~Tagetes patula ~ Brocade Marigold
Marigold flowers and leaves are considered safe to eat by humans
and are commonly used as imitation saffron and other culinary herbs.
Using marigold for its health benefits
- Infusions prepared from medicinal marigold are effective in case of digestive disorders, mycosis, premenstrual pain or to regulate the menstrual cycle. For that you just need to boil 7 fl. oz. (200 ml) water and toss 2 teaspoon dried flowers in it. Drink 1 cup 3 times a day for maximum 15 days.
- When used to dip a compress, the above-mentioned infusion can be applied to the eyes in case of ocular fatigue or to cleanse small wounds.
- For massage, medicinal marigold essential oil is applied on irritated skin 3 times a day.
Be careful: Drinking infusions is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children (under 6 years old).
Properties, health benefits and therapeutic value of marigold
- Medicinal marigold contains active ingredients that impart anti-inflammatory, anti-wheal, antioxidant, analgesic and hydrating properties. These compounds are flavonoids, triterpenes, saponins, salicylic acid and mucilage.
- Its essential oil has very interesting antibacterial properties.
The flowers are the part of the plant that is generally used in herbal medicine.
Fresh or dried, the flowers are often prepared as infusions, and also enter into the processing of ointments, creams, gels, liniments, eye drops…
- Used in external topical preparations, they are effective to alleviate minor skin discomforts (erythema on bottoms, babies’ milk crusts, small wounds, etc.).
Its relaxing, soothing and wound-healing properties are also remarkable when dealing with sunburns, scratches, chapped lips and skin, crevasses, dermatitis, boils, etc.
- To remove the sting from light burn wounds, insect bites and hives, medicinal marigold (as a cream or an ointment) is an unmatchable anti-inflammatory and anti-wheal agent.
When ingested (infusions), medicinal marigold not only acts on the immune system and lowers fever, it also alleviates throat and mouth inflammation and hepatic and gastric disorders.
- It thus cleanses the liver, reduces gastric inflammation and premenstrual syndrome.
MARIGOLD & HEALTH BENEFITS
- Supports skin healing.
- Contains natural antiseptic/anti-inflammatory properties.
- Comprises pre-cursors to the production of antioxidant Vitamin A.
- Reduces eye infections and protects from UV and oxidative damage.
- Helps to soothe the mucus membranes of the throat whilst easing the pain.
FACTS
- Are wide flowers in gold to mahogany atop 30-38cm (12-15") plants.
- The fresh flower petals are edible, can be dried or crushed.
- can be dried and ground to use as a replacement for saffron.
- The essential oils of this marigold have apparent anti-fungal properties, and have been used to fight fungal infections on plants.
- Brocade is a cultivar of T. patula, which is native to the highlands of central Mexico.