Medicinal properties and contraindications of marigolds, health benefits and harms

Unpretentious marigolds have medicinal properties and contraindications. Not everyone knows about this, although every summer they see these flowers in flower beds and paths of parks and city squares, and they grow them in their gardens. The plant is decorative, easily tolerates replanting, and goes well with flowers and shrubs. Summer residents grow it in their garden beds to repel pests.

Botanical description

The countries of South America are the birthplace of marigolds. Mexicans traditionally use marigold flowers as a seasoning for meat, and they are an ingredient in many traditional medicine recipes. The ornamental plant is cultivated in European countries. In Russia it can be found in any city or village.

The genus of marigolds (Tagetes) unites a large group of annual herbaceous plants. It includes about 50 species. The flower is called differently:

• Chernobrivtsy;
• Aksamite;
• rejected marigolds;
• Haverdis;
• flowers for thousands of years;
• tagetes;
• Imeretian saffron;
• makhmuri.

Compact bushes (20-120 cm) consist of branched, erect stems, densely covered with leaves. The shape of the leaf blades is pointed-serrate, linear-lanceolate, the color can be either light green or dark green. The type of root system is taproot.

Inflorescence type: basket (complex, simple), capitate type, medium size, sitting on a thickened stalk. In the center the type of flowers is tubular, at the edges ligulate. The color is brown-orange, all shades of yellow, red and brown, variegated. The involucre is formed by one row of fused leaves. Single or semi-double baskets with a diameter of 10-13 cm.

The shape of the fruit is black achene (oblate). Marigold seeds remain viable for 3-4 years. The buds bloom in June. Flowering lasts until frost. The plant emits a strong aroma when any part of it is touched. The leaves and flowers contain glands that secrete essential oils.

All cultivated varieties of marigolds are divided into 4 groups according to the height of the bush:

• dwarf;
• short;
• medium height;
• tall.

Chemical composition

The healing properties are determined by the biologically active substances that make up marigold essential oil. It is present in all elements of the plant:

• leaf - 28%;
• inflorescence - 45%;
• bud - 30%.

List of components that make up the main part of the essential oil:

• ocimene;
• limonene;
• sabinene;
• linalool;
• d-terpinene;
• citral;
• myrcene;
• n-cymene

Flowers contain carotenoids, a set of macro- and microelements.

Beneficial properties of marigolds for the body

The active components included in the inflorescences contribute to the production of the happiness hormone. They have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Reduce the harmful effects of emotional and physical overload. Relieves insomnia.

Marigolds have antiviral properties. Infusions and decoctions of baskets, in addition to the main therapy, are recommended to be drunk for colds and diseases of a viral and bacterial nature. The medicinal properties of tagetes are used to prevent many diseases. Medicines based on Tagetes flowers:

• normalize blood pressure;
• prevent stroke, heart attack;
• reduce the risk of blood clots;
• heal wounds;
• improve vision;
• restore the pancreas;
• help normalize sugar;
• relieve symptoms of arthritis;
• improve metabolism;
• have anthelmintic, diuretic, and diaphoretic effects.

For a man

The benefits of marigolds for men's health have long been noticed. Their decoctions and infusions improve the condition of blood vessels. This has a positive effect on the intensity of blood circulation, which has a good effect on potency.

Regular use of Tagetes flower infusions serves as a good prevention of genitourinary diseases in men. Increases testosterone levels.It has a good effect on the functioning of the prostate gland.

For woman

Infusions and decoctions of medicinal plants can help a woman with various problems. If you have menstrual pain, you should drink tea. It has an antispasmodic effect and replaces painkillers. In women, Tagetes infusion normalizes hormonal levels.

During lactation, women are recommended to drink a decoction of marigolds. It has a positive effect on milk production. Tagetes-based products are prescribed for vaginal infections and for the healing of postpartum sutures.

Dried flowers are recommended to be used for making homemade cosmetics. To preserve youthful skin, you can prepare the following using the infusion:

• lotion;
• balm;
• lotions.

During pregnancy

A high concentration of essential oils can cause allergies and affect the development of the fetus. Women during pregnancy are not recommended to use drugs and infusions based on Tagetes flowers.

Folk remedies and recipes

The Mexicans were the first to try the medicinal properties of the plant. The flower grows in their natural conditions. The inflorescences were used as an anesthetic for joint pain. Women used it during breastfeeding to improve lactation. In alternative medicine there are recipes for external and internal use of infusions, decoctions, and teas from marigolds.

Marigold oil

The concentration of essential oils in flower petals is high. They explain the medicinal properties of the plant. They are used for skin problems. Medicinal oil is prepared from the flowers. Apply it to skin affected by burns and to bedsores. It speeds up the healing of wounds and gets rid of rough crusts on the elbows.

Oil is prepared in 2 ways.Cold method - 2 weeks, with heat treatment - in just a day:

1. Option No. 1. The baskets are crushed by hand, placed in a container (0.5 l), refined olive or sunflower oil is poured. Place in a dark closet for 2 weeks. Every day, shake the jar 1 or 2 times. After 14 days, the mass is filtered and stored in the refrigerator.
2. Option No. 2. Take 1 part of flowers, 10 parts of olive oil, mix and leave for 8 hours. Heat in a water bath for 30 minutes, let cool, filter.

