10 Unexpected Calendula Tea Benefits: Backed By Science

How about a fun fact to start off? The name ‘calendula’ originates from the Latin word ‘calends’, which translates to ‘little calendar’ or ‘the first day of every month’. The Romans observed that these sunny flowers bloomed around the start of each month, hence the name!

In this article, we’ll explore the journey of this golden brew right from the flower to your teacup, unraveling the manifold calendula tea benefits along the way. From its anti-inflammatory properties to its role in stress relief, this humble brew has got it all covered!

So, get your tea bags ready for some enlightening readin’ and sippin’ time.

What is Calendula Tea and How is it Made?

Calendula tea is a warm, comforting brew made from the bright yellow-orange petals of the Calendula officinalis, often known as pot marigold. This shouldn’t be confused with the common marigold, as they are different species.

• Whole flower tea: Whole calendula flowers are used.
• Petal-only tea: Only the petals of the calendula flowers are used.
• Blended tea: Calendula flowers or petals are blended with other herbs for added flavors and benefits.

Eager to know more? Our complete guide on calendula tea will take you through a detailed account of this remarkable brew.

How to Make Calendula Tea

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare calendula tea using dried petals or tea bag :

1. Measure 1-2 tablespoons of organic calendula petals (or you may use 1 calendula tea bag).
2. Boil 1 cup of water.
3. Put the petals (or bag) in a tea infuser or teapot.
4. Pour boiling water over the petals (or bag).
5. Cover and steep for 10-15 minutes.
6. Remove the infuser or the bag, or strain the tea.

By the way, calendula tea does not contain any caffeine. It is made from the petals of calendula flowers and is often used for its potential health benefits and soothing properties.

Now, let’s have a look at the calendula tea benefits!

List of Calendula Tea Benefits

Diving into the ocean of calendula tea benefits, let’s discover the magic each sip of this golden brew has to offer.

1. Anti-inflammatory Properties

When we say ‘anti-inflammatory’, we mean the ability of substances to reduce inflammation or swelling in the body. Calendula tea has been a traditional go-to remedy for its anti-inflammatory effects (Matić et al., 2012). Compounds in the tea can lessen inflammation, offering relief for conditions like arthritis and inflammatory skin issues (Ashwlayan et al., 2018).

2. Wound Healing

The term ‘wound healing’ refers to the process by which the skin and the tissues beneath it repair themselves after injury. Calendula tea benefits extend to wound healing as well (Deka et al., 2021). The tea can foster tissue regeneration and enhance blood flow to the wound area, assisting in the healing process (Deka et al., 2021).

3. Antioxidant Activity

Antioxidant activity points to the ability of substances to safeguard the body against oxidative stress and damage inflicted by free radicals. Guess what? Calendula tea demonstrates this very property (Singh et al., 2014). This brew is packed with compounds that scavenge free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress (Singh et al., 2014).

4. Skin Health

The calendula tea benefits for skin are well-known. When we say ‘skin health’, we’re talking about the overall wellness of your skin, including its structure, appearance, and functionality. Calendula tea can soothe and heal various skin conditions, like burns, rashes, eczema, and dermatitis, making it a natural remedy for skin issues (Matić et al., 2012).

5. Antimicrobial Activity

Antimicrobial activity involves inhibiting or killing microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Calendula tea comes with this property, aiding in the fight against certain harmful microbes (Das et al., 2020). It’s often used topically to treat infections and bolster wound healing (Das et al., 2020).

6. Digestive Health

The term ‘digestive health’ encompasses the proper functioning of the digestive tract. Benefits of calendula flower tea include promoting digestive health. The tea can soothe the digestive system, lower inflammation, and foster healthy digestion (Ashwlayan et al., 2018).

7. Immune Support

Immune support refers to enhancing the body’s natural defense system against infections and diseases. The compounds in calendula tea can strengthen your immune system, helping your body ward off infections and enhance overall immune function (Lingli et al., 2020).

8. Anti-cancer Properties

When we talk about ‘anti-cancer properties’, we refer to the ability of substances to prevent or slow down the growth of cancer cells. Some studies suggest that calendula extracts might exhibit cytotoxic activity against cancer cells, indicating their potential use in cancer treatment (Jiménez-Medina et al., 2006).

