Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

Marigold (Calendula officinalis) has been highly valued by herbal healers of centuries. Marigolds are found almost anywhere in the world. They grow easily, bloom reliably, and have few insect and disease problems. Marigolds are highly useful for medicinal purposes such as headaches, toothache, swelling, and strengthening the heart. They have also been used in cooking as well.

It is thought that marigold originated in Egypt and was first introduced to Britain and other countries by the Romans. It was one of the earliest cultivated flowers. The ancient Greeks, who used the petals for decoration, also knew of marigold’s other uses, such as coloring for food, make-up, dying fabrics, and medicinal uses. Marigolds have been grown in the gardens of Europe since the 12th century. By the 14th century, many had learned of its many and varied “magical powers.” One medieval author named Macer described marigold in his volume on herbs and thought that merely to look upon the blooms would improve eyesight and draw evil “humors” from the head. They are often called “pot marigolds” due to their use in cooking.

During the American Civil War and World War I, marigolds were used to prevent wounds from getting infected. The blooms were made into either a poultice or infused into oils for application to the wounds. In eastern countries garlands of the brightly colored flowers were, and still are, frequently used in festivals.

Calendula officinalis is a short-lived aromatic herbaceous perennial, growing to 80 cm tall, with sparsely branched lax or erect stems. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, 5–17 cm long, hairy on both sides, and with margins entire or occasionally waved or weakly toothed. The inflorescences are yellow, comprising a thick capitulum or flowerhead 4–7 cm diameter surrounded by two rows of hairy bracts; in the wild plant they have a single ring of ray florets surrounding the central disc florets. The disc florets are tubular and hermaphrodite, and generally of a more intense orange-yellow color than the female, tridentate, peripheral ray florets. The flowers may appear all year long where conditions are suitable. The fruit is a thorny curved achene.

Medicinal Benefits

Only the flower heads of marigolds are used medicinally. Calendula flower is used to prevent muscle spasms, start menstrual periods, and reduce fever. It is also used for treating sore throat and mouth, menstrual cramps, cancer, and stomach and duodenal ulcers.

Calendula is applied to the skin to reduce pain and swelling (inflammation) and to treat poorly healing wounds and leg ulcers. It is also applied to the skin (used topically) for nosebleeds, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, inflammation of the rectum (proctitis), and inflammation of the lining of the eyelid (conjunctivitis).

It is thought that the chemicals in calendula help new tissue grow in wounds and decrease swelling in the mouth and throat.

Methods of Use

As lotion.

Vinegar tincture or a regular tincture.

Fluid extract.

Dried herb for Infusions or Teas. To make Marigold Tea pour a cup of boiling water over the dried petals or flowers, let it stand for 5 minutes, strain it, and drink it.

Smoked with rolling papers, pipe, or vaporizer.

Effects

Marigold Petals & Flowers are known to bring better dreams while you sleep. It is also supposed to help in remembering dreams more clearly, in addition to assisting in their interpretation.

Side Effects

There are certain cases of allergic responses of the skin to marigold. If the person is allergic to daisy flower or any flower from the aster family such as ragweed and chrysanthemum then the person might also have allergic reaction to marigold.

Where to buy Marigold?

Marigold is available on Amazon, and eBay. You can always find great deals on these sites.