Marigolds are favorites in the annual garden, repelling mosquitoes and blooming bushy, bright orange and yellow to lend a splash of color to the landscape. Two separate species of plant are known as marigolds, both edible, but you'll get different results with the two. One is medicinal and not very palatable, the other makes a nice salad ingredient, but it won't cure what ails you. Be sure to accurately identify your marigolds before using them for either purpose.
Calendula
Calendula officinalis is not the same as the decorative marigolds you plant in your garden -- those are usually a variety of Tagetes. Calendula marigolds look more like a daisy with an obvious open center. They lack the closely clustered petals of the decorative marigold and are sometimes referred to as pot marigolds. Unless you are absolutely sure that your marigolds are Calendulas, you shouldn't expect medicinal qualities from them.
Uses
Calendula is generally used as a tincture to treat minor wounds, dermatitis and ear infections topically, although the tincture should be taken orally. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you also can steep 5 to 10 grams of dried flowers in hot water for about 15 minutes to make a tea that may help relieve stomach pain and menstrual cramps. If you are using store-bought calendula, follow the directions on the label.
Caution
Calendula should not be used orally by pregnant or nursing women or those with ragweed allergies. Oral Calendula may affect conception, so it should not be taken by either the man or the woman while trying to conceive. It also may intensify the effects of sedatives, so don't use it while you are taking sedatives or if you have an upcoming surgery.
Tagetes Marigolds
The Tagetes marigolds, or the common decorative type, are indeed edible, although they do not possess medicinal properties. The fresh flowers may be added to salads or used as an edible garnish; they provide a bitter taste, which can be helpful to balance out an overly sweet dish. The Tangerine Gem and the Lemon Gem varietals are the best-tasting of the Tagetes, so search them out at your garden center during your next annual planting.
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