Marigold flowers. Marsh marigold: description and properties of the plant. When does marsh marigold bloom? Collection and preparation
In April, after a long winter, the first flowers appear. These include marsh marigold, its bright golden flowers are clearly visible against the backdrop of awakening nature.
This perennial beautifully flowering plant belongs to the Ranunculaceae family, to the genus Marigold. Its name comes from the archaic Russian word "kaluzha, kaluga", meaning "puddle, swamp". It is also called the water snake, yellow eye. There are many other dialect names associated either with the plant's love of wet places or with the yellow flowers of the marigold.
Latin name Caltha palustris. Caltha ("bowl", "basket") was the name of marigold, but when first classified it was transferred to marigold. Palustris means "marsh", indicating its typical habitat. Marsh marigold grows along the banks of reservoirs, in wetlands of meadows and forests, especially alder ones. It grows everywhere in temperate latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. It is usually found in large groups and forms perennial thickets.
Description of the plant
Marsh marigold is a small loose bush, from 3 to 60 cm in height, most often 25-40 cm (Fig. 1). The stem is usually erect, but can also spread along the ground, taking root. The roots are numerous, rather thick, similar to laces. The rhizome lies shallow.
The leaves are quite thick, dense, shiny, with a bright pattern of light veins. The basal leaves are heart-shaped, large; stem ones are smaller, similar to buds. At the beginning of the growing season, the leaves are light green, and at the end of flowering they darken and acquire an emerald hue. If the leaves are immersed in water, they turn red, sometimes even purple. Once exposed to air, the leaves gradually turn green. Under strong sunlight, they curl up to form funnels.
In relation to marsh marigold, the description of leaves and stems is of secondary importance, since the main thing for which nature lovers value it is the early appearance of flowers. Flowering begins at the end of April and lasts about 20 days, until the end of May. Marigold flowers are bright yellow, large, up to 4.5-5 cm in diameter. Their shape and oily sheen resemble buttercup flowers. The flowers are on long stalks; there can be 7-20 on one plant.
The shine of the petals helps focus the sun's rays; the inside of the flower cup becomes warmer, which attracts insects that pollinate the flowers. After the flower stalks die, the plant begins to grow strongly, it needs to accumulate strength for flowering next year. The abundance of green, succulent leaves helps the plant remain decorative throughout the summer and quickly begin to grow in the spring.
Marigold fruits are leaflets, their number is equal to the number of pistils in the flower. One plant produces up to several thousand seeds (there are about 10 in the leaflet). Shiny black seeds fall from the leaflet in May-June and float on the water. The seeds are then washed ashore, where birds feed on them.
Growing and Reproduction
Since in the wild the marigold prefers damp places, rich, moist soil suits it. In dry areas, constant watering is necessary. Can tolerate partial shade or shade, but requires an open sunny location for abundant flowering. Marigold can be planted under trees that do not yet have leaves at the time of flowering.
The plant is winter-hardy and does not require special care. Adding compost every few years is helpful. If there is insufficient moisture, it blooms poorly and quickly loses its beauty.
When marigold plantings grow strongly, the plants need rejuvenation. The easiest way to reproduce marigold is by dividing the bush. This is best done in April or September. During intensive growth, division is also possible, but undesirable: the plant does not die, but withers and loses its foliage. Try not to divide the bushes too finely, since dividing into large parts allows you to achieve good flowering in the first year.
Beautiful garden forms are propagated by bending the stems. The nodes take root and next year, in the spring, the resulting rosettes can be planted.
Reproduction is possible by seeds, preferably freshly harvested. They are sown in spring or late autumn, respectively, they begin to sprout towards the end of summer or next spring. Sowing in spring involves stratification, consisting of 2 stages:
- The seeds are kept for 1 month at a temperature of +10°C.
- 2 The next two months - at +18...+20°С. At this stage, the seeds germinate.
Seedlings form slowly, flowering occurs only after a few years.
Decorative qualities
Marsh marigold is not very well known among gardeners, but recently it has been used to decorate ponds. A pond in a landscape style will be very decorated with bright flowers and succulent leaves of marigold, used as a coastal or shallow-water plant. It can grow at a depth of up to 15 cm. Flower growers are attracted by the unpretentiousness, early and long flowering of marigold. In addition, it reproduces easily and has great intraspecific diversity. There are even varieties with floating leaves. After flowering ends, the plant remains decorative and can decorate the banks of the garden pond until autumn. The presence of a reservoir is not a prerequisite for growing this plant. With plenty of watering, it can be grown anywhere in the garden.
