Calendula officinalis, also known as marigold, makes for a great plant to include in your home garden. First of all, it is very easy to grow, and offers brilliant orange and yellow flowers with a unique and pungent aroma. There are many varieties of this beloved annual herb. Besides just looking beautiful and being simple to grow, there are a handful of useful things you can do with these plants.
Tip: Be sure when growing any plant for herbal use,
that they have been organically grown without exposure to pesticides and pollutants.
Marigolds may help reduce oral bacteria.
Here is how to make marigold tea to help improve oral health:
- Pick one or two flower tops that have been organically grown with no pesticides. Gently rinse.
- Bring some water to a boil; enough to fill an 8 ounce cup.
- Pour the hot water onto the calendula flowers and steep only five minutes.
- Strain out the plant parts and drink. Adults can drink up to three cups a day.
Marigolds are an edible garnish!
Place them on your salads, cupcakes, and devilled eggs. Or freeze them into beautiful floral ice cubes to dress up a drink!
Try this Marigold Salad Recipe
Salad – Combine these ingredients:
- 4 cups of arugula, spinach, or other leafy lettuce
- 2 ripe peaches, cut into small wedges
- The petals of 2 marigold flowers organically grown and rinsed
- 1 cup of cubed cheese such as mozzarella, goat, gruyere, gouda, or swiss
Salad Dressing – Combine these ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp of canola oil or calendula infused canola oil (see infusion instructions and video below).
- 6 Tbsp of red wine vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
Marigold and its strong aroma may help deter rabbits and deer from your garden vegetables.
Other plants that help detract pests from neighboring vegetables include: mint, geranium, and oregano. Click here to read a list of more deterring plants.
Garden experts suggest a barrier netting and fences is the most effective way to keep hungry rabbits and deer away, but having a dog in the backyard, pruning overgrown shrubs that act as hiding spots, and growing aromatic flowers such as marigolds can help.
Marigold can be made into a fabulous skin serum!
Calendula can be very easily infused into an oil to make an effective skin serum for scrapes, bug bites, itching, and inflammation. It is also great for improving the look of skin, and can be applied to wrinkles and age spots. Click here to learn how to turn your marigold flowers into an infused oil: Calendula Skin Serum Recipe.
Note, those allergic to other plants of the Asteraceae family, such as daisies and chamomile, may also be susceptible to having a reaction to marigolds.
Click here to read more about Calendula officinalis
By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, Registered Aromatherapist, LMT
4/11/18
This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use. These statements are not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases. The information at this page has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult a Doctor before using herbs and essential oils if you have medical conditions, are taking medications, or have questions.
