Calendula Officinalis or more commonly known as Pot Marigold is a flowering plant that came from the Asteraceae (Daisy Family), Kingdom Plantae. The name Pot Marigold was derived from the words “Mary and Gold”. The true origin of this plant remains unknown, however, it is considered to be indigenous in Europe and large parts of Asia. It thrives is warm weathers and grows in cultivated lands.
Characteristic:
-It is 30 to 80 cm in height.
-The leaf is oblong- lanceolet shaped that could expand up to 2-3 inches in length.
-The stems are 17 cm long.
-The vibrant yellow-gold or orange, gold flower closely resembles a daisy.
-It sprouts flower all year long, but is in full bloom during summer and spring.
-It’s hermaphrodite and could self-reproduce via pollination.
Uses:
Pot Marigold has been around for many decades and its uses could be traced back as far as the primeval days. Here are some of its known exploits:
Food
Pot Marigold are edible and safe for consumption. The stems are rich in lutein and beta-carotene, while the flowers are loaded with anti-oxidants. In the Ancient times, Europeans tosses the fresh petals in salads and used the dried florets in making teas.
Cosmetics
This plant contains minerals that are considered to be a natural anti-oxidant. Essential oils extracted from the flowers are often used as an additive in beauty products such as shampoo, lotion, sunscreen and handcrafted soaps.
Dyes
The vibrant golden hues of this plant’s flowers are also being used as natural dyes. During the yesteryears, people from different parts of the world, uses it to stain their clothes and color their hair.
Herbal Medicine
Calendula Officinalis is famed for its medicinal properties. It is used to treat both internal and external maladies.
The flower of this plant is turned into a poultice (paste) that could be applied directly to open wounds to stop bleeding. It has a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-septic property that could keep infection from spreading. In some parts of the world, it is also used to cure skin problems, such as dermatitis, blisters and fungal infection.
Drinking tea made from the dried petals of Pot Marigold could also lessen dysmenorrhea and improve blood regulation during menstrual cycle. It is also known to help stimulate bile that could prevent your body from developing gastric problems and ulcers.
Does it help cure Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia or man boobs is the irregular development of breasts among men. It is the cause of anxiety on teenage boys, especially if not treated in its earliest stages. Surgery is the most effective way to get rid of gynecomastia, however, it could also be the most expensive.
Pot Marigold is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Applying the paste made from crushed flowers on the chest could somehow reduce the swelling, but there is no guarantee that it could cure long term gynecomastia.
There is nothing wrong for opting for home-made remedies in curing ailments, but it should also be practiced with caution.
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