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What is marigold
This ancient plant lives in all warm countries. Mexico is his homeland. Belongs to the Aster family, has 50 species. Marigolds have many other names:
- tagetes;
- black shavers (Ukraine);
- marigold (England);
- hangovers (India);
- velvet (Belarus);
- Inca calendula;
- velvets;
- gypsy.
These unpretentious bright flowers can be seen in the flower beds of parks, in gardens, in the alleys of small towns and cities. Long ago, the Indians used Tagetes flowers in rituals, expelling diseases. In the XVI century. Spanish conquerors brought marigold seeds from Mexico to Spain. Then the plant spread to European countries.
The name “marigolds” is based on the appearance of the flowers. Their petals are like velvet. Marigolds are found in different colors: variegated, dark burgundy, yellow, orange, brown, lemon.
In the old days, it was believed that this plant is endowed with magical properties. If a bunch of black-haired people is placed at the entrance to the house, unexpected guests will not appear. This flower will protect you from the evil eye and evil spirits. It is used in wedding garlands, for decoration of holidays, religious rituals.
This flower is revered in India, Thailand, Latin America. Healing tea is prepared from the flowers of the plant, and dry inflorescences are an analogue of saffron spice. Inflorescences, fresh or dried, are added to food.
Chemical composition
The ground part of the plant contains:
- lutein;
- essential and amber oils;
- flavonoids;
- carotene;
- vitamins A, C, B, E;
- selenium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, iron.
Dark flowers contain more lutein, a natural pigment. It is important for visual acuity and neutralization of free radicals.
Marigolds: beneficial properties
These beautiful flowers not only delight the eye, but also benefit the human body. They act like:
- diaphoretic;
- choleretic;
- diuretic;
- expectorant;
- bactericidal;
- anthelmintic;
- anti-inflammatory.
The healing properties of inflorescences, stems and leaves are beneficial for the digestive system, liver and pancreas. Flower infusion is used externally for skin diseases
How are marigolds useful?
- accelerate the removal of mucus from the respiratory tract;
- reduce swelling;
- help in the work of the liver and pancreas;
- with stomatitis, laryngitis, rinsing effectively with a decoction;
- improve metabolic processes in the body;
- prevention of oncological diseases;
- to lower blood sugar levels;
- during colds and flu, drink a decoction;
- increases sweating;
- improves visual acuity (lutein in the chemical composition of the flower);
- removes toxins from the body;
- depression (drinking tea);
- eliminate constipation;
- from bee stings (stem juice);
- to combat worms;
- improve hair structure and growth;
- in cosmetology, decoction or oil is added to the composition for masks.
Противопоказания
- period of pregnancy and lactation;
- tendency to allergic reactions;
- eczema;
- intolerance;
- children up to 5 years.
Procurement of raw materials
For medicinal purposes, inflorescences are used during the flowering period (June-July). Flowers are cut and dried in the shade or in a room with air access. Dried shaved beads are placed in a canvas bag, paper bag, box or in a dark glass jar. Shelf life is two years.
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