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.

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 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 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.

Mar"i*gold (?), n. [Mary + gold.] Bot.

A name for several plants with golden yellow blossoms, especially the Calendula officinalis (see Calendula), and the cultivated species of Tagetes.

There are several yellow-flowered plants of different genera bearing this name; as, the African or French marigold of the genus Tagetes, of which several species and many varieties are found in gardens. They are mostly strong-smelling herbs from South America and Mexico: bur marigold, of the genus Bidens; corn marigold, of the genus Chrysanthemum (C. segetum, a pest in the cornfields of Italy); fig marigold, of the genus Mesembryanthemum; marsh marigold, of the genus Caltha (C. palustris), commonly known in America as the cowslip. See Marsh Marigold.

Marigold window. Arch. See Rose window, under Rose.

 

© Webster 1913.