The Common Marigold is familiar to everyone, with its pale-green leaves and golden orange flowers. It is said to be in bloom on the calends of every month, hence its Latin name, and one of the names by which it is known in Italy - fiore d'ogni mese - countenances this derivation. It was not named after the Virgin, its name being a corruption of the Anglo-Saxon merso-meargealla, the Marsh Marigold. Old English authors called it Golds or Ruddes. It was, however, later associated with the Virgin Mary, and in the seventeenth century with Queen Mary.  Only the common deep orange-flowered variety is of medinical value.



Marigold is chiefly used as a local remedy. Its action is stimulant and diaphoretic.  It is useful in chronic ulcer, varicose veins, etc.  It has been asserted that a Marigold flower, rubbed on the affected part, is an admirable remedy for the pain and swelling caused by the sting of a wasp or bee.  A lotion made from the flowers is most useful for sprains and wounds, and water distilled from them is good for inflamed and sore eyes. The acrid qualities of the plant have caused it to be recommended as an extirpator of warts.



An infusion of the freshly-gathered flowers is employed in fevers, as it gently promotes perspiration and throws out any eruption - a decoction of the flowers is much in use in country districts to bring out smallpox and measles, in the same manner as Saffron. Marigold flowers are in demand for children's ailments.