Marigold

Marigold - Calendula officinalis
(calendula, garden marigold, holigold, mary bud, pot marigold)

Calendula is an annual garden plant with a hairy, branched stem approximately 1 to 2 feet high at maturity. The leaves are also hairy and are alternating, with widely spaced teeth. The plant blooms during June to October with large yellow or orange flowers.

Herbal medicine

This herb is one of the most useful first aid remedies, as it is spasmolytic, anti-haemorrhagic, emmenagogic, vulnerary, styptic and antiseptic.

Used externally as a wash or cream, it is good for healing burns and sores. It may also be used to treat varicose veins, ulcers and haemorrhoids. When applied as an eye lotion, it is a remedy for conjunctivitis.

A calendula herbal infusion based ointment is effective as a soothing and healing treatment for irritated and inflamed skin, as well as for rashes and eczema.

By producing a calendula herbal tincture using alcohol, it is possible to extract the antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. This tincture (as with the ointment), may then be used to soothe irritated and infalmed skin. It is also an excellent antiseptic healer and will help prevent scarring from cuts, burns and boils.

The fresh leaves of this plant when crushed, will prevent bleeding and are themselves an antiseptic.