homemade soap for gentle exfoliation and skin-soothing benefits. The petals create beautiful speckles throughout clear or light-colored soap bases.
Growing Your Own Calendula
The best part about calendula is how easy it is to grow. Even beginners can successfully cultivate this beneficial herb. If you’re interested in starting your own medicinal herb garden, I highly recommend Nicole Apelian Medicinal Seed Kit which includes calendula along with nine other essential healing herbs. If you’re new to growing calendula, check out my comprehensive growing guide for step-by-step planting instructions.
With just one powerful plant, you can create an entire natural pharmacy and add vibrant flavor to your kitchen. Calendula truly exemplifies why growing your own medicinal herbs is so rewarding—beauty, healing, and culinary uses all from one magnificent flower. Have you tried any of these calendula uses? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
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