Marigold looks beautiful both alone and in the vicinity of other species suitable for growing conditions. It is best to select partner plants so that during flowering the marigold is clearly visible, and after flowering it is in the background, creating a background for other species with its dark foliage. Usually, either plants with the same juicy, powerful leaves (hosta, bergenia) or primroses (alpine forget-me-not, lungwort) are chosen as neighbors to the moisture-loving beauty.
Terry marigold with white or pale yellow flowers, specially bred for growing in the garden, is very decorative. The most famous varieties are Plena and Flore Pleno. Large-flowered double varieties and hybrids are similar in flower shape to a small rose or pompom dahlia. The bushes have a neat shape. There are also garden varieties with white non-double flowers, for example Alba. They bloom longer, but each individual flower lives less than a double flower.
Medicinal and nutritional properties
Marsh marigold is poisonous. It, like many plants of the ranunculaceae family, for example caustic buttercup, contains the substance protoanemonin. Previously, the plant was used as a medicinal plant; it was used for diseases of the liver, skin, and colds. The saponins it contained helped fight coughs by thinning mucus. But the high toxicity of fresh stems and leaves forced us to abandon its use in official medicine, although after boiling or drying the plant ceases to be poisonous. Now it is used in the preparation of homeopathic preparations or as an external remedy in folk medicine, which has antibacterial and wound-healing properties. The juice of the plant is used to remove warts, and a compress of steamed leaves helps with bacterial infections of the nails.
This plant is not very poisonous to humans. Plants such as wolf's bast and aconite are much more dangerous and are widely used for decorative purposes. But when self-medicating, you must be careful, using fresh marigold herb only externally, and prepared ones only in small doses. It is contraindicated for children, during pregnancy and lactation. Poisoning requires a large amount of toxins. Basically, marigold grass is dangerous for herbivores. In processed form it is used in cooking. Thus, unopened pickled marigold buds have a piquant taste and can replace expensive capers.
Marigold is a beautiful primrose that blooms even before the leaves appear on the trees. She delights us with her sunny flowers both in nature, along streams and rivers, and in the garden, where early-blooming, unpretentious plants are especially valued.
Marsh marigold, a description of which will be brought to your attention in this article, is an elegant plant decorating the still bare dark earth with its bright and almost lacquered dark green leaves.
In the language of flowers, this plant means thoughtfulness. Indeed, you cannot pass by this amazing joyful sunny flower without thinking about how beautiful the world is!
Why is marigold so called?
Where, in fact, the name “marsh marigold” (Caltha Palustris) came from can be debated for a long time. Thus, some researchers believe that the name of this representative is closely related to the place of its growth. After all, the word “marigold” is a derivative of the dialectic “kaluga”, which meant a marshy, swampy place. And in the related Ukrainian language there is the word “kalyuzha”, meaning a puddle, a wet piece of land.
Dahl's dictionary offers other names for this yellowhead, yelloweye, water snake, patch, cow grass, nail flower, etc.
The last name is obviously associated with the healing properties of the plant, which helps with nail diseases. And the Old Russian word “patching” was used by the Slavs to call broad-leaved semi-aquatic plants.
Features of the growth of marigold
In nature, there are about 40 species of the described primrose. It also has a huge growing area, which covers Western and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Siberia, the Far East, Japan and North America.
Marsh marigold is a variable plant. Thus, its forms are known that develop in water or have floating leaves. Depending on the conditions in which this flower grows, it can reach up to 60 cm in height. It can be found both in the form of thickets and in large groups, which is greatly facilitated by the well-developed ability for vegetative propagation of the primrose.
The roots of marigold are thin and fibrous. With the onset of warmth, they raise a straight, hollow stem, branching in its upper part.
The round, thick leaves of the flower have a noticeable fan-shaped pattern of light diverging veins. By the way, marigold leaves growing underwater are dark red in color, but once on land they gradually turn green.
How marsh marigold blooms
Marigold begins to bloom in April. At this time, the leaves on the trees are usually still curled into buds. Its unbearably yellow large (up to 5 cm in circumference) flowers delight us until May. On one plant they can sometimes be counted up to twenty. By the way, you can get yellow paint from this representative of the buttercups!
