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The Healing Power of Calendula: Skin, Lymphatic, and Internal Benefits

Bright yellow and orange Calendula flowers (Calendula officinalis) in full bloom, showcasing their vibrant petals and medicinal properties. Used for herbal remedies, skincare, and healing benefits. — Calendula *(Calendula officinalis)*

Ahh, Calendula officinalis—if you've been following me for even a nano-second, you know my deep love for this botanical.

Calendula is a staple in nearly all my herbal products. It’s a powerhouse for skin health, sustainable, easy to grow in your own backyard, and a pollinator favorite!

Calendula for Skin: A Botanical Healer

For the skin, Calendula acts as a vulnerary (heal tissue) and anti-inflammatory medicine.

It's extremely helpful to improve and even eliminate various inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and various wounds (Romm, 2018) including burns which is why I originally developed my Skin Repair and why I have several tins lying around the house and in my first aid!

In traditional and clinical studies have shown Calendula to have positive effects when applied to leg ulcers, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids (Mills & Bone, 2005).

Calendula medicine is not only beneficial when applied to fresh clean wounds but also on older slow healing wounds because it specifically supports cell regeneration (Marciano & Vizniak, 2015). Its rapid tissue repair makes it an exceptional plant to use for your daily skin care routine and overall skin health as a preventative, repairing, and supportive application.

Beyond its topical healing properties, Calendula is also a powerful lymphatic herb, helping to relieve congestion and inflammation—especially in the breast and pelvic area (Marciano & Vizniak, 2015).

I personally use my Restorative Face Oil for daily lymphatic release on my face and neck and as a massage oil for congested areas on my body.

How to Use Calendula for Skin

Topically, Calendula can conveniently be used as a salve or oil as mentioned above, but it's also great as a poultice or dry/wet compress applied directly to the skin.

Calendula-infused oil – Gentle, nourishing for hydration & skin barrier repair
Salves & balms – Perfect for wound healing, minor cuts, and dry skin
Poultice – macerated plant material applied to the skin
Dry Compress – Steamed herb in muslin cloth
Wet Compress – Cotton/linen saturated in strong plant infusion

Calendula’s Internal Benefits

As mentioned above, you can absolutely use this plant topically but you can also use it internally to support various bodily systems.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Before taking Calendula internally, consult a Medical Herbalist or healthcare provider to ensure it’s right for you.

🌿 Supports Digestive Health

Used in traditional European medicine for duodenal and gastric ulcers (Hoffmann, 2003).
Helps relieve gallbladder congestion due to its cholagogue action (Hoffmann, 2003).

🌿 Lymphatic Detox & Immune Support

Calendula is a lymphatic mover, especially in the breast and pelvic area (Marciano & Vizniak, 2015).
Possesses antiviral & antimicrobial properties when extracted properly (Hoffmann, 2003).

🌿 Menstrual & Hormonal Balance

Traditionally used to support delayed menses (Hoffmann, 2003).

A dropper releasing golden Calendula-infused oil onto the skin, highlighting its hydrating, soothing, and skin-repairing benefits for acne, eczema, and inflammation.

How to Make Fresh Calendula Oil

Want to make your own Calendula-infused oil? It’s super easy!

Harvest fresh Calendula flowers (or use high-quality dried flowers).
Fill a jar with flowers, covering them completely with a carrier oil (olive, jojoba, almond).
Infuse in a warm spot for 4-6 weeks, shaking gently every few days.
Strain & store in a dark bottle.

Use this golden nectar oil as a daily moisturizer, massage oil, or wound-healing treatment!

Frequently Asked Questions About Calendula

What is Calendula used for?

Calendula is used for skin healing, wound care, digestive support, lymphatic drainage, and immune health. It’s also an excellent companion plant in gardens.

What does Calendula do to the skin?

Calendula is a tissue healer (vulnerary) and anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for:

Acne, eczema, psoriasis
Burns, cuts, wounds
Hydrating & protecting the skin barrier

Are marigolds and Calendula the same?

No! While Calendula is sometimes called “pot marigold,” it is not the same as the Tagetes species of marigolds. Calendula officinalis is the medicinal variety used for skincare and herbal medicine.

Does Calendula like sun or shade?

Calendula thrives in well-drained soils from full sun to part shade. It blooms throughout the season with bright yellow to orange blossoms that open and close with the sun.

Can I put Calendula on my face?

Absolutely! Calendula-infused oil is perfect for hydration, soothing inflammation, and promoting skin regeneration. It’s gentle enough for all skin types.

Can you drink Calendula tea?

Yes! Calendula tea is traditionally used for:

✔ Digestive health – soothing ulcers & inflammation

✔ Lymphatic detox – clearing stagnant lymph

✔ Immune support – antiviral & antimicrobial benefits

To make Calendula tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried Calendula flowers in hot water for 10-15 minutes.

Why plant Calendula in the garden?

Calendula is an amazing companion plant because it:

✔ Deters garden pests (aphids, whiteflies, nematodes)

✔ Attracts pollinators (bees & butterflies)

✔ Grows well with:

Tomatoes – improves soil health
Basil – repels harmful insects
Strawberries & peas – enhances growth & prevents disease

Does Calendula grow back every year?

Calendula is an annual, but it will self-seed and come back year after year in the right conditions!

Final Thoughts on Calendula’s Magic

Calendula isn’t just a pretty flower—it’s a healer, protector, and rejuvenator. Whether you use it for skincare, first aid, internal healing, or in your garden, this bright and cheerful flower is an absolute must-have for herbalists and nature lovers alike.

🌿 Have you used Calendula in your skincare or herbal practice? Let me know in the comments!

Cautions:

Aviva Romm (2018) states that "allergic sensitivity has been reported, including cross- sensitivity in patients with latex allergy" and that there is a "known sensitivity to the Asteraceae/Compositae family can theoretically pose this risk; however, adverse effects from topical use have not been widely observed".

Marciano & Vizniak (2015) state that Calendula should be avoided in pregnancy due to its emmenagogue effects and because there is not enough clinical evidence that can suggest therapeutic doses are safe (Mills & Bone, 2005).