Calendula officinalis, the pot marigold, common marigold, ruddles, Mary’s gold or Scotch marigold, is a flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae. It is probably native to southern Europe, although its long history of cultivation makes its precise origin unknown, and it may possibly be of garden origin. It is also widely naturalized farther north in Europe (as far as southern England) and elsewhere in warm temperate regions of the world.
It planted itself in my garden, who knows when. And every year it sprouts and blooms again. It blooms all summer and autumn until November.
Among the many things that can be made from marigold, I prefer to make a tincture. I use the tincture externally as compresses, but I have to dilute it with boiled water. It perfectly helps in the treatment of purulent wounds and ulcers, bedsores, swellings and ulcers that are caused by varicose veins. I can use it internally, but I am careful not to exceed a total dose of ten grams per day. I always dilute it with water or take it with a sugar cube.
And how do I make the tincture? I take a bunch of flowers, soak them in a good home brandy and leave them like that for at least six weeks. I use the tincture externally as compresses, but it must be diluted with boiled water. It helps perfectly in the treatment of purulent wounds and ulcers, bedsores, swellings and ulcers that are caused by varicose veins. It can be used internally, but be careful not to exceed a total dose of ten grams per day. Always dilute it with water or take it with a sugar cube.
Of course, you can make salves from calendula flowers, make tea, use them in cooking instead of saffron…
Fun Fact: Calendula, known as a disinfectant and anti-inflammatory agent to stop bleeding, was used for wounds in the American Civil War and in the First World War.