The marsh marigold successfully uses its flowers to attract insects. The primrose's shiny, pearlescent petals focus the sun's rays, which raises the temperature inside the flowers and attracts insects to crawl inside and bask. And this, in turn, greatly increases the chances of the newly-minted “stove” to pollinate.
Marigold fruiting
The fruits of the described plant are carried by water in the form of leaflets, which can simultaneously contain up to three thousand seeds, after which the flowering shoots die off, leaving the basal leaves for the growing season, because the plant needs to accumulate reserves for early flowering next year.
In summer, marigold leaves become even wider, but at this time they are practically invisible among the lush greenery.
A young seedling plant takes a long time to form: it blooms for the first time only at the age of ten.
Particularly popular among gardeners is the double marsh marigold, which has white and pale yellow inflorescences with many petals. It is planted in open and heavily moist places (for example, on the banks where it takes root well. The plant also tolerates shade well if it is from deciduous plants.
The use of marigold in medicine
In homeopathy, marigold, or rather its fresh flowering shoots, is used in the treatment of whooping cough, bronchitis, and herpes. This plant helps well with painful menstruation in women.
In folk medicine, marsh marigold is not particularly popular. It is used as one of the components in mixtures in the treatment of diseases of the gallbladder, kidneys or cough. The juice of marigold leaves reduced warts. A decoction of the roots is used for metabolic disorders and anemia. In addition, it also has a slight antitumor effect.
Collection and storage
When the marsh marigold blooms, its above-ground part (namely the upper leaves and buds) is collected for medical and culinary needs. This usually occurs from late April to May.
To ensure that the collected raw materials do not lose their healing properties, they are immediately laid out to dry in a well-ventilated area. And when using special dryers, the temperature in them should not rise above 50 °C.
Marigold roots are dug up both in spring and late autumn.
How is marigold used in cooking?
Despite its toxicity (albeit weak), in cooking primroses are processed into a very tasty spicy product, which is called “German capers”. To do this, 500 grams of unopened buds are poured with boiling water and kept for three hours. Then drain the water and prepare the marinade. It requires a liter of vinegar, a tablespoon of salt and sugar, pepper and bay leaf. The marinade is poured over the buds and boiled. Ready capers are hermetically sealed in sterilized glass containers. They are used to season second courses, solyanka and cabbage soup.
In the Caucasus, the tops of young shoots that have unopened flowers are dried. And in winter they are added to roasts and meat dishes. If the roots are boiled in salted water, they can also become an excellent seasoning for fish and meat.
How does marigold poisoning manifest?
Despite the healing properties of marsh marigold, it is characterized by toxicity, which is especially pronounced before the flowering period begins. Therefore, when consuming the plant, you need to be careful.
Poisoning is manifested by signals from the gastrointestinal tract: bloating, abdominal pain, loose stools. Sometimes it also affects the kidneys, then the patient experiences a change in the color of the urine, urination becomes more frequent, albuminuria (increased protein content in the urine) is detected, in addition, patients complain of dizziness and tinnitus.
Marigold poisoning is treated by gastric lavage, saline laxatives and enveloping agents. But all this should happen under the supervision of a doctor!
If you burn your skin or mucous membranes with the juice of the named plant, then the affected areas should be washed with warm water and lubricated with a solution of methylene blue, and an antiallergic drug should be taken orally, which will reduce irritation at the burn site.
Feed value
Marsh marigold, the description of which is offered in this article, is not used as feed for livestock. Since the toxic substances contained in it immediately make themselves felt. True, goats do not refuse young shoots, and pigs eat the roots with pleasure.
Wild animals: sika deer, elk, deer, beavers are admirers of this first spring flower. And he even hides the summer shoots of marigold, so that later, in winter, he can rake them out from under the snow and eat them.
The seeds, which are carried by water and washed to the banks by the current, are excellent food for birds.
Where is the best place to grow marigold in a garden plot?
So that you will be pleased with wonderful sunny flowers near your house at the beginning of spring, you can plant marigold on your plot.
To do this, you need to remember that it requires open areas and sufficient moisture. It is under these conditions that the plant will bloom profusely. True, if marigold is constantly watered, it can grow in dry areas.
Marsh marigold requires rich, fertile soil, and with a lack of light and moisture, the plant does not bloom so profusely and quickly loses its decorative qualities. With sufficient care, the bush grows in width and spreads with the help of creeping shoots.
What is the best way to replant marigold?
