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 | Marigold Other Names: Caltha officinalis. Golds. Ruddes. Mary Gowles. Oculus Christi. Pot Marigold
Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis
Family: N.O. Compositae |
History: |
The Common Marigold is familiar to everyone, with its pale-green leaves and golden orange flowers. It is said to be in bloom on the calends of every month, hence its Latin name, and one of the names by which it is known in Italy - fiore d'ogni mese - countenances this derivation. It was not named after the Virgin, its name being a corruption of the Anglo-Saxon merso-meargealla, the Marsh Marigold. Old English authors called it Golds or Ruddes. It was, however, later associated with the Virgin Mary, and in the seventeenth century with Queen Mary.
It was well known to the old herbalists as a garden-flower and for use in cookery and medicine. Dodoens-Lyte (A Niewe Herball, 1578) says:
'It hath pleasant, bright and shining yellow flowers, the which do close at the setting downe of the sunne, and do spread and open againe at the sunne rising.'
Linnaeus assigned a narrower limit to the expansion of its flowers, observing that they are open from nine in the morning till three in the afternoon. This regular expansion and closing of the flowers attracted early notice, and hence the plant acquired the names of solsequia and solis sponsa. There is an allusion to this peculiarity in the poems of Rowley:
'The Mary-budde that shooteth (shutteth) with the light.'
And in the Winter's Tale:
'The Marigold that goes to bed wi' th' sun,
And with him rises weeping.'
It has been cultivated in the kitchen garden for the flowers, which are dried for broth, and said to comfort the heart and spirits.
Fuller writes: 'We all know the many and sovereign virtues in your leaves, the Herbe Generalle in all pottage.' (Antheologie, 1655.) Stevens, in Maison Rustique, or the Countrie Farme (1699), mentions the Marigold as a specific for headache, jaundice, red eyes, toothache and ague. The dried flowers are still used among the peasantry 'to strengthen and comfort the hart.' He says further:
'Conserve made of the flowers and sugar, taken in the morning fasting, cureth the trembling of the harte, and is also given in the time of plague or pestilence. The yellow leaves of the flowers are dried and kept throughout Dutchland against winter to put into broths, physicall potions and for divers other purposes, in such quantity that in some Grocers or Spicesellers are to be found barrels filled with them and retailed by the penny or less, insomuch that no broths are well made without dried Marigold.'
Formerly its flowers were used to give cheese a yellow colour.
In Macer's Herbal it is stated that only to look on Marigolds will draw evil humours out of the head and strengthen the eyesight.
'Golde [Marigold] is bitter in savour
Fayr and zelw [yellow] is his flowur
Ye golde flour is good to sene
It makyth ye syth bryth and clene
Wyscely to lokyn on his flowres
Drawyth owt of ye heed wikked hirores
[humours].
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loke wyscely on golde erly at morwe [morning]
Yat day fro feures it schall ye borwe:
Ye odour of ye golde is good to smelle.'
'It must be taken only when the moon is in the Sign of the Virgin and not when Jupiter is in the ascendant, for then the herb loses its virtue. And the gatherer, who must be out of deadly sin, must say three Pater Nosters and three Aves. It will give the wearer a vision of anyone who has robbed him.'
From Eleanour Sinclair Rohde's Old English Herbals:
'Of marygold we learn that Summe use to make theyr here yelow with the floure of this herbe, not beyng contet with the naturall colour which God hath geven the.'
Gerard speaks of:
'The fruitful or much-bearing marigold, . . . is likewise called Jackanapes-on-horsebacke: it hath leaves stalkes and roots like the common sort of marigold, differing in the shape of his floures; for this plant doth bring forth at the top of the stalke one floure like the other marigolds, from which start forth sundry other small floures, yellow likewise and of the same fashion as the first; which if I be not deceived commeth to pass per accidens, or by chance, as Nature often times liketh to play with other flowers; or as children are borne with two thumbes on one hande or such like; which living to be men do get children like unto others: even so is the seed of this Marigold, which if it be sowen it brings forth not one floure in a thousand like the plant from whence it was taken.'
Culpepper says it is a:
'herb of the Sun, and under Leo. They strengthen the heart exceedingly, and are very expulsive, and a little less effectual in the smallpox and measles than saffron. The juice of Marigold leaves mixed with vinegar, and any hot swelling bathed with it, instantly gives ease, and assuages it. The flowers, either green or dried, are much used in possets, broths, and drink, as a comforter of the heart and spirits, and to expel any malignant or pestilential quality which might annoy them. A plaister made with the dry flowers in powder, hog's-grease, turpentine, and rosin, applied to the breast, strengthens and succours the heart infinitely in fevers, whether pestilential or not.' |
Cultivation: |
The Marigold is a native of south Europe, but perfectly hardy in this country, and easy to grow. Seeds sown in April, in any soil, in sunny, or half-sunny places germinate freely. They require no other cultivation but to keep them clean from weeds and to thin out where too close, leaving them 9 to 10 inches apart, so that their branches may have room to spread. The plants will begin to flower in June, and continue flowering until the frost kills them. They will increase from year to year, if allowed to seed themselves. The seeds ripen in August and September, and if permitted to scatter will furnish a supply of young plants in the spring.
