Marigold

Marigolds are a well known garden flower.  They are popular because they are easy to grow and due to their bright, ever present flower heads.  Marigold, however, is an herb that has some good medicinal properties.  The flower you may grow in your garden might surprise you with all it has to offer.

In many countries marigold is used to make broths.  The flower heads are dried and added into broths.  It has also been used to color cheese.  Marigolds can be grown almost anywhere, although they are native to Europe.  These flowers are know for being hardy and lasting throughout the growing season.  It is the deep orange colored marigold that holds medicinal properties.

The deep orange colored marigolds are used for the flowers and the leaves, the stems are discarded.  They should be dried or made into a lotion or cream.  The dried marigold has been used as a stimulant.  It can help relieve ulcers, help to cure jaundice and relieve veracious veins.  As a cream or lotion it is used to relieve pain.  It has been used to treat bee stings, treat sprangs, bruises and relieve swelling and infection in the eye.  Marigold is thought to have strong anti inflammatory, astringent, healing and detoxifying properties.  Marigold is especially useful in treating childhood illnesses.  In many countries marigold is a well sought after childhood medicine.  It has been used to treat measles,
smallpox and help fight fevers. 

Marigold is not only a pretty flower that is an easy addition to your garden.  It is a great medicinal herb when used properly.  Marigolds have many uses, but the benefits and medicinal uses fro children in countries where medical care is lacking, are priceless.  This simple flower can mean the world to a child who is in need of relief from an ailment.