You can read here about Pot Marigold, Calendula officinalis, its medicinal and other properites and its place in folklore.
Calendula is native to southern Europe, but grown for many centuries in British gardens. Easy to grow, and self-seeding, the pot marigold is happy in any sunny spot with reasonably fertile soil. Garden cultivars of this “gold” flower can now be found in shades from pale apricot to burnt orange.
Calendula are sometimes confused with other equally popular garden flowers, French and African marigolds; but these belong to a different genus, Tagetes. However, they are all part of the same large plant family Asteraceae, which also includes daisies and sunflowers.
Often grown as a ‘companion’ plant in vegetable plots, the pot marigold is also a colourful addition to the rainbow shades of cottage gardens, or in a wildflower meadow: seen here in the one we have planted at the Bath House & Physic Garden.
Medicinal Uses
The humble pot marigold has equally been used medicinally for centuries, in both conventional and herbal medicine. This gave it the second part of its Latin name, referring to its recognition as a medicinal herb, as it would have been kept in a monastery’s ‘officina‘, or store of useful plants and remedies.
It is the source of calendula oil, which possesses a number of well-documented and scientifically accepted properties, including:
– antiseptic
– anti-inflammatory
– anti-fungal
– wound-healing
As well as creams and lotions for external application, calendula is used in eye-washes, mouth-washes and gargles. Having a gentle action, calendula is considered generally safe for all age groups, although some preparations should not be used in pregnancy.
Other Uses
A useful cooking ingredient, as can be guessed from its common name, pot marigold has been added for flavour to salads, stews and sauces, used to enhance the colour of cheese and butter, and dried to make a pleasant and healthy tea. It is a good all-rounder to grow in kitchen gardens!
Myth and Magic
Pagan rites celebrate the cycles of nature: winter and spring, sunrise and sunset, fertility and harvest, birth and death. Many plants were incorporated into these festivals associated with specific seasons or points on the calendar. Marigolds are linked to Midsummer’s Eve, commonly celebrated on or near the Summer Solstice – around 21st June – in pre-Christian times.
After the conversion of Europe to Christianity, these festivals were adapted, and 24thJune was dedicated to St John the Baptist. However, the old beliefs in the power of plants, for healing and in defence against evil spirits, persisted into medieval times and beyond. The marigold was believed to have enhanced healing properties at midsummer, and could remove the potency of witches. A wreath of marigolds hung over the door was also said to ward off demons.
A specifically Christian body of folklore dedicates the marigold to Mary, the mother of Jesus. As Mary-Gold, it refers to the legend that as Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt with the baby Jesus, thieves stole Mary’s bag and found it full of marigold flowers instead of coins. In medieval times marigolds were offered to Mary on 25th March, the Feast of the Annunciation (the day when Gabriel told Mary she would be the mother of Jesus).
The word calendula derives from Latin and can be translated as ‘little calendar’ or ‘little clock’. It is thought the first recorded usage of the word was in a 16th century Italian translation of the work of the Greek botanist Dioscorides. According to another 16th century Italian, the reason for the name was that the flower blooms every month (which it doesn’t here!) An alternative meaning offered for the reference to ‘monthly’ is that it was used medicinally for menstrual disorders.
Acknowledgments – thanks for much of the information to the following:
www.witchipedia.com
www.rhs.org.uk
www.merriam-webster.com
www.collinsdictionary.com
www.indigo-herbs.co.uk
www.complete-herbal.com
Herbs and Healing Plants of Britain and Europe by Dieter Podlech (pub. Collins)
