If you’ve been wondering about all the amazing ways to use calendula, you’re in the right place. This vibrant orange flower isn’t just eye-catching—it’s one of the most powerful and versatile herbs you can grow.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) offers so many practical and creative ways to use calendula in the kitchen, medicine cabinet, and beyond. Whether you’re looking to soothe your skin, enhance your meals, or create DIY herbal remedies, calendula delivers.
My own journey began with Nicole Apelian’s Medicinal Garden Kit, which introduced me to the healing power of calendula. Since then, I’ve used it in everything from homemade salves to salad toppings—and I’m still discovering more ways to use calendula every season.
Ready to grow your own? The Medicinal Garden Kit includes organic calendula seeds plus nine other healing herbs—perfect for beginners.
Let’s dive into 21 beautiful, surprising ways to use calendula every day!
🌿 Healing & Medicinal Uses of Calendula
Calendula has been treasured for centuries for its gentle, healing properties. Here are some of the most effective ways to use calendula for natural first aid and skin care:
1. Calendula Salve for Skin Relief
Infuse dried petals in oil, combine with beeswax, and create a healing balm for cuts, scrapes, diaper rash, and dry skin.
Try This:
A gentle, plant-based salve ideal for soothing irritated skin.
2. Calendula-Infused Oil
Use olive or almond oil and dried calendula flowers. Let steep for 4–6 weeks or try the quick heat method. Use it as a base for DIY salves and creams.
Recommended:
Ready to use and deeply nourishing for sensitive skin.
3. Natural Antiseptic Spray
Mix calendula tincture, witch hazel, and lavender oil for a kid-friendly wound cleanser.
Try This:
Cools and calms inflamed skin instantly.
4. Soothing Eye Compress
Steep calendula tea, let cool, and apply with a cloth to reduce redness and swelling.
Self-Care Pick:
Infused with calendula extract to hydrate and soothe tired eyes.
5. Calendula Tincture
Soak dried petals in high-proof alcohol for 4–6 weeks. Use topically or (with medical guidance) internally.
Recommended:
Powerful extract for immune and skin support.
6. Throat-Soothing Spray
Blend calendula tincture with honey and warm water. Mist into the throat for natural relief.
7. Calendula-Infused Honey
Steep dried petals in raw honey for 2–4 weeks. Use as a remedy for sore throats or in beauty masks.
💆♀️ Calendula for Skin & Hair Care
8. Gentle Calendula Facial Cleanser
When it comes to DIY beauty, there are many nourishing ways to use calendula for glowing skin and healthy hair.
Try This:
Ideal for daily use and sensitive skin.
9. Calendula Bath Bombs
Add dried petals to bath bomb molds for a relaxing, skin-soothing soak.
10. Hydrating Calendula Face Cream
Combine calendula oil with shea butter and beeswax for a deeply moisturizing cream.
Top Pick:
Natural, vegan formula for deep hydration.
11. Calendula Bath Tea
Fill a muslin bag with calendula, oats, and lavender. Hang from the faucet for a nourishing herbal bath.
Great Option:
Gentle enough for all ages, free of synthetic fragrances.
12. Natural Hair Rinse
Steep calendula in apple cider vinegar. Use as a final rinse to add shine and soothe the scalp.
13. Calendula Lip Balm
Combine infused oil, beeswax, and peppermint oil for a healing balm.
Try This:
Natural lip therapy with powerful botanicals.
🥗 Culinary Uses of Calendula
14. Salad Topper
Use fresh calendula petals for a peppery kick and vibrant color.
15. Natural Food Coloring
Grind dried petals into powder to naturally color icing, butter, or rice.
16. Calendula Herb Butter
Blend petals into softened butter with thyme or parsley. Chill and spread.
17. Herbal Tea
Steep dried petals for an earthy, slightly spicy tea that supports digestion.
Recommended:
Pure, additive-free herbal tea.
18. Calendula-Infused Rice
Add dried petals to rice while cooking for a golden hue and mild flavor.
19. Edible Garnish
Use whole blooms to decorate cakes, cheese boards, or float in drinks.
🏡 Calendula in the Household
20. Natural Fabric Dye
Boil calendula blooms to extract yellow-orange dye for wool, silk, or cotton.
21. Calendula Soap
Add dried petals to soap recipes for color, texture, and skin-calming benefits.
Try This:
Ultra-gentle cleanser for delicate skin.
🌱 Growing Calendula at Home
Calendula is easy to grow and thrives in most gardens. Even beginner gardeners can enjoy a season-long harvest.
Start with Nicole Apelian’s Medicinal Garden Kit, which includes calendula seeds plus 9 other healing herbs. Looking for step-by-step planting help? Check out my Calendula Growing Guide.
With just one cheerful flower, there are so many rewarding ways to use calendula—from soothing salves to herbal teas, beauty recipes, and healing remedies—all made right in your own backyard.
Have you tried any of these ways to use calendula? Share your tips, recipes, or garden stories in the comments!
Related Posts:
- Calendula Salve Recipe: DIY Healing Balm for Dry Skin
- DIY Calendula Bath Soak for Sensitive Skin
- How to Grow Calendula: A Step-by-Step Guide
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