African Marigolds treat skin disorders boils-eczema
African Marigolds, also known as American Marigolds and Aztec Marigolds, Tagetes erecta, are like a tall version of French Marigolds (to which they are closely related), although unfortunately they smell quite unpleasant. They make up for this by being just as useful as their smaller cousins, and then some. They are not closely related to English Marigolds.
African marigolds are half hardy annuals which grow to about 3 feet (1 meter) tall. They flower in July, and if you keep deadheading them, will continue for almost as long as French marigolds. All parts are used for remedies of various kinds.
Starting at the top, the flowers can be used internally in a standard infusion to treat wind (“gas”), as a diuretic and a treatment for worms, and externally as a treatment for eczema. A decoction of the flowers is used as a cold remedy. A poultice made from the leaves can be used to treat boils, and a decoction of the root can be used as a laxative.
To make a standard infusion, chop up enough fresh flowers to make 3-4 teaspoonfuls or you can use 1-2 teaspoonfuls of dried flowers. Put them in a container, cover with 1 cup of boiling water and leave to stand for 10 minutes, then strain before use. If you are using this internally, you can sweeten it with honey if you wish.
To make a decoction, chop the flowers or root, as appropriate, and allow 1 teaspoonful to each 1½ cups of water. Put these in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Turn it right down and continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes. Strain before use. Add honey to taste and drink it while it is still hot.
To make a poultice, you can either use herb left over from making an infusion or decoction, or use fresh chopped herb wrapped in gauze or thin bandage material, dipped into hot water and squeezed out so that it doesn’t drip too much. Put it over the area to be treated and refresh by dipping in the hot water again when it goes cold.
As you will know if you’ve read many of my posts, like all other herbs used for herbal medicine, it’s important that African marigolds are grown organically, so as to avoid accidentally poisoning yourself with toxic chemicals. To find out more about how to grow organic African marigolds, visit the Gardenzone.
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November 3rd, 2008 at 14:14
[...] flowers off. Being orange, the flowers make a good puja as well. They’re closely related to African (or American) Marigolds, but not to English [...]
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