The Pot Marigold, or Calendula officinalis, has been used for medicine, possibly since ancient Egypt. Be certain not to mistake it for the African or American Marigold (Tagetes erecta) which is often seen growing in American flower gardens, or the French Marigold (Tagetes patula) which is used for insecticides and weed killer.
Pot Marigolds were used during the American Civil War and World War I to treat soldiers wounds to prevent infections. The blooms were either made into poultices or infused into oil to apply to the wounds.
The Mayo Clinic says that Calendula has been found to be anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and has wound healing effects. They advise drinking the tea for sore throats. They also say that a gargle made of equal parts of calendula, peppermint, barberry, burdock and licorice made into a gargle helps heal sore throats. Take two teaspoons of the mixture in a cup of water, gargle it for about 30 seconds, then swallow it. There are other uses of Calendula that are endorsed by Mayo Clinic. They recommend it to treat insect bites, bee stings, hives, acne, cuts, burns, and bruises. The National Institute of Health also classifies Calendula as an antiseptic, a bactericide, and an anti-inflammatory.
The University of Maryland Medical Center advises patients to soak the fresh flowers from Pot Marigolds in warm water and apply to the face to treat acne and oily skin. After 10 minutes, rinse.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences have announced that drinking a cup of Calendula tea seven days before the menstrual period prevents cramps.
The United States National Library of medicine said that Calendula essential oil will reduse pain if put on the effected area, and is a good treatment for plantar warts.
Herbalists say that Pot Marigold will heal internal or external ulcers, improves blood flow, improves digestion, cures ringworm, athlete's foot, scabies, and candida. It cures cold sores, gingivitis, diaper rash, and eczema. It can cure or possibly prevent bedsores. It detoxifies the body, improves the gall bladder, liver, and the urinary tract. Pot Marigold is an excellent source of flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin c, proteins, resins, as well as others.
Pregnant women should not use marigolds internally as it can start labor, but it is okay to use externally. It is also good to use on tears or cuts to the perineum after childbirth. It is effective on sore cracked nipples and mastitis.
Marigold is used in several different forms. To make tea add 1 heaping tablespoon of the dried herb to 1 cup of boiling water. Dosage is one cup a day.
Marigold tincture is made by macerating about a pound of fresh flowers. Put in about 3.5 ounces of rectified alcohol or whiskey that has been heated to 70 degrees for eight days. Let set for six weeks.
Marigold lotion is made by preheating about 3.5 ounces of lard, then adding about a pound of fresh flowers. Stir for 10 minutes, then let it cool for about 24 hours.Heat again and put it in a fine sieve. Put it in a jar.
To prepare a marigold bath, soak about an ounce of the flowers for 24 hours. Boil for 10 minutes. add water to bath. Soak in bath for 15 minutes, but no longer. Take two baths a day for 12 days.
Marigold pillows are used to place on painful areas, like the stomach. Dry the flowers in the shade for 24 hours, then place in a cloth bag. Marigold juice is made by pressing the flowers, leaves, and stems.
A good marigold cleanser is made by warming 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl placed over a saucepan of hot water. Stir in 2 tablespoons of dried flowers and heat gently for 30 minutes. Cool completely, then stir in a few drops of flower water. You can use rosewater, violet water, or orange blossom water.
Picture by TeunSpaans
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