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Plant of the week: Plant of ancient repute said to cheer the spirit
April 10, 2020
Name: Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
Otherwise known as: Golds, Ruddes, Mary Bowles
Habitat: An annual, sometime perennial member of the Asteraceae family growing up to 70cm in loamy soil in Europe and the Mediterranean region. It is covered in long, pale green, hairy leaves and stems topped by bright yellow, daisy like flowers in double and single form. The name is taken from the Latin for the ‘little clock’
What does it do: A plant of ancient repute, it is said ‘to comfort the heart and cheer the spirit’. Marigold is one of the most versatile and valued sources of herbal medicine and is very popular with Homeopaths. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-protozoal, anti-histamine and anti-bacterial, especially against staphylococcus and streptococcus. In addition it is anti-septic, anti- emetic and immune boosting.