Pot marigold, calendula
Despite its name, pot marigold is often grown as an annual in summer bedding, and has been much used in the United Kingdom for many generations. It has slightly furry leaves and brilliant orange flowers, although modern cultivated forms come in a colour range from cream to deep orange both in double and single form. Removing dead blooms will encourage new buds.
The many uses for pot marigold have included dye for fabric, cosmetics and to add colour to sauces, butter and as substitute for saffron. The bright orange petals look attractive as a garnish on salads and desert dishes.
Species information
Distribution: Europe, Mediterranean
Habitat: Grows in poor soil in sunny position.
Form: Shrub
Scientific name: Calendula officinalis L. (Compositae)
Pot marigold is said to be effective against numerous skin complaints such as chilblains, warts, fungal skin infections (ringworm, athlete’s foot, cradle cap), eczema, leg ulcers, nappy rash and surgical wounds. It has been taken internally for gastric and duodenal ulcers and various disorders of the digestive system (colitis, diverticulitis), hepatic system (liver and gall bladder) and menstrual problems.
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Barney says:
05 February | 17:26
My search for CHILBLAIN brought me here. As a child I suffered for many years from chilblains. Standard medicine offered me nothing despite being taken many times by my frantic mother to the GP. A friend of my mother's who was visiting one day when I was in pain told me to rub the chilblains with the "fur" on the inside of a BROADBEAN pod. The chilblains disappeared as if by magic and never returned. I am now 68 years old but every winter I bless the memory of that lady!