Marigold (Calendula officinalis) is a plant that wins hearts and minds with the beauty of its flowers. It is the favorite plant in many gardens and flower beds.

The special value of these beauties are extremely beneficial ingredients of its flowers and leaves. No wonder so many experts in natural medicine have called it a magical plant.

Marigold is a hardy plant with bright orange flowers. An interesting fact is that marigold flowers are opened and in full bloom during the day, while they are closed at night and during rainy and cloudy weather.

Our grandmothers used to call this plant "herald of rain" because if marigold flowers did not open in the morning it meant there would be rain in the afternoon.

It originates from South America, but it has spread throughout Europe and Africa. There are tall marigold species, whose cultivation originated in Africa, but also short varieties grown in the French territory.

The most widely cultivated marigold plant is of average height and it was created by crossing the tall African and dwarf French varieties.

The healing properties of marigold

Even the ancient Egyptians were familiar with the healing properties of marigold and they used it for making a variety of medicinal preparations.

It has long been known for its healing properties and is today recognized as an invaluable plant.

Many of us have watched our grandmothers carefully grow and harvest marigold flowers and leaves in their gardens, dry and store them for the preparation of medicinal teas and various other beneficial remedies.

In the past marigold flowers and leaves were used fresh or dried for the preparation of medicinal remedies or wraps.

Today we also find marigold in ointments, crèmes, oils and gels. 

The most widespread use of calendula is in dermatology. Marigold teas and crèmes are very successful in alleviating and curing many ailments.

Marigold has anti-inflammatory effects and helps wounds heal better.

It is successful in the fight against liver, kidney and urinary tract problems and is even used in the treatment of herpes and hepatitis virus.

It is also used for treating diarrhea, intestinal inflammations, stomach cramps and constipation. Furthermore, it even helps against menstrual cramps.

The marigold tea is excellent for the treatment of viral and bacterial urinary infections.

Marigold wraps and crèmes alleviate pain, burns and swelling and are an excellent aid in cases of sprains and bee or wasp stings.

Marigold cream is known for treating chapped lips, bruises and varicose veins, as well as for the treatment of hemorrhoids.

Healing effects of marigold:

1. has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
2. promotes wound healing
3. is used for burns, bites, sprains and swelling
4. treats varicose veins and hemorrhoids
5. helps with digestive problems
6. stimulates the liver and kidneys
7. is effective against herpes viruses and hepatitis
8. prevents urinary tract infections.

Cultivating and harvesting marigold

Marigold seeds are sown in early spring because marigold stems and leaves are resistant to frost and cold.

Seeds germinate after four to five days and the plant itself grows rapidly. The first flowers can be expected about forty days after sowing.

Depending on planting, marigold can blossom from May until late fall or until the onset of heavy frosts.

As with most other plants, marigold also requires regular removal of bloomed flowers because it will prevent the formation of seeds and the plant will exploit nutrients to create new flowers.

You can pick marigold from May, when the first flowers appear, and continue until late autumn.

The best time to pick marigold is in August because then the flowers reach their highest quality and flowering is the most abundant.

Marigold flowers should be carefully dried in a thin layer, in the shaded and airy place, because that way flowers will retain their natural color.

Tea against menstrual problems

Marigold tea is extremely effective for relieving painful menstruation and for regulating improper and irregular menstrual cycles.

It must be consumed seven days before the start of menstruation. You should continue to drink it through the cycle, until the monthly bleeding stops.

To prepare the tea, pour 0.2 liters of boiling water over one or two marigold flowers. The tea can be sweetened with honey if desired and it should be taken two to three cups a day.

Marigold bath

A famous treatment method from the past is a bath containing many healing herbs.

Our ancestors used marigold baths and they are still in use today because they are very effective in the treatment of hemorrhoids, vaginal infections, genital herpes, bladder infections and many other ailments.

Tips for preparing marigold bath

Pour cold water over one to two cups of fresh or dried marigold flowers and let it sit for a day.

After that boil the mixture and add it to a warm bath.

Fresh marigold juice

You can use fresh or dried marigold flowers and stems to prepare marigold juice.

Wash the ingredients (both flowers and stems) and mix them in a juicer or a blender. 

This juice is pretty strong, so you can dilute it with apple or carrot juice.

Marigold cream

Finely chop fresh marigold flowers and mix them with coconut oil.

Heat the mixture a bit and then let it cool. If the cream is too thick, you can dilute it by adding another base oil.

This cream is useful for the treatment of varicose veins, skin infections, eczema, athletic feet, and many other ailments.