Calendula tea is a moderate, slightly bitter drink. The medicinal benefits of calendula tea are numerous. It has long been used in herbal medicine due to its claimed therapeutic powers. Calendula tea extracted from Calendula officinalis plant- is commonly used to treat wounds and burns, and heal tissues in the mouth, throat, and digestive tract.
Calendula tea’s chemical constituents have a wide range of biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anthelminthic, antidiabetic, wound healing, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant properties.
Skin and Wound Healing Properties
One of the known benefits of calendula tea is its effect on skin and wound healing with many characteristics that aid in this mission. Here are the main benefits:
Anti-inflammatory
Calendula tea decreases inflammation, which helps to alleviate redness, swelling, and pain around wounds and skin irritation.
Antimicrobial
It contains antiseptic characteristics that prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, allowing wounds to heal without complications.
Collagen Production
Calendula promotes collagen synthesis, which is required to form new skin and tissue, as well as the speed of wound closure and scar reduction.
Skin Regeneration
It stimulates skin cell regeneration, which aids in the healing of superficial and deep wounds, cuts, burns, and abrasions.
Soothing and Moisturizing
The tea hydrates dry, damaged, or irritated skin, keeping it supple and promoting healing.
Pain Relief
Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects alleviate the pain and suffering caused by skin injuries and irritations.
Topical Use
Calendula tea can be used as a compress or mixed into baths to heal skin sores and inflammation.
Digestive and Immune Health Support
Research has proven that the benefits of calendula tea are numerous in improving digestive and immune function. Here is how it works:
Digestive support
Calendula petals taste appealing, but the entire flower head contains bitter resins, which contribute significantly to Calendula’s medicinal efficacy.
- Eating something bitter stimulates the bile secretion from the gallbladder, which improves digestion.
- This avoids diarrhea and improves nutrient absorption, putting you on the path to complete recovery.
- Calendula mucilage also soothes the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Finally, flavonoids and carotenoids help to decrease inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. So managing inflammatory bowel disorders
- Relieving symptoms of acid reflux, so promoting the healing of peptic ulcers
Immune health support
Lymphatic drainage
- Calendula facilitates the removal of waste and poisons. It thins mucus and minimizes fluid stagnation, particularly swelling in the lymph nodes.
- Calendula achieves this function through its polysaccharides, which provide the plant with thick, sticky mucilage.
- Mucilage keeps the lymph flowing.
Bacteriostatic effect
- It is also bacteriostatic, trapping and washing away harmful bacteria before they spread.
- Calendula flowers were added to healing soups by traditional herbalists to help people recover faster.
Hepatic detoxification
- bitter tonics, including calendula tea, stimulate the liver.
- Calendula aids the liver’s detoxification process, hastening recovery from illness.
Fighting infection
- Calendula tea has proven to be a powerful aid in the fight against dangerous microorganisms.
- Its antibacterial and antifungal characteristics make it an ideal choice for people wishing to boost their immune system.
Best Brewing Methods for Maximum Benefits
To get the whole benefits of calendula tea, it can be brewed in under 20 minutes or steeped overnight for a stronger concoction.
To make it:
- Dry calendula flowers for at least one week, then remove the petals.
- Place dried or fresh calendula flowers in a mug and pour simmering hot water over them.
- Steep for 15-20 minutes, strain the tea, and dispose of the petals.
- Leftover tea can be stored in a closed jar in the fridge.
References
Calendula Tea: Are There Health Benefits? (n.d.). Retrieved from WebMD website: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-calendula-tea
Deeksheetha Prabhu Venkatesh, S Gheena, Ramani, P., S. Rajeshkumar, & Ramalingam, K. (2023). In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Potentials of Herbal Formulation Containing Marigold Flower (Calendula officinalis L.) Tea. Cureus, 15(8). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.43308
Hamzawy, M. A., El-Denshary, E. S. M., Hassan, N. S., Mannaa, F. A., & Abdel-Wahhab, M. A. (2013). Dietary Supplementation ofCalendula officinalisCounteracts the Oxidative Stress and Liver Damage Resulted from Aflatoxin. ISRN Nutrition, 2013, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.5402/2013/538427
Shahane, K., Kshirsagar, M., Tambe, S., Jain, D., Rout, S., Ferreira, M. K. M., … Lima, R. R. (2023). An Updated Review on the Multifaceted Therapeutic Potential of Calendula officinalis L. Pharmaceuticals, 16(4), 611. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16040611
Microbiology and Immunology Specialist | Scientific Writer
Lina Mahmoud Ahmed graduated from Cairo University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine with a B.Sc. in Veterinary Medical Sciences and a diploma in Microbiology and Immunology. With extensive knowledge and hands-on expertise, Lina is dedicated to delivering accurate and well-researched medical content that simplifies complex information for readers. She can be reached at [email protected].