Infusion of flowers

Take fresh flowers. They are crushed before cooking. Place 1 tbsp. l. in 300 ml of boiling water, let it brew, filter. For parasites, drink 2 tbsp. l. infusion of marigolds 3 times a day. Drink between meals. Course length is 2 weeks.

Marigold decoction

The use of a decoction is indicated for joint inflammation. It is prepared in the following way:

• dry flowers are crushed;
• 1 tbsp. l. raw materials are poured into a pan;
• pour 250 ml water;
• heat to a boil, remove from heat, infuse, filter.

Marigolds for improving vision

Fresh inflorescences of Chernobrivtsev are consumed for medicinal purposes within 30 days. They restore vision and restore sharpness. To feel the therapeutic effect, an adult will need to eat 3 flowers per day, a child - 1 piece.

For the prevention of pancreas

Choose a medium-sized basket. Pick off the petals, chop them, pour boiling water (200 ml). After 30 minutes, filter. For problems with the pancreas, drink 50 ml 4 times a day. The tincture can be used for 14 days.

For internal and external bleeding

Take dry, crushed medicinal plants, meadowsweet (1 tsp) and marigold flowers (2 tbsp).Pour boiling water (2 tbsp.). Close tightly and leave for 20 minutes. Drink for bleeding 1 tbsp. 3 times a day.

For the treatment of arthritis

Take 1 tbsp. l. dry, crushed inflorescences. Pour 1 tbsp. boiling water Infuse, strain, squeeze out the mixture. For arthritis, drink 1-2.5 liters of marigold infusion per day, replacing plain water and drinks with it. Continue treatment for 1.5-3 months. The course is conducted 2 times a year.

For a cold

A runny nose can be treated with inhalation. To prepare the solution, take 5 baskets of tagetes and pour them into a 0.5 liter thermos. Fill with boiling water to the top and close. After 5 minutes use for inhalation.

For diabetes

You will need a 1 liter jar, vodka - 500 ml, flowers - 50 pcs. The container is filled, sealed, and placed in a closet for 7 days. Shake every day. The finished tincture is filtered. Take 1 tsp before meals. The effect is observed at the initial stage of the disease.

External use of marigolds

An infusion of tagetes baskets helps against prickly heat; it is used to relieve irritation and purulent skin lesions. Apply fresh juice from the stems to the site of a bee (wasp) sting. Marigold oil helps make the skin of the lips soft and tender.

Using flowers in everyday life

The specific smell of marigolds and its chemical composition are used to combat insects. In the apartment, sachets of dried flowers are hung in cabinets to protect against moths. Summer residents plant a flower in the garden. It repels pests:

• onion and carrot flies;
• cabbage butterfly;
• scoop.

The entire above-ground part of marigolds is used in the preparation of liquid herbal fertilizer. Shredded stems are added to the soil during digging in the fall.

Application in cosmetology

Tagetes essential oil is found in many cosmetic products: oil perfumes, eau de toilette, soap.At home, skin care products that are remarkable for their healing properties are prepared from the flower.

Lip balm

To prepare this remedy at home, you will need 40 ml olive oil, 2 tbsp apricot oil. l., fresh marigold inflorescences (chopped) - 2 tbsp. l. Leave the balm for 2 weeks. Apply with gentle movements onto the skin of the lips.

Means for softening roughness on the skin

In order to preserve youthful skin and eliminate dermatological problems, Tagetes flower oil is used. Two cooking recipes are given above. After a bath (shower), it is applied to rough areas of skin in the area of ​​the knees, elbows, and heels. Marigold oil relieves foot fungus.

Facial lotion

The result of using marigold lotion is good tone and healthy facial skin. Use it for daily makeup removal and gentle cleansing. Ingredients:

• lemon (juice) - 1 tsp;
• vodka - 1 tsp;
• inflorescences - 5 pcs.;
• boiling water - 200 ml.

Make an infusion and cool. All ingredients are combined. Leave for 12 hours.

Useful properties of marigolds in cooking

The brightly colored petals of marigolds contain lutein, a yellow pigment (carotenoid). Natural dye is used in the production of mayonnaise, margarine, pasta, butter, and juices. In home cooking, flower petals are used as a seasoning.

Fresh marigold flowers (petals) are included in salads, meat and fish dishes. Thanks to tagetes, drinks and baked goods acquire a beautiful golden hue. The aromatic petal tea contains antioxidants. It strengthens the immune system and prolongs youth.

For whom is the plant contraindicated and can there be an allergy?

Despite the undoubted health benefits, drugs and folk remedies based on marigolds have contraindications.They can cause harm:

• for allergy sufferers;
• pregnant women;
• children under 2 years old.

Use should be discontinued if allergy symptoms appear: headache, dizziness, nausea.

In case of colds and other health problems, you need to have dried marigold flowers at home. They can be harvested in June, July, August, September. Cut off the marigold inflorescences and a piece (5 cm) of the stem. Dry in the shade. Store in a jar with a lid.