Marigold is an annual herbaceous plant, known as "flower", a herbaceous plant that blooms in late winter and early autumn .
The name marigold comes from the Latin calendae , i.e "first day of the month" , indicating that it flowers on the first day of each month throughout the year. Another hypothesis is that it is called "calendar" , as it marks the rhythm of the day by opening in the morning and closing at sunset.
Different varieties of this flower are available in nurseries but the cultivation methods are the same: they love the sun and the air so it is preferable to grow them outdoors, even if they are able to adapt to different, even hostile, terrains.
Touch of color to the dishes
It is not defined as an aromatic plant , although it is often used to enrich dishes including salads, broths or spring risottos . Indeed, the pickled buds can be used to flavor sauces, rice salad and pasta, and to accompany boiled meats.
Benefits
This flower has been used since ancient times for its numerous benefits given by the high content of:
- Flavonoids
- Essential oil
- Terpene compounds
- Mucilage
- C vitamin
- Carotenoids
Calendula boasts anti-inflammatory and healing properties . These properties have been confirmed by several studies, so much so that the plant is widely used for the treatment of inflammation of the oropharyngeal cavity and to promote the healing of wounds and burns , caused precisely by the presence of triterpenes.
Thanks to its properties, calendula has been included in Echinostilla Gola , a spray which, together with propolis and essential oils, disinfects the oral cavity , reducing sore throats. Its action is also aimed at strengthening the immune system, preventing ailments. seasonal.
It also has antispasmodic properties on menstrual and abdominal pain.
It can be used to make creams, tinctures or compresses against acne, boils, burns and ulcers, some studies have in fact demonstrated its activity against the action of staphylococci.