Every 3-4 years the plant must be rejuvenated, as it loses its decorative effect. To do this, a transplant is performed, which is combined with reproduction.
The most effective way for gardeners to do this is to divide the bush. It is best to propagate in early spring or autumn (September). During the growing season, this can also be done, but in such cases the marigold may begin to shed its leaves and wither, although it does not die.
The larger the transplanted part of the bush, the more abundant and sooner the flowering will begin. But small divisions begin to bloom, as a rule, only the next year.
Caring for marsh marigold
The described primrose is a frost-resistant, unpretentious plant that is valued by gardeners. Caring for it involves weeding and timely watering. In one place, this decoration of the spring garden can grow for a long time, pleasing the eye with beautiful, bright petals that anticipate the beginning of flowering of tulips and daffodils and last until summer.
A few final words
Despite its huge range and unpretentiousness, one of the increasingly rare plants is the marsh marigold. Rossi's Red Book included this primrose on its pages as unrated plants. That is, those whose number cannot yet be determined. And it will be a great pity if, with the coming spring, cheerful marigolds, bright as the rays of the sun, do not wake up in the swampy ravines and quiet rivers. Protect the environment!
Marigold (lat. Caltha)- a small genus of herbaceous perennials of the Ranunculaceae family, in which there are about 40 species. The scientific name of the genus comes from the Greek language, translated as “bowl”, “basket”, and describes the shape of the flower of these plants. The Russian name is derived from the Old Russian “kaluzha”, which means “puddle”, “swamp”. Otherwise, this plant is called paddling pool and water snake.
The most common cultivated species is the marsh marigold, which is found naturally in North America, Mongolia, Japan, in the west and north of China, in the mountains of the Indian subcontinent, as well as almost throughout Europe, with the exception of its southern regions.
Planting and caring for marigold (in brief)
- Bloom: in April-May, sometimes it can bloom again in September.
- Landing: planting in the ground - in early spring or early autumn.
- Lighting: bright sunlight or partial shade.
- The soil: rich and well hydrated.
- Watering: regular and sufficient: the soil on the site should be moist all the time.
- Feeding: 2-3 times per season with complex mineral fertilizer.
- Reproduction: by layering, dividing the bush, rarely by seeds.
- Pests and diseases: the plant is very resistant.
- Properties: All parts of marigold are poisonous.
Read more about growing marigold below.
Marsh marigold - description
Marsh marigold and its two garden forms are grown as ornamental plants. The stem of the plants is fleshy, bare, leafy, sometimes recumbent, but usually erect - ascending or ascending. The height of marigold can reach from 3 to 40 cm. The cord-like roots of the plant are collected in a bunch. The entire, alternate, heart-shaped or kidney-shaped, dark green, glabrous and shiny marigold leaves have crenate or crenate-toothed edges. The basal leaves sit on long succulent petioles and reach 20 cm in diameter. The bracts of marigold are sessile. In the axils of the upper leaves in April or May, long peduncles develop, on which up to 7 orange, yellow or golden flowers with a diameter of up to 5 mm are formed. The corolla of flowers consists of 5 leaflets up to 25 mm long. The fruit of the marsh marigold is multi-leafed: the number of leaflets corresponds to the number of pistils, which can be from 2 to 12 in a flower. Up to a dozen black shiny seeds ripen in each leaflet.
All parts of marsh marigold are slightly poisonous.
Growing marigold
Planting marigold in open ground
Marigold grows and blooms best in open, damp places, but it can also withstand the partial shade of deciduous trees, provided that during the flowering period the area is well illuminated by the sun. The plant needs rich and well-moistened soil, but if you provide it with regular watering, the marigold will develop normally in dry soil.
In the photo: Blooming marigold
Marigold seedlings are planted in the ground in early spring or early autumn, placing them at a distance of 30 cm from each other. After planting, the plants are watered and shaded on the south side before they take root and take root.
Caring for marigold in the garden
Marigold is a winter-hardy and completely unpretentious plant. The only condition that must be strictly followed is to provide it with regular and sufficient watering so that the soil on the site is slightly moist all the time. From time to time you should loosen the ground around the bushes and remove weeds.
It is advisable to feed the marigold plant two or three times a season with complex mineral fertilizer, and every 3-4 years it should be replanted, combining replanting with root division. The need for this procedure arises due to the fact that over time the marigold grows and loses its decorative effect.
