calendula tea benefits and risks are gaining attention as more Americans turn to traditional remedies, raising new questions about safety, science, and cultural health practices.
For generations, Calendula officinalis has been part of home remedies across Latin America, known as caléndula or maravilla. It appears in teas, creams, and oils used to calm skin, ease stomach discomfort, and reduce inflammation. Today, as interest in natural remedies grows in the United States, health experts say it is important to separate tradition from evidence.
Calendula’s use is deeply tied to community knowledge passed down through families. In many Latino households, it is applied to burns, rashes, and cuts or brewed as a tea for digestive relief.
Modern research supports some of these uses, particularly for the skin. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, calendula extracts have shown anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties in clinical and laboratory settings. Topical applications have been studied in patients with radiation-related skin irritation, with results suggesting improved healing.
“Calendula has compounds like flavonoids and carotenoids that may help reduce inflammation,” notes research cited by National Institutes of Health. These antioxidants are known to protect cells from damage linked to chronic disease.
What Science Says About Drinking Calendula Tea
When it comes to drinking calendula as a tea, the evidence is more limited.
Most studies on internal use come from laboratory or animal models. Early findings suggest calendula may help soothe the digestive tract and reduce spasms, which could explain its traditional use for stomach cramps or ulcers. However, large-scale human trials are still lacking.
Research summarized by National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health emphasizes that herbal teas can have biological effects, but not all are fully studied for safety or effectiveness when consumed regularly.
There is also emerging interest in calendula’s potential role in oral health. Small studies on herbal rinses have shown reductions in gum inflammation, though experts say more rigorous clinical trials are needed.
Health professionals stress that natural does not always mean risk-free.
Calendula may trigger allergic reactions in people sensitive to plants in the daisy family. It is also not recommended during pregnancy due to its potential to stimulate uterine activity, according to clinical guidance referenced by major medical institutions.
There is also concern about interactions with medications, particularly sedatives or blood pressure drugs. Experts recommend speaking with a healthcare provider before using calendula regularly, especially for those managing chronic conditions.
How to Prepare Calendula Tea at Home
For those choosing to use it, preparation matters.
Herbalists recommend steeping dried calendula flowers in hot, not boiling, water for about 10 to 15 minutes to preserve beneficial compounds. Covering the cup during steeping helps retain volatile oils. The tea has a mild, slightly bitter taste and is often combined with honey, lemon, or ginger.
Stronger infusions may be used externally as a skin wash or gargle rather than consumed.
For many Latino families, calendula is more than a remedy. It represents a bridge between ancestral knowledge and modern wellness.
Public health researchers increasingly recognize that traditional practices can offer valuable insights when studied carefully. At the same time, experts emphasize the need for evidence-based guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Calendula sits at that intersection. It is a plant with real potential, supported by early science and centuries of use, but still in need of deeper clinical research.
For readers navigating both cultural tradition and modern health advice, the message is clear. Respect the remedy, understand the limits, and make informed decisions grounded in both experience and science.
Latinos Eat More Beans Than Anyone Else in America — and Science Says Our Brains Are Better for It
