Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula - Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

These are lovely, annual plants native to southern Europe. They grow 1½ to 2½ feet high. Their branching stems are covered with simple, alternate leaves and they produce large flowers in different hues of yellow and orange in the summer. These plants are easy to grow. The main kind is C. officinalis (the Common Pot Marigold), it has light green leaves and short stems bearing single or double, orange, yellow, cream, or white flowers that are 2-3 inches across. These plants are valuable for more than just their beauty. 

Calendulas have been grown as garden plants for many years throughout Europe and North America. The flowers of Calendula officinalis have been used as medicine for centuries, and the herbal remedies based upon calendula has been known for generations. 

Early Christians called calendula "Mary's Gold," and placed it by the statues of the Virgin Mary. The most sacred flower of ancient India, calendula stems and flower heads were strung into garlands and placed around the necks of holy statues. The calendula's flower head follows the sun, so it is sometimes called "summer's bride" or "husbandman's dial." In the language of flowers, the calendula flower symbolizes "winning grace." 

The name of this plant has origin from the ancient Romans, who regarded it to be a plant with flowers in bloom on the first day (or calends) of each month and thus a useful remedy by irregular menstruation. Calendula was imagined to have magical powers, allowing people to see fairies and helping women choose appropriate mates. More practical it was used during the Civil War in USA: the plant was applied on wounds to stop bleeding and heal. 

An ancient beverage made from a mixture of calendula blossoms in wine was believed to be an aid in curing indigestion. Calendula petals were commonly used in ointments that cured skin irritations, jaundice, sore eyes, and toothaches. It has also been used to treat cramps, coughs, and snake bites.

Calendula flowers have been considered beneficial in reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, and used as an antiseptic. It has been used to treat a variety of skin diseases, and has been effective in treatment of skin ulcerations. Taken internally as a tea, it has been used for treatment of stomach ulcers, and inflammation. Calendula is now being investigated for it's anti-cancer properties.

Of the marigold family, calendula was valued historically for its culinary uses. The Romans used calendula mixed with vinegar to season their meat and salad dishes. The petals, with their slight aromatic bitterness are used in fish and meat soups, rice dishes, salads, and as a coloring for cheese and butter. The whole flower was used as a garnish in medieval times. 

An infusion of the petals can be used as a rinse to lighten and brighten hair. The petals also make a nourishing cream for the skin. Pot marigold makes an attractive cut flower and can be grown in the vegetable garden to help with insect control.

Source:
http://www.botany.com/calendula.html
http://www.gardenseeker.com/calendula.htm
http://www.hole.gs.rl.no/engl/garden/frame.htm
http://www.gardenguides.com/herbs/marigold.htm
http://www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com/guide/flowers.htm