Only the common deep orange-flowered variety is of medinical value. > |
Medicinal Usage: |
Marigold is chiefly used as a local remedy. Its action is stimulant and diaphoretic. Given internally, it assists local action and prevents suppuration. The infusion of 1 ounce to a pint of boiling water is given internally, in doses of a tablespoonful, and externally as a local application. It is useful in chronic ulcer, varicose veins, etc. Was considered formerly to have much value as an aperient and detergent in visceral obstructions and jaundice.
It has been asserted that a Marigold flower, rubbed on the affected part, is an admirable remedy for the pain and swelling caused by the sting of a wasp or bee. A lotion made from the flowers is most useful for sprains and wounds, and a water distilled from them is good for inflamed and sore eyes.
An infusion of the freshly-gathered flowers is employed in fevers, as it gently promotes perspiration and throws out any eruption - a decoction of the flowers is much in use in country districts to bring out smallpox and measles, in the same manner as Saffron. Marigold flowers are in demand for children's ailments.
The leaves when chewed at first communicate a viscid sweetness, followed by a strong penetrating taste, of a saline nature. The expressed juice, which contains the greater part of this pungent matter, has been given in cases of costiveness and proved very efficacious. Snuffed up the nose it excites sneezing and a discharge of mucous from the head.
The leaves, eaten as a salad, have been considered useful in the scrofula of children, and the acrid qualities of the plant have caused it to be recommended as an extirpator of warts.
A yellow dye has also been extracted from the flower, by boiling. |
Ancient Lore: |
CALENDULA (MARIGOLD)
Calendula officinalis
Common names: Pot Marigold, Mary Gowles, Golds. Calendula has a noteworthy place among our native herbs. It belongs to the plants which are beneficial in cancer and cancerlike growths. It is found in many gardens in the country, sometimes growing wild on wastelands. Since its healing powers have become recognized again and are in demand, it is now met not only in gardens, but also in fields. Calendula reaches a height of 30 to 40 cm. Its flowerheads are bright yellow to orange. Stems and leaves are fleshy and sticky to the touch. There are several varieties with full flowerheads, with dark or light stamens. The medicinal value is the same. Should its flowerheads be closed after 7 o'clock in the morning, it will rain the same day. It was considered a rain indicator in earlier times.
In folk medicine the plant's flowers, stems and leaves are gathered and used. Gathering should occur in bright sunshine, when its healing powers are at their best. It can be picked fresh in the garden well into late autumn, if free from mildew.
Calendula strongly resembles our Arnica but is superior in its healing power. Arnica should only be used under medical supervision, since the tea could do more harm than good to people with heart trouble. On the other hand, Calendula tea can be drunk without worry.
As a blood cleanser, it is a great helper in infectious hepatitis. 1 to 2 cups a day work wonders. Calendula cleanses, stimulates circulation and improves the healing of wounds. A man accidentally put his hand in a circular saw. He had great pain In the wounds, after release from the hospital. I heard about it and told him to use Calendula ointment. He was enthusiastic about the results and told me that the pain, which had cost him many sleepless nights, had disappeared after a short time. His wife now plants Calendula in the garden every year. On a visit, the lady of the house showed me her legs covered with varicose veins. 1 fetched Calendula from her garden and prepared the ointment. The residue 1 put immediately on her legs (the residues can be used 4 to 5 times). She spread the ointment, the thickness of the back of a knife, on a piece of linen and bandaged her legs with it. You will be surprised, when 1 tell you that, 4 weeks later, when she visited me at home, the varicose veins had disappeared. Both legs had nice smooth skin. A nun told me that she saw a woman in the street with especially bad varicose veins and advised her to use Calendula ointment. Great Was her surprise when, after a month, the same woman joyfully showed her her legs, smooth and free of varicose veins.
