Marigold and Calendula

Calendula (Calendula officials) is commonly known as English marigold, Scotch marigold, or pot marigold, particularly in Europe. In spite of the familiar nicknames, calendula is a different plant from the common marigold (Tagetes spp.). However, both are members of the Asteracea family, which includes chrysanthemums and daisies. It can be easily said the two colorful, sun-loving plants are cousins, but there are differences.

Marigolds are native to South America and southwestern North America. These sunny annuals have become incredibly popular and are grown in countries around the world. Although they are appreciated primarily for their beauty, they have many surprising benefits for gardens and digestive health issues.

This time I will share my experience with marigold as a decorative flower in my garden and on my balcony and its benefits for digestive health issues.

I started growing marigolds for the beautiful flowers, colors ranging from orange to yellow, some with highlights of red, gold, copper or brass, petals slightly wavy, rectangular with rounded corners. They bring the color of sunshine to my garden, as well as butterflies, bees, ladybugs, and other beneficial insects.

Very soon I realized that caring for them is very easy. They tolerate sun, heat, drought, and any well-drained soil. As they are annuals you have to plant them every spring. You can buy them from a Nurseries of any Garden store or you can start seeds indoors. The seeds germinate quickly, within just a few days, and bloom in about 8 weeks.

Marigold, specifically Calendula officinalis (Pot Marigold), has a long history in traditional medicine for supporting digestion, acting as a bitter to stimulate appetite and calm digestive inflammation, gastritis, and ulcers due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, often consumed as tea or tinctures. 

How it’s Used for Digestion: Digestive Bitter: Its bitter taste stimulates digestive juices and improves absorption, helping with sluggish digestion. Anti-inflammatory: Calendula helps soothe inflamed gastrointestinal lining, beneficial for gastritis, ulcers, and colitis. Traditional Preparations: Commonly used as a tea (steeped dried flowers in hot water), tinctures, or extracts.

I usually collect some of the petals of my pot marigold during their high bloom and dry them to keep them for winter. I keep them in glass jar and make tea.