10 Ways to Use Calendula You’ve Probably Never Tried • Schisandra & Bergamot

Calendula is known for its sunny blooms and skin-soothing properties—but there’s so much more to this herbal powerhouse. Beyond the typical balm or tea, it has a surprising number of creative uses.

Infuse Calendula Into Vinegar for a Skin Tonic

A glass teapot filled with hot water and orange flowers, surrounded by loose flowers and a green vase with more orange blooms in the background. — Photo Credit: verba0711/Envato

Steep dried calendula petals in apple cider vinegar for a gentle toner that calms irritated skin and balances pH. Use it as a facial mist or add to your bathwater.

Add Petals to Breads and Muffins

Two slices of whole grain bread with cream cheese, topped with fresh greens and edible orange flower petals, served on a ceramic plate. — Photo Credit: uladzimirz/Envato

Calendula’s mild, slightly spicy flavor makes it a unique edible flower. Mix the petals into savory or sweet baked goods for a colorful and herbal twist.

Make a Calendula Honey

A glass jar of honey with a honey dipper on top and a yellow flower attached, placed on a wooden surface with a blurred background. — Photo Credit: Tatiana_Mara/Envato

Infuse petals into honey for a golden, floral spread that’s soothing to sore throats and lovely in tea. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift.

Create a Natural Yellow Dye

Hands placing bright orange flowers into a woven basket outdoors, surrounded by green grass. — Photo Credit: annakhomulo/Envato

Boil calendula petals to create a soft yellow dye for fabrics, yarn, or even Easter eggs. It’s a natural alternative to synthetic dyes.

Use as a Companion Plant for Pest Control

Two orange marigold flowers with dew drops on their petals, surrounded by green leaves. — Photo Credit: zoosnow/Pixabay

Calendula deters aphids and nematodes while attracting pollinators. Plant it near tomatoes, beans, or lettuce to boost your garden’s health naturally.

Blend Into a DIY Lip Balm or Tinted Gloss

Top view of a mortar filled with orange marigold flowers, a ceramic jug and a small jar of yellow ointment, a spoon, and a notebook on a table. — Photo Credit: westend61/Envato

Calendula-infused oil is deeply healing for chapped lips. Mix with beeswax and a bit of beetroot powder for a soothing, lightly tinted balm.

Toss in Salads for Color and Nutrition

A bowl of mixed green salad with lettuce, arugula, yellow cherry tomatoes, and edible yellow flowers on a black plate. — Photo Credit: Nikolaydonetsk/Envato

Fresh calendula petals are edible and rich in antioxidants. Add them to green salads for a pop of sunshine and a mild peppery flavor.

Use in Foot Soaks or Bath Salts

Two wooden spoons filled with dried calendula petals are placed on burlap, surrounded by fresh orange calendula flowers on a rustic wooden surface. — Photo Credit: esindeniz/Envato

Add dried petals to Epsom salt mixes for a calming, skin-soothing soak. It’s especially helpful for tired feet or dry winter skin.

Make a Calendula Hair Rinse

A brown glass bottle, a white cream jar, dried orange petals in a bowl, and orange flowers arranged on a marble surface. — Photo Credit: annakhomulo/Envato

Brew calendula tea and use it as a final rinse after shampooing. It adds shine, soothes dry scalps, and brings out golden tones in light hair.

Craft Herbal Confetti for Celebrations

Three waffle cones filled with dried colorful flowers arranged on a turquoise background, with scattered petals around. — Photo Credit: bondarillia/Envato

Mix dried calendula with lavender, rose, or chamomile for a beautiful, biodegradable confetti. Perfect for weddings, rituals, or summer parties.

This humble garden flower is a multitasking marvel—from food to beauty to soil health. A little goes a long way, and it’s easy to grow almost anywhere. So next time you harvest calendula, think beyond the salve—you’ve got so many ways to let it shine.