Marigold or as more commonly known: Calendula, is a member of the large family of Daisy and Sunflowers and has many species in the genus.
The Marigold has pale green leaves and bright yellow or orange flowers and is a common garden plant. Marigold flower petals are edible and used to add beauty and color to salads as well as fed to chickens to give the yolks of their eggs a darker yellow color.
The flower is harvested and used for its medicinal properties both internally as well as externally.
Health Benefits
Calendula has the following components: calendulin, beta-carotene, other carotenoids, isoquercitrin, narcissin, rutin, amyrin, lupeol, sterols, and volatile oils. The calendula flowers also contain complex polysaccharides with immuno-stimulant properties.
Calendula today, is being investigated for it's anti-cancer properties.
Marigold Flower is a cleansing and detoxifying herb with anti-fungal, anti-viral and antibiotic activity. It is strongly anti-inflammatory and healing due to its flavonoid content.
Compresses of calendula blossoms are helpful for varicose veins.
Marigold tea is said to relieve pink eye, which is a common eye infection.
May be used for gastritis, and is an ideal healing drink for anyone who has undergone surgery.
Marigold Flower Tea can help to regulate women's menstrual periods and benefits the immune and lymphatic systems.
Beauty Benefits
Calendula contains chemicals, which have been shown to speed up wound-healing by several actions that include increasing blood flow to the affected area and promoting the production of collagen proteins.
Calendula is used to aid the healing of wounds and internal and external ulcers. It is an anti-septic and improves blood flow to the affected area. Because of its cleansing, anti-inflammatory and healing properties, it treats acne skin effectively.
It has been used to treat a variety of skin diseases and - beside juvenile acne - it has been seen effective in treatment of skin ulcerations, eczema and dry psoriases.