Calendula is one of two types of marigolds.
The other is known as taget, or more commonly, French marigold.

Photo by Hans Vivek on Unsplash
Taget is the most common marigold many people plant as lovely pops of color for their landscape design. These are purely ornamental, so don’t get too excited and started picking buds just yet if these are the ones you have in your yard.
Calendula is the one used internally (and externally) for its health benefits. These lovely, bright-colored blooms pack some powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial healing properties.
Benefits of Calendula
- Contains flavonoids and linoleic acid which both help fight inflammation
- Eases muscle spasms – a great remedy for menstrual cramps and muscle sprains and strains.
- Helps induce menstruation for those that have irregular periods.
- Stimulates tissue and collagen production. This is beneficial in healing a variety of injuries such as insect bites, cuts, scrapes, bruises, and burns.
- Has powerful antiseptic and antifungal qualities which makes it great for mouth and eye rinses.
- Quickens the healing process for wounds.
Making a Calendula Rinse for Mouth Sores
There are endless possibilities for creating healing remedies with calendula. But, since I woke up this morning with a bit of a mouth sore, I am going to focus right in on its usefulness as a mouth rinse.
Since it has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties, calendula is the perfect go-to remedy when painful little sores and ulcers pop up in your mouth. It is also good for reducing inflammation in swollen, irritated gums and soothing sore throats by using it as a gargle.
Want to know how easy it is to make a calendula mouth rinse? It is as easy as brewing a cup of tea. That’s it!

Ingredients
- 2-3 teaspoons calendula petals
- 1 cup boiling water
Directions
- Pour boiling water over the calendula petals.
- Steep for about 7 minutes.
- Strain and allow to cool.
Once cooled, store your tea in a glass jar and keep it by your sink. Throughout the day, take sips and swish it around in your mouth. Hold it in place over the offending sores, then spit. (you don’t want to swallow whatever it is you are cleaning out of there.)
Repeat every hour or so.