Marigold as an Herb

(Calendula spp.)

The Common Marigold is familiar to most, with its pale-green leaves and golden orange flowers. It was not named after the Virgin; its name is a corruption of the Anglo-Saxon merso-meargealla, the Marsh Marigold. Old English authors called it Golds or Ruddes. It was, however, later associated with the Virgin Mary, and in the seventeenth century with Queen Mary.

Only the common deep orange-flowered variety is of medicinal value. The flower petals of the marigold have been used for medicinal purposes since at least the 12th century.

Calendula contains high amounts of flavonoids, plant-based antioxidants that protect the body against cell-damaging free radicals. Researchers are not sure what active ingredients in calendula are responsible for its healing properties, but it appears to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects.

The plant was fabled to grow under the gallows of murderers and was believed that death would occur instantly should one attempt to dig up the root. Fables say the plant would "utter a shriek and terrible groans" when dug up, which none might hear and live. It was held, therefore, that he who would take up a plant of Mandrake should tie a dog to it for that purpose, who drawing it out would certainly perish, as the man would have done, had he attempted to dig it up in the ordinary manner.

Medicinal Uses for Marigold

Marigold is a great first aid remedy. It relieves headaches, earaches, and reduces fevers. It is excellent for the heart and for the circulation. It is also used externally to heal wounds and bruises. An infusion of 1 ounce to a pint of boiling water is given internally, in doses of a tablespoonful, and externally as a local application.

It has been asserted that a Marigold flower, rubbed on the affected part, is an admirable remedy for the pain and swelling caused by the sting of a wasp or bee. A lotion made from the flowers is most useful for sprains and wounds, and a water distilled from them is good for inflamed and sore eyes.

An infusion of the freshly-gathered flowers is used to treat fevers, as it gently promotes perspiration which is thought to reduce a fever - a decoction of the flowers is still much in use in country districts to bring out smallpox and measles, in the same manner as Saffron. Marigold flowers are in demand for children's ailments.

The leaves, when chewed, will at first have a viscid sweetness, followed by a strong penetrating taste of a salty nature. Snuffed up the nose it promotes sneezing and a discharge of mucus from the head.

The leaves, eaten as a salad, have been considered useful in the scrofula of children, and the acrid qualities of the plant have caused it to be recommended as an extirpator of warts.

An infusion, used as a hair rinse, brings out the shine and highlights in blonde and brunette hair.

Today, topical applications of calendula are more common, especially in Germany. More recently, calendula has been shown to help prevent dermatitis in breast cancer patients during radiation.

Culinary

Marigold has been cultivated in the kitchen garden for the flowers, which are dried for broth, and said to comfort the heart and spirits. Formerly its flowers were used to give cheese a yellow color.

Cautions

There are no known scientific reports of interactions between calendula and conventional or herbal medications.

Marigold (calendula) is generally considered safe for topical application. It should not be applied to an open wound without a doctor's supervision. People who are sensitive to plants in the daisy or aster family, including chrysanthemums and ragweed, may also have an allergic reaction to calendula (usually a skin rash).

Marigold (calendula) is also known to affect the menstrual cycle and should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Theoretically, calendula may affect conception when taken by a man or woman, so couples trying to get pregnant should not use calendula.

---

DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.