Continuing in our series of articles on calendula, this article looks at the benefits of calendula infusions. Written by professional aromatherapist, herbalist, and gardener Sharon Falsetto.
Our last two articles looked at calendula in the garden and three popular calendula infusions. We are going to culminate this mini-series on calendula (Calendula officinalis) by now looking at the benefits of calendula infusions. What can you do with this popular garden herb, health-wise? Quite a lot as it turns out! Let’s take a look.
Calendula Benefits
First, let’s look at the general therapeutic properties of calendula infusions, and then look at the advantages to taking each type of calendula infusion that we’ve discussed in this mini-series: Oil, tincture, and tea.
Calendula has the following general therapeutic benefits (herb):1,2,3
- Astringent
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Wound healing
- Relieves muscle spasms
- Antiseptic
- Skin inflammation
- Digestive inflammation
- Detoxifying
- Mild estrogenic
- Alterative
- Emmenagogue
- Diaphoretic
- Vulnerary
- Anti-fungal
- Antioxidant
- Anti-bacterial.
Benefits Of Calendula Oil
Calendula oil is applied externally. Speaking from personal experience, I can attest to the healing properties of calendula oil in healing wounds and bruises. With the use of calendula oil for a very severe bruise and wound that I received in a fall, I saw calendula speed up the healing process until you couldn’t see where the bruise had been a couple of weeks earlier. This was extremely fast healing, in my opinion.
Calendula oil can also be used for cuts, for skin conditions such as eczema, for chapped and cracked skin, and for broken or varicose veins.4 Blankespoor states that, “Calendula is the premier botanical in herbal diaper ointments.”3 She goes on to advocate the use of calendula oil for almost every skin condition imaginable including chickenpox, cold sores, and sunburn.3
Benefits of Calendula Tincture and Calendula Tea
Calendula tincture and calendula tea are taken internally. In a lot of instances, calendula tincture and tea can be used interchangeably, depending on preference. However, it is best to check in each circumstance (with a professional) before using this way.
Internal use of calendula can help with digestive issues such as peptic ulcers, colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).1,3 It is a useful herb to stimulate the lymphatic system and help to build the immune system.4 Calendula tea in particular is good for fevers and menstrual pain.2
Safety Considerations for Calendula
Check the exact dosage of each type of calendula infusion with a qualified herbalist or aromatherapist (depending on type) before using. Calendula should not be used internally during pregnancy. If you are allergic to members of the Asteraceae plant family, be cautious about using calendula.5
Learn More About Calendula with Sedona Aromatics
If you enjoyed reading this article about the benefits of calendula infusions, check out our Botanical Aromatherapy™ Membership School and our Language of Aromatics™ Course Programs for further information on herbs like calendula.
References:
- Chevallier, Andrew, 2016, Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, 3rd Edition, New York: DK Publishing, p.73
- Tierra, Michael, 1998, The Way of Herbs, New York: Pocket Books, p. 109.
- Blankespoor, Juliet, Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine Herbal Immersion Program (author’s notes).
- Price, Len, 1999, Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy and Massage, UK: Riverhead Publishing, p.47.
- American Herbal Product Association, 2019, Botanical Safety Handbook, US: CRC Press, pp.151-153.
About the Author:
The author of this article has been working in the health care industry since the 1990’s and in the aromatherapy industry since the 2000’s. She is UK-certified aromatherapist and a NAHA Certified Professional Aromatherapist®. She is both a published author and editor in aromatherapy, a consultant, custom blend formulator and, more recently, a herbalist, gardener, and botanical perfumer. She is the author of Authentic Aromatherapy and the current chief editor of the NAHA Aromatherapy Journal. Sharon works from her garden studio in Sedona, Arizona, where she gardens and distills plants from her own aromatic gardens, surrounded by natural fauna and flora on an original pioneer, semi off-grid, homestead property.