Reproduction of marigold
Marigold reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by layering and dividing the bush. The root system of the plant is horizontal, so digging up a bush in early spring or early autumn is not at all difficult. A plant extracted from the soil can be easily divided into several parts without using cutting objects. The cuttings are immediately planted in pre-dug grooves or holes, leaving an interval of 30-35 cm between plants. Planting is completed with watering. Don't forget to shade the seedlings from the sun on the south side.
In the photo: Growing marigold in the garden
To carry out the method of reproduction layering, you need to lay the stems of the plant on the ground, secure them in this position and sprinkle them with fertile soil on top. Throughout the season, the cuttings are watered and fed along with the mother plant. Next spring, the small rosettes with roots formed on the cuttings are separated from the bush and transplanted to a permanent place.
From seeds Marigolds are grown infrequently because they quickly lose their germination capacity. In addition, it is not at all difficult to find a marigold bush in the forest, dig it up and transplant it into the garden, and then propagate the plant by division or layering. But if you have fresh seeds, you can try yourself as a breeder. Sowing is done immediately after harvesting in June, and then seedlings can be expected by the end of summer, and if you sow the seeds before winter, they will germinate next spring. Spring sowing is carried out in a box or container, after which the crops are subjected to stage-by-stage stratification: they are kept at a temperature of 10 ºC for a month, then for two months at 18-20 ºC. By the end of the second stage, shoots will appear. When they grow up and get stronger, they are planted in the ground. Marigold blooms from seeds in the second or third year.
Pests and diseases of marigold
Nothing is known about pests and diseases of marigold grown in culture. This is a very resistant plant. Problems can arise solely due to insufficient soil moisture: the marigold withers due to lack of water.
Types and varieties of marigold
Description marsh marigold , which gardeners grow more often than other species, we cited at the beginning of the article. It remains to add that this plant has garden forms with double flowers of white and pale yellow. However, other species of this genus are also found in culture.
In the photo: Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)
Marigold (Caltha fistulosa)
is a Sakhalin-North Japanese endemic. This is one of the most powerful and spectacular types of marigold with thick and hollow branched stems, which at the beginning of flowering rise no higher than 20 cm, but by the time the fruits ripen, the height of the plant can reach 120 cm. The basal leaves of this species are dense, leathery, rounded, arranged on long petioles. The loose inflorescence consists of large (up to 7 cm in diameter) flowers of a dense yellow color. Mass flowering begins towards the end of May.
Syn.: paddling pool, water snake, frog grass, butter, cow, yolk, or greasy color, chicken blind.
Marsh marigold is a beautiful primrose, a perennial plant with bright sunny flowers, marking the awakening of nature after winter. It has healing properties: antiseptic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant.
Ask the experts a question
Flower formula
Marigold flower formula: *Х5Л5Т∞П∞.In medicine
Marigold marigold is not listed in the domestic pharmacopoeia, since the plant contains some toxic substances. In a number of countries, marigold grass (Herba Calthae palustris) is used. Homeopathic medicine Caltha palustris is prepared from fresh plants during the flowering period. Used for painful menstruation, whooping cough, herpes, bronchitis.
It is important to remember that the ground part of marigold in its raw form is poisonous to the body, therefore it is forbidden to ingest the grass and flowers of the plant without prior treatment. After boiling or pickling, the toxic substances completely lose their potency and the plant can be taken as a medicinal drug.
Contraindications and side effects
Contraindications to the use of marigold are as follows: pregnancy and period, individual intolerance, childhood. Overdose is determined by symptoms: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and rash on the body. Large doses can lead to serious poisoning of the body.
In cooking
Flower buds that have not yet blossomed, prepared by boiling or pickling with the addition of bay leaves, cloves, and pepper - the famous German dish “capers.” Marigold roots are also used as a seasoning for meat or fish dishes, in borscht, salads, and solyankas. After flowering begins, the plant is no longer toxic, so leaves and young shoots are collected for dressing cabbage soup and main courses. Caucasians use dried young stems to season roasts and prepare meat stews. The dried, crushed roots of the plant have long been mixed into flour for baking bread products.
In gardening
There are garden forms of marigold, which are distinguished by the doubleness of their flowers and the white or pale yellow color of their corollas (variety "Monstruosa").
At home
In ancient times, oil was colored with juice from marsh marigold.
