How To Make Calendula Tincture (Herbal Remedy Recipe)

Calendula is known for being effective at treating wounds and soothing irritated skin. Calendula tincture can help to soothe and heal internal inflammation such as mouth ulcers and more. This post takes you through how to make calendula tincture the simple way.

The calendula plant (scientifically known as calendula officinalis and colloquially known as pot marigold) has a long history of being used for medicinal purposes dating back to ancient times. Ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans all used the plant’s bright yellow flowers to make calendula oil, extract, and tinctures for wound healing and minor skin irritations. Modern research has shown that the plant has a range of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects, making it a great addition to your herbal remedy medicine cabinet.

Calendula tincture can help heal internal inflammation and irritation. It can help heal mouth ulcers, be a powerful herbal mouthwash, reduce irritation from acne, and cleanse the body overall.

Other medicinal herbs and tinctures that can help with inflammation are purple dead nettle tincture and dandelion tincture.

Benefits of calendula tincture

Anti-inflammatory properties – Calendula contains compounds such as flavonoids and triterpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory effects. These properties can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Support and cleanse the lymphatic system – Compounds like flavonoids and triterpenoids which possess anti-inflammatory properties, help to reduce inflammation in the lymphatic system and promote lymphatic circulation. This facilitates the removal of toxins and waste products from the body.

Wound healing – Calendula has been traditionally used to promote wound healing by stimulating tissue regeneration. This can reduce the risk of infection when applied to a minor open wound, burn, or abrasion.

Antimicrobial activity – Calendula flowers possess antimicrobial properties and tinctures made from the flowers may help the body fight against certain bacteria and fungal infections. When taken internally it may help to combat a sore throat and promote overall health in the body’s immune system.

Treatment of skin conditions – Calendula tincture is commonly used in skincare products due to its soothing and moisturising properties. Using it topically can help improve the overall appearance and health of the skin by reducing dryness, redness, and skin irritation. For example, it can be used topically on insect bites, varicose veins, or hemorrhoids to help reduce irritation. 

Anti-aging effects – Some research suggests that calendula extract may have antioxidant properties, which could help protect the skin from oxidative stress and premature aging caused by free radicals.

Promotes oral health – Calendula tincture may be used as a mouth rinse to help soothe mouth ulcers, gum inflammation, and other oral irritations.

Menstrual cramp relief – In traditional medicinal use, calendula tincture has been used to alleviate menstrual and abdominal cramps.

Antioxidant properties – Calendula contains various antioxidants, including carotenoids and flavonoids, which help neutralise harmful free radicals in the body and may contribute to overall health and well-being.

Fresh or dried petals

You can use either fresh or dried calendula petals to make this tincture. I use dried flower heads in the winter and fresh flowers in the summer when I have the blossoms.

If you are harvesting fresh calendula flowers from a garden, make sure to do so in the morning, before direct sunlight reaches the plant. When it becomes hot or the flowers get direct sunlight, the flower’s essential oil becomes less condensed. It’s perfectly fine to harvest the flowers on sunny days, but just make sure to do so before it gets too hot. This way your tincture will have a more potent concentration of the plant’s volatile oils and medicinal benefits.

Using the folk method

I use the folk method to make my DIY tinctures. This means that I do not weigh the plant material or alcohol before making the tincture. Instead, I just add plant material to a jar and cover it with alcohol. This approach is suitable for home herbals but if you plan to sell your tinctures, it’s better to weigh the plant material to ensure that the final tinctures have a uniform amount of medical compounds.

Watch the video

How to make calendula tincture

Tools

An airtight container with a plastic lid – I use a glass mason pint jar with parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture or extraction to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.

Small amber glass bottles with dropper tops – using a dark bottle helps to prevent the UV rays from the sun from diluting the tincture (I use these ones).

A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter

A small funnel

Supplies

Fresh or dried calendula flower petals

80-proof vodka (or 40% alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar. If you’re using fresh petals, consider using a high-proof alcohol, which will be more effective at preventing spoilage from the water content in the plant.

For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.

Instructions

Fully sanitise your glass jar and lid.

If you’re using fresh petals, fill a glass jar ¾ of the way full. If you’re using dried flowers, fill the glass jar ½ of the way full to leave room for the flowers to absorb the alcohol.

Submerge the plant material in alcohol. If you’re using fresh petals, you can consider using stronger alcohol to ensure that the water content in the fresh plant material doesn’t prematurely spoil the tincture. This is optional – I use the same strength of alcohol in most of my tinctures for simplicity.

Add a lid to the jar and shake it for 30 seconds or so to ensure everything is covered in alcohol.

Set the jar in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight for 6-8 weeks. Aim to shake the jar 3-4 times a week to make sure everything remains covered in alcohol.

After 6-8 weeks, use cheesecloth, a fine mesh strainer, or a coffee filter to strain off the tincture.

Make sure to completely remove the plant material from the liquid. If you don’t the tincture could go bad more quickly. I tend to strain off my tinctures a few times to fully remove petals and other plant material.

Use a small funnel to pour the tincture into an amber glass bottle. I like to use the bottles that come with a dropper because it makes dosing the tincture simple.

Date and label the finished tincture so you remember what it is and when you made it. 

Store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

That’s it – enjoy!

How much calendula tincture to take?

I like to take 1 dropper full per day 2-3 times per day when needed. You can start by taking a small amount and work your way up.

How long does calendula tincture last?

Like many homemade alcohol-based herbal tinctures, this tincture has a long shelf life if stored away from direct sunlight. I like to use the tincture within 2-3 years.

How to use calendula tincture

Directly – Add the dosage directly under your tongue. Hold it there for 20-30 seconds before swallowing. This will allow it to be rapidly absorbed and is a great way to access the medicinal benefits quickly.

Diluted in tea or water – Add the dosage to a cup of herbal tea or a glass of water to dilute the flavour. 

Topically – Add the dosage to a pump of your favourite skin oil or lotion. Mix it with your finger and use the oil or lotion as normal. This can help soothe minor skin inflammation and reduce redness. Avoid oils or lotions with synthetic fragrances and opt instead for a neutral oil (like fractionated coconut oil) if applying it to very irritated skin.

Mouthwash – Dilute calendula tincture with water and use it as a mouthwash to help with oral irritation and overall oral health. 

Hair rinse – Add 2-3 droppers full to a small spray bottle or glass jar and mix with water. Pour the mixture on your hair after shampooing to help ease any scalp irritations. 

Can I make this without alcohol?

Yes – simply swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar. Tinctures are typically made with alcohol and extracts are made with vinegar. The main difference is that vinegar can be less effective at drawing out the medicinal properties from the flower or plant and it does not preserve the properties as long as alcohol. If you make a calendula herbal extract with vinegar rather than a tincture, it’s best to consume it within one year.

I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical or health advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, get your physician’s advice or the advice of your health care provider before trying a new herbal medicine. There are always possible unintended consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as an allergic reaction or unexpected side effects like interactions with other medication. 

What to read next

Simple Chicory Root Tincture Recipe

Violet Tincture Using Viola Leaf and Flowers

How To Make Clove Tincture & Extract

How To Make Turmeric Tincture (A Great Natural Medicine)

Save for later

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Find us elsewhere…

Instagram

Pinterest

YouTube

If you make this how-to and enjoy it, please consider giving it 5 stars. Find me on Instagram @documentingsimpleliving and show me what you’ve made!