Marigold, Calendula officinalis, always gives us one last sun salutation before we head into winter. This cheerful plant continues to flower bravely until the moment night frost arrives.
Marigold is famous for its healing effect on skin conditions, such as pimples and all kinds of other skin problems. When my husband still went through life clean-shaven, he always used a balm containing marigold to keep his skin happy. A monograph of this persistent plant should certainly be included in this vademecum.
But it is not just the skin that benefits from using marigold. What fewer people know is that this herb has a broad effect on the digestive system, can help with menstrual discomforts – including the infamous PMS – promotes a healthy circulation of blood and lymphatic vessels and has a relaxing and calming effect. It is therefore a great ally to have.
The same certainly applies to its magical properties. A multitude of magical effects have been attributed to this warm-hearted plant. I will only mention a few here and save the rest for the Magic properties part. Marigold has a broad protective effect, for example. It is also powerful in divination and love magic. And, of course, this is one of the best plants to use in all magic related to the sun.
Marigold has a contorted fusiform taproot. It branches from its base and has stems that are light green and slightly hairy, beset with glandular hairs. The leaves are spatulate at the bottom and lanceolate at the top of the plant. They are arranged alternately, green in colour, sporting downy hair and an entire margin.
A single flower stands at stem apex, which can be up to 7 cm in diameter. It consists of ray florets arranged in one or two rows. In the middle you will find tubular florets that range from slightly darker than the ray florets to deep brown in colour. After flowering, a large number of light brown, hairy seeds appear in the heart of the flower, which can be quite erratic in shape.
Marigold is a cultivated descendant of the wild Calendula arvensis.
The flowers are open from sunrise to sunset. Apparently, if marigolds are still closed at 7 a.m., a gloomy, rainy day can be expected.
There are several myths about the origin of the name Calendula. Most involve tragic love stories, where the love was either unrequited or the loved one died.
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