The extremely attractive marigold flower is one of those garden plants that is loved & celebrated by all. This beautiful captivating flower is known to be the “Sun’s bride”. Marigold is a versatile flower which not just brings soulful quality to your garden but also has the potential in preventing & curing various diseases.

Over a period of time Marigold flower has captured the interest of various botanical researchers due to its effective anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic & anti-fungal properties. The researchers have found that marigold (calendula) contains essential oils and a high concentration of flavonoids such as carotene which not only addresses cuts, soars and general skincare but also guards the delicate tissues of the eye from UV and oxidative damage.

Calendula is a genus of about 15-20 species of annual & perennial herbaceous plant that are often known as marigold. The most commonly cultivated & used member of the genus is the pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) or calendula with many medicinal & cosmetic properties.

Knowing the most interesting facts about marigolds. Here are some very interesting ways of infusing these gorgeous, medicinal rich marigold petals in your day to day life.

Marigold (Calendula) herbal decoction

Procedure- Place around 1-2 teaspoonful of dried calendula flowers in a heatproof pan filled with simmering hot water, cover the pan with saucer & let steep for around 15-20 minutes. Once the herbal decoction is cooled down it can be used

•  As a gargle in sore throat condition.
• As a mouth rinse to help relieve inflamed gums.
• Used as homemade baby wipes to help alleviate diaper rash.
• In fungal condition such as athlete’s foot, pour some of it in a foot bath
• Rinse hair, after shampooing, to reduce itchy scalp
• Add this herbal decoction into your regular bath to help soothe and heal inflamed skin
• Pour into a small spray bottle to make a disinfecting wound spray as it act as mosquito repellent

Marigold (Calendula) herbal face mask

Place a handful of marigold petals, ½ teaspoonful of almond oil, 2-3 spoons of aloe vera gel and pinch of turmeric powder into the food processor and grind until you get a fine paste. Mix freshly squeezed lemon juice. Once done it can be used in

• Skin conditions such as acne & breakouts
• Reduces blemishes
• Soothes inflamed skin
• Promotes healthy & glowing looking skin 

Marigold (Calendula) herbal tea

Take 2-3 glasses of water in a heat proof pan, let it boil for 5 min. Add fresh 10-20 petals of Marigold petals. Once boiled filler the mixture & add ½ teaspoon of honey. Sip slowly & enjoy the seasonal variation. Consuming this herbal tea twice daily boosts immunity, improves skin & gut health and helps you to adapt during seasonal changes. 

 Marigold (Calendula) in kitchen

To use calendula for eating, the fresh petals are plucked from the garden & can be added raw in salads, salsa & to decorate drinks as it is rich in antioxidant & anti-inflammatory properties.

Knowing the essential benefits of marigold, this october bring in the mellow beauty of this gorgeous flower not just in your garden but in your health checklist goal.