Classification
Marigold (Calthae palustris herba) is a perennial flowering plant, the most common species of the Marigold genus, Ranunculaceae family. The genus includes about 40 species, of which only 6 grow in the CIS countries.
Botanical description
Marsh marigold is a perennial herbaceous plant reaching a height of 25-30 cm. The stems are erect or creeping, rather branched, the rhizome is short. Marigold, growing in water, can have long stems (up to 3 m). The plant's growing season begins in early spring. The lower leaves are heart-shaped, petiolate, large, the upper leaves clasping the stems, kidney-shaped, sessile. The edges of the leathery leaf blades are crenate, jagged, and veins are visible on the underside. Leaves growing under water are dark red or purple, while those growing in the air are green. From bright sunlight, leaves protruding above the water surface often curl into funnels.
Marigold flowers are dazzling yellow, shiny, up to 6 cm in diameter. Interestingly, flowering occurs only when the plant is over 10 years old. About 7 flowers are located on long flowering shoots of marigold in the axils of the upper foliage. The corolla consists of five petals, pistils range from 2 to 12, and there are many stamens. The first corollas open in April, and the flowering period lasts until May. The brightly colored petals are able to focus sunlight, thereby increasing the temperature inside the corolla. And this, in turn, increases the chances of good pollination by insects. Flowering shoots die off after the formation of small seeds. Marigold flower formula: *Х5Л5Т∞П∞.
The fruit of the marsh marigold is multileaf. The number of leaflets corresponds to the number of pistils in the flower. One leaflet contains up to ten black seeds with a shiny surface (up to 2.5 mm in size). At the end of May - beginning of June, the seeds ripen and fall out. A large number of seeds can be formed - up to 3 thousand. Marigold also reproduces vegetatively. Floating seeds near the shore serve as food for birds. The basal leaves do not die off after the plant bears fruit, providing the marigold with a supply of nutrients for early flowering next year.
Spreading
Judging by the name of the plant, marsh marigold is an inhabitant of wet meadows, ditches, and wetlands. It grows everywhere in large thickets, in groups along the banks of rivers and lakes, near streams, in quiet river backwaters. It is found throughout the European part of Russia, Ukraine, the Urals, Eastern and Western Siberia, the Far East, Chukotka, the Kuril Islands and Japan, Asia. Even in the cold zone of Scandinavia and Iceland, marigold pleases with its yellow flowers.
Regions of distribution on the map of Russia.
Procurement of raw materials
Marsh marigold buds are collected with the arrival of spring (in March), and young leaves are collected during the season. The above-ground part of the plant, in particular the upper leaves, is harvested during the flowering period (from early April to late May). The raw materials are dried in a ventilated area or using special dryers; the temperature for drying should not exceed 50 degrees.
Marigold rhizomes are dug up in early spring or autumn, cleared of soil and dried. The shelf life of dried marigold raw materials is no more than 2 years.
Chemical composition
The chemical composition of marsh marigold is under study, but the presence of many vital components indicates the medicinal properties of marigold. It contains: flavone compounds, quercetin, carotene (5.2 mg%), choline, anemonine, xanthophyll, ascorbic acid (37 mg%), bereberine, bitterness, saponins, linoleic acid, fatty oils, alkaloids, tannins (8 ,1%). Its leaves and stems are poisonous when fresh, but after boiling and pickling they become safe.
Pharmacological properties
The active ingredients in marigold are saponins, anemonin, flavonoids, choline, as well as carotene and xanthophyll contained in the flowers. As a saponin-containing raw material, marsh marigold would find a wide range of applications, but there are still a number of limitations associated with the toxicity of the above-ground part of the plant. Protoanemin is a toxic substance that, when marigold is cooked or dried, becomes absolutely safe, transforming into anemonin. The latter turns into inactive anemonic acid. Due to the presence of saponins, the plant helps to liquefy sputum in the patient’s body and remove it from the bronchi, accelerates the synthesis of corticosteroids, regulates water-salt metabolism, and activates the activity of hormones. Saponins prevent the formation of DNA in cancer cells, which prevents the proliferation of tumor cells.
The action of flavonoids is aimed at reducing the fragility of small capillaries, regulating blood pressure, returning the heart rate to normal, and also stimulating the function of the adrenal cortex.