9. Oral Health

Oral health deals with the health of your mouth, including your teeth, gums, and tongue. Calendula tea benefits extend to oral health too. It has been used as a mouthwash to reduce inflammation, soothe oral tissues, and promote gum health (Matić et al., 2012).

10. Stress Relief

Stress relief involves reducing the levels of stress or tension in the body and mind. Calendula tea is known for its calming and sedative effects, which can help lessen stress, ease anxiety, and promote relaxation (Chamansara et al., 2022).

We can for sure say that calendula tea benefits are pretty amazing! For those who are fans of teas and their health benefits, our article on the “health benefits of drinking tea” is just for you!

What’s the Best Way to Take Calendula Tea?

Calendula tea can be savored in a number of ways. You could have it straight up as a tea, or add it to soups or stews for a healthful twist. It’s the perfect brew for a calm evening, pairing well with light bites like biscuits or toast.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations of Calendula Tea

While calendula tea benefits have been proven, it’s crucial to be mindful of potential side effects. It’s generally safe for most people, but those allergic to plants in the daisy family might experience allergic reactions. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also consult their healthcare providers before consuming calendula tea.

Remember, not all calendula teas are made equal. Quality matters! Always source your tea from reputable vendors to ensure you’re getting the best.

Conclusion

In the span of this article, we’ve unraveled the tapestry of calendula tea benefits, from its anti-inflammatory properties to its stress-relieving capabilities. It’s time you brewed a cup of this golden delight and experienced its magic firsthand!

Don’t forget to share your calendula tea benefits experimentations with us, we’d love to hear from you! And for those curious about more teas, check out our review post about the best calendula tea!

References

• Ashwlayan, V., Kumar, A., Verma, M., Garg, V., Gupta, S. (2018). Therapeutic Potential Of Calendula Officinalis. PPIJ, 2(6). Link Here
• Chamansara, R., Rashidfarokhi, R., Sakallı, E., Öztinen, N., Koşar, M. (2022). Comparison Of Commercial Calendula Officinalis L. Samples With Pharmacopeial Drug: Antiradical Activities and Chemical Profiles. jrp, 26(4)(26(4)), 809-819. Link Here
• Das, P., Majumder, R., Mandal, M., Basak, P. (2020). In-silico Approach For Identification Of Effective and Stable Inhibitors For Covid-19 Main Protease (Mpro) From Flavonoid Based Phytochemical Constituents Of calendula Officinalis. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 16(39), 6265-6280. Link Here
• Deka, B., Bhattacharjee, B., Shakya, A., Ikbal, A., Goswami, C., Sarma, S. (2021). Mechanism Of Action Of Wound Healing Activity Of Calendula Officinalis: a Comprehensive Review. PBJ, 28-44. Link Here
• Jiménez-Medina, E., Garcia-Lora, A., Paco, L., Algarra, I., Collado, A., Garrido, F. (2006). A New Extract Of the Plant Calendula Officinalis Produces A Dual In Vitroeffect: Cytotoxic Anti-tumor Activity And Lymphocyte Activation. BMC Cancer, 1(6). Link Here
• Lingli, S., Qiuhua, L., Xiang, L., Xingfei, L., Wenji, Z., Chen, R., … & Shili, S. (2020). Phytochemical Profiles and Bioactivities Of Cake Tea Leaves Obtained From The Same Cultivar: A Comparative Analysis. Natural Product Communications, 8(15), 1934578X2094550. Link Here
• Matić, I., Juranić, Z., Šavikin, K., Zdunić, G., Nađvinski, N., Gođevac, D. (2012). Chamomile and Marigold Tea: Chemical Characterization And Evaluation Of Anticancer Activity. Phytother. Res., 6(27), 852-858. Link Here
• Singh, A., Agarwal, K., Saini, P. (2014). In Vitro Antioxidant Activity Of Different Extracts Of Calendula Officinalis Leaves. J. Drug Delivery Ther., 4(4). Link Here