Why Marigold is called ‘Herb of the Sun’
Marigold |
Marigolds are perennial plants belonging to the Asteraceae family. Tagetes is the scientific name for marigolds. The common name in English is marigold, the name derived from Mary’s Gold. A native of the South of Mexico is now found all around the world. Marigolds are ornamental plants and favourite flowers they bring sunshine and colours to the summer and autumn gardens. Due to its herbal properties, marigold has been grown in kitchen gardens. Nicholas Culpeper, an English botanist and herbalist described Marigold as the “Herb of the Sun”. Marigolds are produced singly or have double carnations, and flowers open when the sun is out.
Marigold plants have leaves arranged opposite each other on the stem. October is the month of the birth month of marigolds. These beautiful vibrant flowers are sights to behold with their myriad colours of orange, yellow, white and golden. They have a pungent halfway unpleasant smell Some of the marigold species are Tagetes erecta( Mexican marigold, African marigold, American marigolds), Tagetes patula (French marigold), Tagetes tenuifolia ( signet marigolds), Calendula officinalis (pot marigolds or English marigolds).
African Marigold |
Marigolds symbolize undying love, passion and creativity. They exemplify elegance and devotion and represent peace and tranquillity. On the other hand, they also symbolize cruelty, and grief and instils jealousy. Marigolds are widely used in Europe in the “Day of the Dead celebrations” as it symbolizes despair and grief for a loved one. Species of marigolds are used to prepare medicinal tea in Mexico, a culinary herb in Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. Marigolds are used as a source of an essential oil known as ‘Marigold oil” in South America. They are used as food colours in European countries for foods such as pasta, mayonnaise and ice creams.
Marigolds have medicinal properties
and are widely used since ancient times, for treating sprains, skin wounds, rashes, pain, burns, itches warts and insect bites. The flowers have
also been used to cure eye inflammation, conjunctivitis, smallpox and measles.
Marigolds are a source of nectars for insects for making honey. Pot marigold
florets are edible and in many countries, they are used as medicinal herbs,
dyes and cosmetics. Rinsing hair with
Marigolds is found as an effective treatment in preventing hair loss. Marigolds attract bees for their pollination.
They are insect-repelling plant that keeps away aphids, mosquitoes and other
pests and attracts snails and spider mites.
Yellow Marigold |
Comments
Post a Comment