Marigolds Used for Health

Many appreciate the beauty of the marigold as an aromatic flower, but the marigold isn't just a flower; it is also a plant that has been used as an herb for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Cultures as diverse as Greek, Arabic, Roman and Indian have used this annual plant to treat a variety of ailments and medical conditions. Be sure to check with your doctor before using marigold as an herbal remedy.

Edible

• The marigold is an annual plant that grows well in most kinds of soil under sunny conditions. It is edible and is often used as a garnish. As an edible plant, the marigold is used to treat duodenal ulcers, which are open sores or lesions found on the duodenum. The marigold is also used to treat other gastric troubles, as the herb assists in the flow of bile within the body and stimulates the circulation of blood. Marigold flowers contain vitamin C, resins, proteins, carotenoids and flavonoids, which help in the maintenance of good health.

Anti-inflammatory

• The marigold plant acts as an anti-inflammatory and soothing agent, helping to reduce inflammation due to irritation, pain and swelling. By speeding up healing time, the marigold also protects against bacterial infection when used on burns, stings and other inflammation of the body or on the skin. Marigold can be used on any inflamed or infected skin, and even aids in reducing varicose ulcers. A compress of marigold flowers is used on irritated and inflamed skin, while a juice made from marigold leaves can be used to heal warts. Marigold juice may be made not only from leaves, but from stems and flowers as well.

Infusions and Lotions

• When eyes get sore and inflamed, you can make a lotion from marigold flowers to soothe and heal the swelling and inflammation. If you need an eyewash, create an infusion from marigold flowers to drink as a tea. To create the tea, pour boiling water over dried marigold flowers and let seep for about 20 minutes. Strain the result and drink warm, not cold, before regular meals. You choose the strength of the infusion, depending upon the ratio of dried marigold flowers to the quantity of boiling water. Create a lotion by cooking fresh marigold flowers in preheated lard. After stirring, leave the mixture overnight and reheat before straining into a jar to be used to soothe skin irritations such as burns. Comfrey root is often added to this mixture for added healing benefits.

Soothing Bath

• Marigold flowers can be added to bath water to soothe and heal. Make a bath potion by allowing fresh marigold flowers to steep for 24 hours in cold water. Boil these flowers for 10 minutes. Add the resulting potion to your bath water. Keep a marigold bath to 15 minutes, but take one twice a day.