About Marigold

Marigold has been used for centuries as an ornamental flower as well as for its medicinal properties.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), marigold (Calendula officinalis) has been as an anti-inflammatory and to treat pain and skin disorders. It has been classified as an antiseptic and bactericide.
Marigold as a ground powder is known as pyrethrum and is used to kill fleas indoors and outside in the yard and garden around flowers and food crops.

Identification
Marigold (Calendula officinalis) is also known as Pot Marigold, Marygold, Mary Gowldes, Ruddes, Oculus Christis and as Caltha officinalis).

Features
Marigold has light green leaves and varying hues of orange, yellow or gold flowers. The plants, stems and leaves are used medicinally or as a pesticide.
It was Linnaeus who observed that the flower blossoms would be open from nine in the morning until three in the afternoon, prompting to name marigold, solsequia and solis sponsa.

Types
Marigold originated in southern Europe and is easily grown in the United States. Sowing seeds in April will yield flowers in the summer and the plant will survive through the snow and ice of winter. According to the Modern Herbal, only the deep orange-petaled version of marigold has medicinal value.

Function
Generally the leaves and flowers can be used in herbal remedies and have been for centuries. Considered as a stimulant and has been used to treat chronic ulcers and varicose veins.
The marigold flower has been used historically to treat insect bites by rubbing it against the inflamed area. The macerated plant can be used for minor joint sprains and another remedy is to use the marigold leaves to make an eye rinse for relief from tenderness.
In a clinical study published in Redox Report in 2002, marigold, identified as Calendula officinialis, has been described as having antioxidant properties, protecting the livers of mice from oxidation and free radical damage.
Last, as ground powder, marigold is commonly known as pyrethrum and can be simply sprinkled over soil in the garden to deter flying insects or set indoors to deter fleas.

Effects
In addition to its medicinal and pesticide uses, marigold can actually be eaten, too. Its leaves are said to be similar to dandelion leaves and can be consumed raw as a salad and dressed with olive oil.
Eaten as a raw salad it is said to have a stimulating and energizing effect on the liver. It is interesting to note that a 2002 study published by NIH describes marigold as having protective effects on the liver of mice.
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.

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Description of Marigold Flowers

The Portuguese discovered marigolds growing in Central America in the 16th century. Their bright, lively orange and red hues made marigolds a popular flower for decorating wherever people cultivated them. They're an annual herb that grows from seed to blossom in about 45 days. As a companion plant, marigolds deter beetles. In cooking, marigolds are known as the poor man's saffron, having a slightly bitter, peppery taste.

Marigold Basics
Marigolds belong to the genus Calendula and come in many varieties. In general, you can expect marigolds to grow no higher than 4 feet and spread outward to 3 feet. Marigold leaves are feathery; the petals come in red, yellow, orange, and dark reddish-brown, and the stems are herbaceous. These plants enjoy direct sunlight and well-drained soil. Marigolds have a strong aroma that rabbits dislike. They're sensitive to cold, so wait until mid-May to put them in your garden.

Mexican Marigold
Mexican marigold differs from basic Calendua in that instead of scalloped leaves, Mexican marigold leaves look more willowy. On average, this plant grows to 3 feet and produce intense, yellow flowers.

French Marigolds
French marigolds come in two varieties. The dwarf French marigolds have tiny yellow, gold, orange or brownish-red flowers, or bi-coloring. These are classic, compact marigolds with an intense aroma that helps keep nematodes away. As a result, French marigolds are often used in companion planting. Dwarf marigolds get to be about 1 foot tall and flower throughout the growing season. By comparison, the larger French marigolds grow about 16 inches tall with single-petaled or double-petaled flower diameters of about 2 inches.

African Marigolds
African marigolds are sometimes called Aztec marigolds. This plant reaches about 2 feet in height and is popular as a medicinal flower because of its antioxidant qualities. Try tossing a few into your next fresh salad. This is an early-blooming flower with double petals, usually ranging from orange to yellow in color. African marigolds also come in a tall variety, reaching over 3 feet tall. They yield big yellow or orange flowers in late summer.

Other Varieties
Cultivators introduce new varieties of marigolds every year. Each of these gets categorized by size and shape, but no matter the subcategories all marigolds are divided into one of the three previous species or grouped into the single marigold category. Single marigolds are a very simple flower that has a long stem and characteristics a bit like a daisy.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/about_6579740_description-marigold-flowers.html