--- title: "Calendula: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Calendula flower is traditionally used for minor skin inflammation such as sunburn, as an aid to heal minor wounds and as a mouth gargle." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/calendula/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) # Calendula Calendula officinalis T Traditional use Calendula flower is traditionally used for minor skin inflammation such as sunburn, as an aid to heal minor wounds and as a mouth gargle. [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **Caution** Drug interactions **No recorded interactions** ## At a glance The EMA classes calendula (Calendula officinalis) flower as a traditional herbal medicine for minor skin inflammation, as an aid in healing minor wounds and for mouth and throat inflammation. It is used only on the skin and as a gargle, not swallowed. **Parts used:** flowers **Key constituents:** Triterpene Saponins & Carotenoids Updated: October 15, 2026 ✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs. ## What is it used for? - T Traditional use Traditionally used for minor skin inflammation such as sunburn and as an aid in healing minor wounds. \[1\] - T Traditional use Traditionally used as a gargle for minor inflammation of the mouth or throat. \[1\] ## How is it used? ### Topical Infuse 1–2 g of dried flowers in 150 ml of water and use the warm infusion for compresses. Apply ready-made creams in a thin layer. **Amount:** 2–4 times daily \[1\] ### Gargle Infuse 1–2 g of dried flowers in 150 ml of water; gargle while warm. **Amount:** 2–4 times daily \[1\] ## Safety & interactions **⚠ External use only** Minimum age: 6 years - For external use and gargling only; do not swallow. - Skin use not recommended under 6; gargling not recommended under 12. - Do not use if you are allergic to the daisy family (Asteraceae). - See a doctor if the skin shows signs of infection. \[1\] ### Drug interactions No recorded interactions ### Side effects - Skin sensitisation (allergy) reported (frequency unknown) #### ⚕ When to see a doctor - If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops - If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen - If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs ## Did you know? Calendula flowers are used in the same warm infusion for both wound compresses and throat gargles. \[1\] ## Frequently asked questions Is calendula good for wounds? The EMA accepts calendula as a traditional remedy for minor skin inflammation and as an aid in healing minor wounds. Can I drink calendula tea? The EMA assessment covers only skin use and gargling, not drinking it. How do I make a calendula compress? Infuse 1–2 g of dried flowers in 150 ml of water, soak a cloth while warm and apply to the area. Can I use calendula on a baby's nappy rash? The EMA does not recommend skin use under 6. Ask a paediatrician first. ## Sources 1. [European Union herbal monograph on Calendula officinalis L., flos – Revision 1](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-calendula-officinalis-l-flos-revision-1_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2018 ### Cite This Page Calendula (Calendula officinalis). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/calendula/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/) - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Black Seed Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-seed-oil/) B Limited clinical evidence Nigella sativa Oil pressed from black seed. Small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar and cholesterol and limited benefit in asthma. 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