How To Make Calendula Tea

I adore brewing a comforting tea from freshly picked calendula flowers. Products infused with calendula, such as deeply hydrating salves or scalp-soothing oils for dandruff relief, are packed with wellness benefits while remaining gentle enough for most people to use safely.

Calendula tea has a subtle, slightly tangy flavor and can be prepared in less than 20 minutes for a relaxing drink or steeped overnight to create a potent blend for topical skin treatments.

Before crafting your own calendula tea, read this guide i have put together on how to properly gather the blossoms.

Why Make Calendula Tea?

Calendula tea is cherished for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, making it a go-to for both internal and external health applications. Its benefits include:

• Skin Healing: Research supports calendula’s ability to promote tissue repair, making it effective for minor wounds, burns, rashes, and even diabetic ulcers.

• Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial: Packed with flavonoids and carotenoids, calendula helps reduce inflammation and combat infections, including fungal issues like athlete’s foot or thrush.

• Digestive and Throat Support: When consumed, calendula tea can soothe sore throats, mouth ulcers, and stomach irritations.

• Versatility: Use it as a drink, a topical compress, a hair rinse, or even a pet-safe spray for skin irritations.

With its naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb profile, calendula tea is a gentle, accessible option for most people, though caution is advised for those with allergies to the Asteraceae family, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those on sedatives.

What You’ll Need

• Calendula Flowers: 1–2 tablespoons of dried or fresh Calendula officinalis petals (ensure they’re pesticide-free if fresh).

• Water: 1 cup of filtered water, heated to a simmer (not boiling).

• Equipment: A mug or teapot, a saucer or lid for steeping, a strainer, and optionally, a jar for storage.

• Optional Add-ins: Honey, agave, coconut sugar, or plant-based milk for flavor; chamomile or peppermint for a tea blend.

How to Make Calendula Tea

Follow these simple steps to brew a perfect cup of calendula tea, whether for sipping or topical use.

Step 1: Prepare the Flowers

• Drying (if using fresh flowers): Harvest calendula blooms in the morning when they’re fully open. Place them on a drying rack in a well-ventilated, shaded area for at least one week until completely dry. Remove the petals from the flower heads, discarding the green base.

• Using Dried Flowers: If you’re using pre-dried calendula petals, ensure they’re stored in an airtight container away from light to preserve potency.

Step 2: Heat the Water

• Bring 1 cup of filtered water to a simmer (small bubbles rising from the bottom of the pot, not a full boil). Boiling water can degrade the delicate compounds in calendula, so aim for a temperature around 190–200°F (88–93°C).

Step 3: Steep the Tea

• Place 1–2 tablespoons of dried or fresh calendula petals in a mug or teapot.

• Pour the simmering water over the petals.

• Cover with a saucer or lid to trap the volatile oils and steep for 15–20 minutes for a drinking tea. For a stronger topical preparation, use 1/3 cup of dried petals per cup of water and steep overnight.

Step 4: Strain and Serve

• Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer to remove the petals, which can be composted.

• Serve warm as is, or customize with a drizzle of honey, a splash of plant-based milk, or pour over ice for a refreshing iced tea.

• Store any leftover tea in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Reheat gently on the stove if desired.

Sun Tea Method (Optional)

For a no-heat option, try the sun tea method:

• Fill a glass jar 1/4 full with dried calendula petals or to the top with fresh petals.

• Add cold, filtered water, seal the jar, and place it in direct sunlight for 4–6 hours.

• Strain and serve chilled or store in the fridge for up to one week.

Unique Variations to Try

Elevate your calendula tea with these creative twists:

• Calendula-Chamomile Blend: Combine equal parts calendula and chamomile for a soothing, sleep-promoting tea with a slightly sweeter flavor.

• Spiced Calendula Tea: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for a warming, anti-inflammatory boost.

• Citrus Calendula Iced Tea: Mix with a squeeze of lemon or orange juice and serve over ice for a refreshing summer drink.

• Herbal Hair Rinse: Steep a stronger batch (1/3 cup petals per cup water) overnight, strain, and use as a rinse to combat dandruff or scalp irritation.

Uses for Calendula Tea

Calendula tea is incredibly versatile, offering both internal and external applications:

Internal Uses

• Sore Throat Relief: Gargle or sip to soothe throat inflammation.

