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Mary Gowles | | Name : | Mary Gowles | | Synonyms : | Gardenmarigold
Holigold
Marigold
Marshmarigold
Marybud
MaryGolde
MaryGowles
Potmarigold
Solissponsa
Solsequia
| | Parts Used : | Leaves, flowers | | Habitat : | Cultivated. Native to central, eastern and southern Europe. | | Description : | Calendula, or Marigold, is an annual garden plant; reaches a heightof 20-28 inches, with an angular, branched, hairy stem 1-2 feet high.The leaves are alternate, sessile, spatulate or oblancleolate, dentatewith widely spaced teeth, and hairy. From June to October the plantbears large, brilliant, yellow or orange, terminal flower heads thatmeasure over 1.6 inches across.
Opens its petals at nine and closes them at four.
(This is not the common American garden marigold (Tagetes lucida),which is derived from Mexican marigold.) True marigold is an old Europeanplant.) | | Constituents : | Essential oil containing carotenoids (carotene, calenduline and lycopine),a saponin, resin and bitter principle
Antispasmodic, aperient, cholagogue (increases flow of bile), diaphoretic,vulnerary (heals wounds), emmenagogue, diaphoretic, alterative, astringent | | Uses : | The flowers may be eaten raw, taken as a standard infusion or thelatter applied as a lotion. As a lotion, a marigold infusion (petalsonly) provides the ideal balancer of an over-oilyskin, and all complexions will benefit from a salve or ointmentcomposed of marigold flowers, so they say.
Used to regulate menses,help measles, smallpox, earache,colds, reduces fevers.Externally, used as an ointment or oil for burns,bruises, and injuries. The flowers are used for gastro-intestinalproblems such as ulcers, chickenpox,fever, stomach cramps, recurrentvomiting, colitis, and diarrhea.Externally for boils and abscesses,a good salve for wounds,bruises, sore nipples, yeastinfections, shingles,bedsores (decubitus ulcers), sprains, varicoseveins, acne, pulled muscles,sores, warts(rub fresh juice on surface). The tincture is used for gastritis andmenstrual difficulties and cramps. It is said that if the fresh flowersare rubbed on wasp orbee stings there is instant relief.
Marigold is often used as a less-expensive substitute for saffron,fresh or dried petals give subtle flavor and golden color to seafood,soups, stews, puddings, rice, and omelets. The dried petals, softenedin hot milk, can be added to the batters of cakes, breads, and cookies.The fresh, tender young leaves are good in salads.
Discourages Mexican bean beetles, nematodes, asparagus beetle, andother insects. | | Dosage : | Infusion: use 1 to 2 tsp. fresh or dried flowers with 1/2cup water; steep for 5-10 minutes and strain. Take 1 tbsp. every hour.
Juice: take 1 tsp. at a time, always freshly pressed.
Tincture: to make, soak a handful of flowers in 1/2 qt. rectifiedalcohol (not rubbing alcohol) or whiskey for 5 to 6 weeks. A doseis 5-20 drops.
Salve: boil 1 oz. dried flowers or leaves, or 1 tsp. freshjuice, with 1 oz. of lard.
Tea: use 1 heaping tbsp. dried herb in 1 cup boiling water.One cup daily.
Extract: mix 10 to 30 drops in liquid daily.
Oil: apply oil or commercial preparation directly to affectedarea externally, once daily. Put on cotton swab and place in ear forearache.
Store dried leaves in moisture-proof container to preserve colorand flavor ordinarily lost in humid conditions. | | Safety : | Do not use during pregnancy. | | Myths : | In medieval England, a popular religious legend described the Virginas being accustomed to wearing golden blossoms which the monks ofthe period decided should be named in her honor; from that associationof the golden herb with the Virgin Mary, old poets began calling theherb, 'Mary Gowles' and 'Mary Golde'. Years later in Shakespeare'sCymbeline, the marigold flowers were referred to as the 'winking Marybuds'.
Often used as a less-expensive substitute for saffron, fresh or driedpetals give subtle flavor and golden color to seafood, soups, stews,puddings, rice and omelets. The dried petals, softened in hot milk,can be added to the batters of cakes, breads and cookies. The fresh,tender young leaves are good in salads.
There is another marigold (Tagetes lucida) of the sunflower family,known as sweet scented marigold or Mexican marigold, Mexican tarragon,pericon, and sweet mace. This plant has nothing to do with Calendulaofficinalis. Do not mistake identification. The garden marigold inAmerican gardens is derived from this Mexican marigold (T. lucida).The marigold of old Europe is the true marigold. There is also a Frenchmarigold (Tagetes patula). The Tagetes and related species shouldnot be confused with Calendula. The Tagetes species are used as insecticidesand weedkillers.
Yellow dye has been made from the flowers of marigold and, as a saffronsubstitute, used for coloring butter and cheese.
It was the Romans who recorded that the marigold was usually in bloomon the first day (calends) of every month. The Latin generic nameCalendula and the common Italian name 'fiore d'ogni' were given tothe herb from this observation. | | Nutrient : | Phosphorus | | Sold : | Buy dried flower heads |
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