Marigold has been used as a medicinal herb in Europe for centuries. Today, it is even listed in Germany's official drug monographs. Marigold is applied on the skin or taken by mouth to treat many types of ailments. However, its efficacy has not been proved for any health condition. Therefore, marigold should not be used therapeutically without first consulting with your primary health-care provider.
Identification and Dosing
Marigold is also known as Calendula officinalis, calendula, gold bloom, holligold, marybud, and pot marigold, among other names. Marigold dried flowers are prepared as a tea by steeping 1 g to 2 g in 150 milliliters of boiling water for five to 10 minutes and then straining. The tea is usually taken three times daily. Marigold tea is also used topically as a gargle, mouthwash or as a poultice, using absorbent cloth.
Uses
Marigold is used for treating inflammation of the mouth and throat, stomach upset, menstrual cramps, menopausal symptoms, fever, viral infections, cancer, and gastrointestinal ulcers. It is also used to prevent muscle spasms and to start menstrual periods. Marigold is applied on the skin for nosebleeds, wounds, skin ulcers, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, inflammation around the rectum and the inside of the eyelid. Some use marigold topically for acne, eczema, snake bites and fungal infections such as athlete's foot.
Effectiveness
There are very few human studies evaluating the efficacy of marigold. Consequently, there is insufficient scientific information to rate the effectiveness of marigold for any health condition. According to HerbWisdom.com, marigold is currently being evaluated for its effects against cancer.
Considerations
According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, or NMCD, marigold is generally safe when applied to the skin or taken by mouth. However, marigold can cause allergic reactions, especially in the presence of pre-existing allergies to ragweed and related plants such as chrysanthemums and daisies. Marigold should not be used within two weeks of surgery and during pregnancy or lactation, warns the NMCD.
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