Marigold is a hairy annual herb, growing to about 50 cms high. The lower leaves of the plant are strapshaped and the base of the upper leaves surround the stem. The plant has large, solitary and stout flower heads; flat and spreading flowers of the outer whorl, with colour varying from light yellow to deep orange. The fruits are curved, with the lower part having sharp point and upper parts crested and slightly beaked.
The main constituents of the herb are carotenoids, resin, essential oil, flavonoids, sterol, saponins and mucilage.
Marigold is a bitter tonic. It induces copious perspiration and is useful in killing intestinal worms.
The herb stimulates the flow of bile, and is a beneficial remedy in the treatment of gastritis, gastric or duodenal ulcers,
The leaves are useful in treating scrofula or tuberculosis of the lymphatic glands in children, especially in the neck. As a remedy the leaves should be taken as a vegetable.
It is beneficial in the treatment of certain circulatory disorders. A compress of the herb can be applied beneficially in the treatment of varicose veins and chilblains, which is an inflamed condition of the skin of the hands, feet and sometimes ears and nose caused by poor circulation and cold weather.
Marigold belongs to the same family as arnica and has umpteem wound-healing properties. It is antiseptic and anti. bacterial. A compress or poultice of the flowers forms an excellent first aid for bums, scalds, stings and impetigo, a highly contagious bacterial skin infection. The juice of the leaves can be applied beneficially over warts. The sap from the stem is useful for warts, corns and callouses.
Marigold flowers are an excellent remedy for inflamed or ulcerated conditions of the skin when used externally, as in varicose ulcers.
A cold infusion of the herb, used as an eyewash, gives relief in conjunctivitis. A lotion of the flowers is also a useful wash for inflamed and sore eyes.