Just one look at a radiant Calendula officinalis flower is enough to make anyone fall in love. With its uplifting blossoms and dainty leaves, it's no wonder that this easy-to-grow plant has become an incredibly popular ornamental. But calendula's gifts go far beyond its looks — this common herb has long been used in traditional herbal remedies to support health and vitality in a variety of ways.
So, lets dive into 3 key benefits of calendula
Calendula flowers can help promote healthy skin
Calendula is often heralded as herbalists' go-to herb for skin care. Whether you're looking for a daily serum or a first-aid healing salve, calendula's nourishing, anti-inflammatory properties make it a wonderfully versatile skin care ally.
Calendula particularly excels at supporting mild itchy, red, dry skin conditions, including but not limited to insect bites, rashes, dandruff, and minor burns.
2. Calendula flowers can support digestive health
Just as calendula can promote tissue repair when applied topically, it can also support the health of the tissues along our digestive tracts when consumed as a tea. This tissue repairing action can be attributed to calendula's vulnerary and anti-inflammatory activity. Calendula also pairs this anti-inflammatory action with its bitter flavor, which promotes secretions throughout the digestive tract that can help us digest food more effectively.
3. Calendula flowers can bolster immune health
Oftentimes people forget about calendula's effect on the immune system, but calendula is a powerful immune stimulant and antimicrobial herb. At the first sign of a cold or sore throat, I often use calendula tea as a mouthwash and gargle to bolster my immunity. I find this tea super helpful for reducing sore throats duration and sinus congestion.
So to recap, here are 3 ways I like to work with calendula…
1. I apply calendula as a topical serum or salve for my daily skincare and first aid needs.
2. I drink calendula tea to promote healthy digestion.
3. I make a calendula mouthwash and gargle when I have a cold.
And if you want to learn more about calendulas benefits, you can visit herbnotes.cards to grab a free deck of our top 12 herb notes. You'll learn all about common herbs, like calendula, garlic, aloe and more.
This has been Herb Notes with me, Tara Ruth. Catch ya next time!
