Calendula Officinalis L. grows in many gardens and wildflower meadows. But it is not only a friend of bees, butterflies and other insects, because the marigold has a high status in folk medicine. Scientific records of this can be found since the 12th century by Hildegard von Bingen.
The daisy family with yellow or orange flowers grows up to 70cm tall and loves sun and water. It primarily blooms between June and October..
The most important ingredients of marigold include essential oils, saponins, glycosides, calendula sapogenin, carotenoids, bitter substances, mucilage and flavonoids.
Effects
The external effect of marigold (often in oil extracts) has been scientifically proven for burns and eczema, which may heal poorly. Inflammation of the nail bed, decubitus, fresh wounds, sprains and dislocations can also be alleviated by external application.
But marigold is also said to be used internally for nausea, stomach cramps and to support the gall bladder. Inflammation of the mucous membranes (especially in the mouth and throat) can also be alleviated with the help of calendula. It is also said to have been used for symptoms of poisoning.
Did you know?
According to farmers' wisdom, the marigold was used to predict storms because the flowers close before rain.
And the flowers were used to answer the classic question "He/She loves me, he/she loves me not". :-)
Disclaimer
For legal reasons, we would like to point out that some of the above statements require further research and studies to scientifically prove them. Therefore, not all statements can currently be accepted by conventional medicine.
Sources
- "Das große Buch der Heilpflanzen", Apotheker M. Pahlow, 7. Auflage, S. 258
- https://www.nabu.de/tiere-und-pflanzen/pflanzen/pflanzenportraets/nutzpflanzen/10274.html (05.08.2024)