• Digestive Health: Drink to ease stomach ulcers or mild digestive discomfort.

• Oral Health: Rinse with calendula tea to heal mouth blisters or inflamed gums.

External Uses

• Skin Soother: Apply as a compress to scrapes, burns, or diaper rash, or mist onto acne-prone skin using a spray bottle.

• Hair and Scalp Care: Rinse hair to reduce dandruff or itchiness.

• Pet Care: Spritz on a dog’s hot spots or flea-bitten skin for relief (consult a vet first).

• Foot Soak: Soak feet to treat athlete’s foot or general irritation.

• Frozen Cubes: Freeze tea in ice cube trays for a cooling remedy for children’s minor scrapes or sunburns.

Bonus: How to Make Calendula Oil and Salve

Calendula Oil

• Place 1 cup of dried calendula petals in a clean, dry glass jar.

• Cover with 2 cups of a carrier oil (e.g., olive, jojoba, or sweet almond oil).

• Seal and let sit in a warm, sunny spot for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.

• Strain through cheesecloth and store in a dark glass bottle for up to a year.

• Use as a moisturizing oil or base for salves.

Calendula Salve

• Combine 1 cup of calendula oil with 1/4 cup of beeswax (or soy wax for a vegan option) in a double boiler.

• Heat gently until the wax melts, stirring to combine.

• Pour into small tins or jars and let cool until solid.

• Apply to dry skin, minor cuts, or rashes for healing and hydration.

Cautions and Considerations

While calendula is generally safe, keep these precautions in mind:

• Allergies: Avoid if you’re allergic to Asteraceae plants (e.g., ragweed, daisies). Test a small amount on your skin first.

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult a healthcare provider, as more research is needed.

• Sedatives: Calendula may enhance sedative effects, so avoid combining with sedative medications.

• Storage: Discard refrigerated tea after 48 hours to prevent spoilage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which part of calendula is used for tea?

The petals of Calendula officinalis are primarily used for tea, as they contain the highest concentration of beneficial compounds. The green base of the flower head is typically discarded.

Can I drink calendula tea every day?

For most people, drinking calendula tea daily in moderation (1–2 cups) is safe and may provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. However, consult a healthcare provider if you have allergies, are pregnant, or take medications like sedatives.

What are the side effects of calendula tea?

Side effects are rare but may include mild skin irritation or allergic reactions in those sensitive to Asteraceae plants. Overuse or prolonged topical application may cause dermatitis in rare cases.

What are the benefits of calendula tea?

Calendula tea offers anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. It supports skin healing, reduces inflammation, soothes sore throats, and may aid digestive health when consumed or applied topically.

How to make calendula tea for skin?

Use 1/3 cup of dried calendula petals per cup of simmering water, steep overnight, and strain. Apply as a compress, mist via a spray bottle, or add to bathwater for skin irritations like rashes, burns, or acne.

How to make calendula tea from dried flowers?

Place 1–2 tablespoons of dried calendula petals in a mug, pour 1 cup of simmering water over them, cover, and steep for 15–20 minutes. Strain and serve warm or iced.

What is a calendula tea blend?

Combine calendula with herbs like chamomile, peppermint, or lavender for enhanced flavor and benefits. For example, a 1:1 mix of calendula and chamomile creates a calming, anti-inflammatory blend.

How to make calendula oil?

Infuse 1 cup of dried calendula petals in 2 cups of carrier oil (e.g., olive or jojoba) in a sealed jar for 4–6 weeks in a sunny spot, shaking daily. Strain and store in a dark bottle.

How to make calendula salve?

Melt 1/4 cup of beeswax into 1 cup of calendula oil in a double boiler, pour into containers, and let solidify. Use for dry skin or minor wounds.

Conclusion

Calendula tea is a delightful and therapeutic addition to your wellness routine, offering a gentle way to harness the healing power of this golden flower. Whether you’re sipping it to soothe a sore throat, applying it to calm irritated skin, or experimenting with a sun tea variation, this herbal brew is as versatile as it is simple to make. With a few dried or fresh petals and some hot water, you’re just minutes away from unlocking calendula’s myriad benefits. Try it today, and let nature’s pharmacy work its magic!