As spring transitions into early summer, May is the perfect time to embrace the vibrant healing power of calendula. Known for its radiant golden blooms and remarkable skin-soothing properties, calendula (Calendula officinalis) is more than just a beautiful garden flower. It boasts skin-healing abilities, anti-inflammatory benefits, and immune support—making it a must-have herbal ally for the season of growth and renewal.
In this blog, we’ll explore the many health benefits of calendula, creative ways to use it beyond skincare, and easy DIY methods to incorporate this healing herb into your May routine.
The Many Benefits of Calendula
Calendula’s sunny blossoms are well-loved for their beauty, but their health benefits make this herb a powerful addition to your late spring wellness routine. Packed with flavonoids, carotenoids, and essential oils, calendula offers a variety of advantages, including:
- Exceptional Skin Healing Properties Calendula is renowned for its ability to repair damaged skin, making it a natural remedy for minor cuts, burns, and irritations common during increased outdoor activities.
How to Use: Apply calendula-infused oil or salve to minor wounds, sunburns, or irritated skin for gentle relief.
- Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Support Calendula’s potent anti-inflammatory compounds help reduce swelling and discomfort, while its antioxidants fight free radical damage.
How to Use: Drink calendula tea or apply calendula salve to areas of inflammation for soothing relief.
- Immune System Enhancement Calendula supports lymphatic health and strengthens the body’s natural immune response—perfect for seasonal transitions.
How to Use: Add calendula-infused honey to your morning tea or toast as an immune-supporting tonic.
- Digestive System Support Calendula’s gentle action helps soothe digestive inflammation and supports healthy gut function.
How to Use: Drink calendula tea after meals to ease digestion and promote gut health.
- Natural Antimicrobial Protection With antimicrobial properties, calendula helps protect against common skin infections and supports the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
How to Use: Use calendula wash or spray on minor scrapes to naturally cleanse and protect.
Creative Uses for Calendula Beyond Skincare
Calendula isn’t just for healing salves and creams! Here are unique ways to incorporate calendula into your daily routine:
- Calendula-Infused Honey for Immunity and Healing This golden infusion combines the healing properties of calendula with the natural benefits of honey.
How to Make:
Add 3-4 tablespoons of dried calendula petals to a small jar of raw honey. Let it infuse for 2 weeks in a sunny window, then strain if desired. How to Use: Enjoy a teaspoon daily for immune support, drizzle over yogurt, or use in tea as a natural sweetener.
- DIY Calendula Room Spray for Fresh Energy Calendula’s subtle floral scent brings a sense of sunshine and healing energy to any space.
How to Make:
Combine ½ cup calendula tea (cooled), 1 tablespoon witch hazel, and 5-7 drops of sweet orange essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake well before use. How to Use: Spritz around your home or workspace to invite in the healing energy of spring.
- Calendula Facial Steam for Springtime Skin Renewal Treat your skin to a gentle detox perfect for transitioning into warmer weather.
How to Make:
Bring a pot of water to a boil, then remove from heat. Add a handful of dried calendula flowers and cover for 1 minute. How to Use: Lean over the pot (at a comfortable distance) with a towel over your head, allowing the steam to open and purify pores for 5-10 minutes.
- Calendula Bath Salts for May Day Self-Care After gardening or outdoor activities, these bath salts soothe tired muscles and nourish skin.
How to Make:
Mix 1 cup Epsom salt, ¼ cup dried crushed calendula flowers, and 3 tablespoons calendula-infused oil. Store in a sealed glass jar away from moisture. How to Use: Add ¼ cup to warm bathwater and soak for 20 minutes to relieve muscle tension and moisturize skin.
- Calendula Garden Spray for Plant Protection Harness calendula’s natural pest-deterrent properties in your May garden.
How to Make:
Steep ½ cup dried calendula in 4 cups hot water overnight. Strain and add 1 tablespoon of liquid castile soap. How to Use: Spray on garden plants weekly (test on a small area first) to naturally deter pests.
Simple Recipes to Enjoy Calendula’s Golden Goodness Calendula adds color, subtle flavor, and health benefits to spring recipes.
Here are two nourishing ways to enjoy this versatile herb:
Calendula Lemonade for Spring Refreshment: A beautiful, healing twist on a warm-weather classic.
Ingredients:
4 cups filtered water ¼ cup dried calendula petals ½ cup honey or maple syrup ½ cup fresh lemon juice Fresh calendula petals and lemon slices for garnish Instructions:
Bring 2 cups water to a boil, then remove from heat. Add calendula petals and steep for 15 minutes. Strain and cool the calendula tea. Add honey and stir until dissolved. Mix in lemon juice and remaining 2 cups cold water. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice with lemon slices and fresh calendula petals.
Spring Sunshine Calendula Rice for a Colorful Side Dish A vibrant, nutritious rice dish that brings color and healing to your May table.
Ingredients:
1 cup white or brown rice 2 cups vegetable broth 2 tablespoons calendula petals 1 small diced yellow bell pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley Salt and pepper to taste Instructions:
Rinse rice and bring broth to a boil in a medium pot. Add rice and 1 tablespoon calendula petals, reduce heat, cover and simmer until rice is tender. Meanwhile, sauté bell pepper in olive oil until softened. When rice is done, fluff with a fork and mix in sautéed peppers, remaining calendula petals, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Precautions and Considerations While calendula is generally safe, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Consult with a healthcare provider before using calendula internally during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Allergies: Those with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums) may experience allergic reactions to calendula. Quality Matters: For medicinal use, source organic calendula free from pesticides and chemicals.
Final Thoughts
Calendula’s sunny blooms, skin-healing powers, and gentle healing properties make it a perfect herb to embrace in May. Whether you’re sipping calendula lemonade, applying its soothing touch to spring gardening scratches, or bringing its vibrant color to your meals, this radiant herb brings healing sunshine to the season.
So, as the garden flourishes and outdoor adventures increase, invite the golden healing of calendula into your life—because May’s nurturing energy deserves an equally supportive herbal companion.
