Marigold is a plant that has been valued for its vibrant color and diverse applications. This versatile plant, which has been used as a traditional remedy and a coloring agent, is part of the extensive Asteraceae family. Marigold flowers are found in historical records for their use in healing and in kitchens across the globe. The plant continues to be recognized for its beneficial compounds, making it a subject of modern scientific interest.
Distinguishing Between Pot Marigold and French Marigold
The common name “marigold” actually refers to two distinct genera, which is a frequent source of confusion. The two main types are Calendula officinalis, known as Pot Marigold, and the Tagetes species, which include French, African, and Mexican Marigolds. Although both are members of the daisy family, they are used for completely different purposes.
Calendula officinalis is the species primarily used for medicinal and culinary applications, and it prefers cooler growing weather. The whole plant has a somewhat sticky texture due to its resin content. Conversely, Tagetes species, like Tagetes erecta or Tagetes patula, are generally planted as warm-season annuals for ornamental value, pest control, or industrial extraction. The flowers of Tagetes species have a distinctly pungent aroma that helps to deter garden pests.
Topical and Internal Health Applications
The therapeutic uses of marigold focus almost entirely on Calendula officinalis, which is rich in biologically active compounds like triterpenoids, flavonoids, and carotenoids. These compounds give the plant its characteristic anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and vulnerary properties. The anti-inflammatory effect is largely attributed to triterpenoid fatty acid esters, which have been shown to help regulate the body’s inflammatory response.
Topical applications of marigold are extensively documented for their ability to promote wound healing. The application of calendula preparations, such as ointments or tinctures, helps to accelerate the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and encourages the proliferation of cells necessary for tissue repair. This action aids the skin in forming granulation tissue and achieving epithelialization, making it useful for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
Marigold’s antimicrobial properties help to keep wounds clean, as its compounds can suppress the growth of certain bacteria. Beyond wound care, calendula is traditionally used to soothe various skin irritations, such as eczema, dermatitis, and diaper rash. For internal use, preparations like teas or gargles are employed to address inflammation of the mucosal tissues in the mouth and throat.
Use in Food, Pigments, and Dietary Supplements
Marigold has a long history of use in the kitchen, primarily as a natural coloring agent. The edible petals of Calendula officinalis were historically dried and used to add a yellow or orange tint to foods, sometimes earning it the nickname “poor man’s saffron.” The petals impart a subtle, slightly peppery flavor and are often incorporated into salads, rice dishes, and soups.
The focus shifts to the Tagetes erecta species, also known as African Marigold, for industrial and dietary supplements. These flowers are the primary commercial source for extracting the xanthophyll carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. These pigments are highly valued because the human body cannot synthesize them naturally.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are extracted from the dried flower petals and are used in various products. They are commonly added to poultry feed to enhance the deep yellow color of egg yolks and the skin of broiler chickens. These carotenoids are also incorporated into human dietary supplements for eye health. As powerful antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in the retina, where they help protect the eyes from damaging light and oxidative stress, playing a role in managing age-related macular degeneration.
Safe Preparation and Usage Guidelines
Marigold flowers are prepared in several ways for health and culinary purposes. For topical applications, dried flowers are commonly infused into oils to create salves, balms, and ointments, or steeped in alcohol to make tinctures. Internal use involves making an infusion or tea by steeping the dried petals in hot water, which can also be cooled and used as a compress or gargle.
While marigold is generally well-tolerated, individuals with known allergies to other plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed or chrysanthemums, should use marigold products with caution. Allergic reactions, including contact dermatitis, are possible.
Marigold has a mild sedative effect, so caution is advised when combining it with other sedative medications. Due to a lack of clinical safety data, marigold use is discouraged during pregnancy and lactation. When sourcing marigold, verify the species: Calendula officinalis is used for traditional medicinal and culinary preparations, and Tagetes species are used for pigment extraction.