6 benefits of calendula tea

In this article:

• Calendula tea benefits
• Side effects
• Is it safe?
• The bottom line

In this article

• Calendula tea benefits
• Side effects
• Is it safe?
• The bottom line

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a marigold plant related to daisies. It’s commonly referred to as pot marigold, and it’s native to Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean region. Calendula flowers have been used for centuries as an herbal medicine. They’re known for having a variety of health benefits due to potent wound healing, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. There are many forms and ways to use calendula, such as calendula oil, ointment, tincture, tea, and more. Here, we take a look at the potential benefits of calendula tea.

6 health benefits of calendula tea

Much of the research on calendula involves calendula extract ingested orally or applied topically in the form of lotions, salves, and so on. The skin health benefits of calendula have been widely studied—it may soothe rashes, sunburns, and skin conditions like eczema, for example. Calendula may also offer other benefits when consumed in herbal teas. Here’s what we do know about the potential benefits of calendula tea.

1. Provides antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals—unstable molecules that can contribute to inflammation and disease. Plants, including calendula flowers, are potent sources of antioxidants.

“The dried flowers, which are used to make calendula tea, are known to contain high amounts of antioxidants,” explains Jenna Volpe, RDN, an Austin-based dietitian. Specifically, they’re rich in various types of antioxidants, including terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, and volatile oils, according to a 2023 review.

These antioxidants can have numerous health benefits. “The antioxidants in calendula tea sequester free radicals, preventing cell damage and lowering inflammation,” Volpe says. “Regularly drinking calendula tea may promote healthier cells and help you maintain overall wellness,” adds Edmond Hakimi, DO, a board-certified internal medicine physician in Calverton, New York.

One animal study showed that calendula can help fight oxidative stress. The herbal medicine reduced oxidative stress and brain damage in rats, suggesting that calendula may also have neuroprotective benefits. However, this research hasn’t been confirmed in human trials.

2. Reduces inflammation

Research shows that calendula tea has potent anti-inflammatory properties. A 2023 study found that calendula tea had stronger anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects than the control groups. Calendula tea could potentially soothe problems like sore throats or digestive issues, Dr. Hakimi says.

Volpe says calendula can also reduce skin inflammation when applied topically in the form of a tincture. Research shows that it reduces dermatitis in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment. Because calendula extract may offer skin health benefits like wound healing, it’s sometimes found in skincare products, such as diaper rash cream.

Calendula’s anti-inflammatory benefits have mainly been studied for topical uses. However, calendula tea may benefit those with inflammatory digestive conditions like irritable bowel diseases (IBD), says Inna Melamed, Pharm.D., a functional medicine practitioner and pharmacist in Manalapan, New Jersey. In one animal study, taking calendula by mouth and using it as an enema showed promise in helping heal ulcerative colitis in rats. However, more studies involving people are needed to understand potential benefits in humans. 

3. Possesses antimicrobial properties

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties top the list of calendula’s health benefits, but the plant may also have antimicrobial properties. In other words, it can kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms like bacteria, potentially making it useful for treating certain infectious diseases. Some research found that it significantly protects against Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria.

The antimicrobial properties of calendula were confirmed in a 2017 study, Volpe says, noting that researchers used a water extraction method, which is essentially the same as making tea. However, the extracts in the study were not consumed by humans; they were tested in the lab by placing them on agar plates with germs to see if they could stop microbial growth.

Calendula, as an antimicrobial agent, may also be useful in oral health treatments. When used in mouthwash, for example, it was found to have mild antimicrobial activity by preventing microbial adherence to sutures, Volpe explains. In another study, calendula mouthwash effectively reduced plaque and gingivitis.

4. May have anticancer activity

In a 2013 study, researchers studied and compared marigold (calendula) and chamomile tea, looking closely at the effects on cancer cells and tumors. The calendula tea was more potent than chamomile tea in targeting cancer cells and showed promise as an antitumor agent, particularly in melanoma cancer. Other research suggests that calendula may have potential antitumor effects in pancreatic cancer.

However, this doesn’t mean that calendula is a proven cancer treatment. People with cancer should consult their healthcare provider for medical advice on using calendula alongside other treatments.

5. May have digestive benefits

Calendula has been used in herbal remedies for hundreds of years. It was traditionally used to treat an upset stomach or stomach ulcers, according to Mount Sinai.

“Its gentle antispasmodic properties can relax the digestive tract and relieve minor symptoms like gas or cramping,” Dr. Hakimi explains. “It’s a nice, natural option for anyone with mild tummy troubles.” While there isn’t much research on this, one study demonstrated how calendula can alleviate inflammation of the digestive tract.

6. Possesses antifungal properties

Calendula may also have antifungal effects. It kills or stops the growth of fungi. When tested against strains of fungi, calendula was shown to have excellent antifungal activity. In another study, calendula was effective against 23 strains of fungi. It’s also been shown to improve vaginal yeast infections when applied topically.

Fungi can affect both the outside and inside of the body. Many people know about skin infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot. However, fungi can also cause more serious infections inside the body. While calendula is known to have antifungal effects, it’s not clear if drinking calendula tea can help fight these internal infections.

Calendula tea side effects

As with other herbal teas, there may be side effects of drinking calendula tea. However, it’s generally safe to consume when enjoyed in moderation, Dr. Hakimi says. Side effects of calendula are rare but do exist, he adds.

Side effects of calendula tea may include:

• Sleepiness
• Slowed breathing
• Allergic reactions

Since calendula tea has mild sedative effects, it’s best to avoid drinking it before performing activities that require alertness, Dr. Hakimi says. For example, it may not be safe to consume it before driving.

There’s also the risk of skin irritation when applied topically, Dr. Hakimi says. Though calendula tea is typically ingested, some people may apply the tea bags or tea itself to the skin to reap the topical benefits. Before applying calendula to large areas of skin, Dr. Hakimi recommends performing a simple patch test, especially in those with sensitive skin.

Is calendula tea safe for everyone?

Oral and topical uses of calendula are generally safe for most people. However, some people may need to use extra caution or avoid it altogether

Some people may have an allergic reaction to calendula tea—particularly those with allergies to plants in the same family. “You might want to skip calendula to avoid an allergic reaction if you’re allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as daisies, ragweeds, and chrysanthemums,” Dr. Hakimi says.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also advised to avoid calendula because there isn’t enough research ensuring its safety. “Drinking calendula tea has traditionally been used to stimulate menstruation, which may affect pregnancy,” Dr. Hakimi says. It could also increase the risk of miscarriage.

“Talking to your healthcare provider before drinking calendula tea is a smart move if you’re taking any medications or managing health conditions,” Dr. Hakimi says.

The bottom line

Calendula tea, also known as pot marigold, is a flowering plant used in herbal remedies for hundreds of years. It’s available in many forms, including supplements, essential oils, creams, and more. Making calendula tea by steeping dried calendula flowers in hot water is one way to potentially harness its benefits, such as its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.