The ointment brings swift relief in phlebitis, varicose ulcers, fistulas, frost bites and burns. Use the ointment and also the residue of ointment preparations for ulcers on the breast, even if they are malignant. An acquaintance of mine had to have her breast removed. While she was in hospital, 1 prepared Calendula ointment. Later she used it on her huge wound from the operation, whereby the great tension of the wound was quickly eliminated. In a check-up her scars from the operation, compared to the scars of other patients, showed such a beautiful heal that she needed only part of the prescribed ray treatment., The Calendula ointment is also excellent for Athlete's foot. Many letters 1 have received bear this out, especially in cases where all other remedies were of no avail. A decoction of the fresh herb can also be used with success. Should fungus infestation start around the area of the genitals, bathe the affected area or use sitz baths. Take 50 gm. dried or 2 heaped double handfuls of fresh Calendula per sitz bath. A woman from Stuttgart wrote that her husband had suffered from Athlete's foot and what had they not tried ... baths, ointments, powders, none showed results. Then he tried Calendula ointment. After 8 days the open parts had healed and stayed that way. Besides the ointment, a Calendula tincture (see "directions") should be prepared. This tincture diluted with boiled water is especially suited as a com- press for wounds, contusions, bruises and sprains, even for festering or cancer-like sores, bedsores, ulcers and swellings.
Not only does the Abbe Kneipp believe in Calendula as a natural remedy for malignant growth, but also well known physicians like Dr. StAger, Dr. Bohn, Dr. Halenser and others. Dr. Bohn names the Calendula as the most important remedy in cancer illnesses if it is too late for an operation and recommends the daily drinking of Calendula tea for a prolonged period. The freshly pressed juice of Calendula can be used successfully even in cancer of the skin. Strawberry marks, covered with the fresh juice several times a day for a prolonged period, can be made to disappear; the same goes for pigment spots and brown spots on elderly people, also rough, cancerlike skin patches. In recent times the American physician and scientist Dr. Drwey points out the unique healing quality of Calendula in cancer; he was able to note good success with Calendula. Internally, Calendula as a tea, is used for gastro-intestinal disorders, stomach cramps and stomach ulcers, as well as inflammation of the large intestine, dropsy and blood in the urine. It is excellent for virus infections and bacteria in the urine. What wonderful results the use of the tea of fresh Calendula has is noted in a letter a physician sent to me: "A small 21/2 year old girl became very sick after repeated polio inoculations. She had chronic diarrhorea, loss of weight, visual weakness and difficulties with food. In a clinical checkup, paratyphoid fever was diagnosed and the child was therefore under clinical supervision. One week after drinking tea, made of fresh Calendula flowers and some homoeopathic medicines, the child was substantially better. The examination for typhoid bacillus, carried out three times shortly afterwards, was negative for the first time."
Since Calendula is also beneficial for infectious hepatitis, it is an excellent remedy in disorders of the liver. Flowers, leaves and stems are brewed with boiling water. The tea should not be sweetened. For the above mentioned disorders drink 3 to 4 cups a day, about a tablespoonful every quarter of an hour. A tea made from 1 tablespoon of flowers to 1/4 litre of water will expel worms. The juice of the fresh stem gets rid of warts and scabies, the boiled infusion heals herpes and glandular swellings, if the affected parts are bathed in it. The tea, drunk regularly purifies the blood. The eyes, bathed with an eye bath of the lukewarm tea, are strengthened.
Cancerlike ulcers and growths, cracked feet, ulcerated legs, thigh ulcers and also malignant, suppurating, non-healing wounds are helped by washing with an infusion of equal parts of Calendula and Horsetail. Use a heaped tablespoon of this blend to 1/2 litre of water.
To stress the unique effect of Calendula tea 1 would like to cite a few more successes. A nurse who suffered from inflammation of the large intestine for eight years, had an appointment with a specialist. She was advised to take the Calendula tea as per my book. For 4 days she sipped 2 cups of Calendula tea during the day. She could hardly believe it when after this short use of Calendula all the complaints were gone.
A nun told me she suffered from diarrhoea. Although she drank Camomile tea, it did not get better. Only after she had used Calendula tea was there an improvement. A nun in Bavaria suffered from Athlete's foot for 15 years and also repeatedly from phlebitis. Through the application of Calendula ointment she experienced finally a healing of her feet. Scabs in the nose can be easily remedied with Calendula ointment. Note: Should there be an aversion to lard, good vegetable fat may be used. A bit of cooking oil is added to the still warm mass, to make the ointment smoother.
DIRECTIONS
Infusion: 1 heaped teaspoon of herbs to 1/4 litre of water.
Sitz bath: Two heaped double handfuls of fresh or 100 gm. of dried herbs for one sitz bath (see General Information "sitz bath").
Washings: 1 heaped tablespoon of herbs to 1/2 litre of water.
Tincture: 1 handful of flowers are macerated in 1 litre of alcohol. Keep in the sun or at about 201 C. = 681 F. for 14 days.
Ointment: 2 heaped double handfuls of Calendula (leaves, stems, flowers) are finely chopped. 500 gm. of lard are heated and the chopped Calendula is added, stirred, the pan re- moved from the stove, covered and left to stand for a day. The next day it is warmed, filtered through a piece of linen and poured into previously prepared clean jars.
Fresh juice: Leaves, stems and flowers are washed and, still wet, put into the juice extractor. |
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