Marigold belongs to the family of composite plants. The plant is also known under the names goldflower or rainflower. It is closely related to important herbs such as dandelion or chamomile and is mainly used as a medicinal herb.
Ingredients of marigold
The broad spectrum of action of the marigold is due to its richness in nutrients. It contains many medicinally valuable ingredients such as flavonoids, carotionoids, essential oils or saponins. The medicinal plant can have wound-healing, antibacterial, antispasmodic and immunostimulant effects.
A main ingredient is the so-called sesquiterpene alpha-cadinol, which is known for anti-inflammatory and liver-protective properties.
The marigold as a medicinal herb
The plant is one of the most popular medicinal herbs. In the late Middle Ages and early modern times, it was used as a diaphoretic plant, as well as for the relief of dental and eye complaints.
Today, calendula is mainly used in the treatment of various joint complaints. It is also used for wound healing, mucous membrane inflammation, pimples, eczema, burns and conjunctivitis.