Use in folk medicine
The medicinal properties of marsh marigold have been known for a long time. It has diuretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anticonvulsant properties. In folk medicine, the plant in the form of alcohol or water infusions is used for ailments of the liver and gall bladder. In combination with plantain and coltsfoot, an antitussive drug (water decoction) is prepared from marigold flowers. Marigold grass has been used by people since ancient times to treat cough, bronchitis, whooping cough, dropsy, scrofula and rheumatism, relieves pain during menstruation in women, treats urinary tract ailments, has a calming effect and treats neuroses.
Marsh marigold is an antiseptic. Indicated for inflammation, burns and wounds of the skin, as it has wound healing and antimicrobial properties. Marigold leaves, scalded with boiling water and wrapped in gauze, are applied to damaged areas of the skin in the form of lotions and compresses. Wash the wounds with a decoction. The rich content of vitamin C makes it possible to use marigold to treat scurvy. Healing potions from this plant have a beneficial effect on the growth of nail plates and relieve fungal infections. The juice of fresh leaves removes warts and treats deep wounds. Marigold has a weak antitumor effect on the human body. Due to the presence of toxic substances, marigold is consumed in small doses.
Literature
1. Krylov M. G. Herbs of life and their seekers. — M.: “Book on demand.” — 342 p.
2. Uzhegov G. N. Official and traditional medicine. The most detailed encyclopedia. - M., 2011. - 1340 p.
3. Encyclopedic reference book. Treatment with plants. - M.: Publishing house "ANS", 2005. — 1024 s.
Thank you
The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!
Kaluzhnitsa is a beautiful primrose, heralding the arrival of spring with its yellow color. Each of us has more than once seen squat marigold bushes that form bright and elegant rounded plantings. But this plant has found its use not only in decorative gardening, but also in medicine, which will be discussed in this article.Description of the perennial plant marigold
Marigold belongs to a relatively small genus of perennial herbaceous plants from the buttercup family, growing in damp or swampy areas.From Latin the name of the plant – Caltha – is translated as “bowl” or “basket” (it is these vessels that resemble an open flower in appearance). The plant received the name “marigold” back in the days of Ancient Rus': thus, it is derived from the old Russian word “kaluzha”, which means “swamp” or “puddle”. In addition, because of its love for water, marigold is popularly called paddling pool And water snake.
Marigold has a branched and fairly thick stem, which can reach 2.5 mm in diameter, smooth whole leaves and large flowers of white, and more often yellow, color. The height of the plant does not exceed 80 cm.
Where does it grow?
Marigold can be found in temperate and cold zones of two hemispheres, namely: in the European part of Russia and Siberia, the Far East and Central Asia, Chukotka and Sakhalin, the Kuril Islands and Japan, not to mention the mountains of the Caucasus and Asia.This plant prefers swamps, damp meadows, river banks and ponds (some types of marigold grow directly in the water).
Today there are about 40 species of this plant, and only 6 species grow in the CIS countries, but only marsh marigold is used in medicine, the medicinal properties and use of which will be discussed further.
Marigold plant
Marsh marigold is the most common species, growing in Western and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, as well as in Siberia and the Far East. This type of marigold is distinguished by its variability depending on its distribution area: for example, forms of the plant are known that are completely immersed in water, or with floating leaves.
Marsh marigold can reach a height of up to 60 cm. This plant has shiny emerald-colored leaves and bright yellow flowers that appear in April in the form of rolled buds and bloom only at the end of May. The flowers of this plant are quite large (about 5 cm in diameter), and up to 20 such flowers can form on one plant at once.
This type of marigold, like its fellows, prefers the banks of reservoirs, swampy swampy lowlands, swampy forests and meadows.
It should be noted that marigold, although it belongs to the class of poisonous plants, has found application in medicine (this plant is especially toxic during flowering and fruiting, although for serious poisoning it is necessary to consume a significant dose of fresh leaves or fruits). Therefore, before using it, it is imperative to consult a doctor regarding the dosage and regimen.
Important! The above-ground part of the plant is poisonous, so neither the grass, nor the leaves, nor the marigold flowers should be consumed raw! But during cooking, the toxic substance is destroyed, making the plant completely harmless.
Marigold is used not only in medicine, but also in cooking as a spice: thus, unopened flower buds are scalded with boiling water, pickled in vinegar and added instead of capers to salads, borscht and solyanka. As an aromatic seasoning, boiled rhizomes of the plant are added to meat and fish dishes, as well as to flour when baking bread.
Collection and storage
The aboveground part of the marsh marigold (namely the upper leaves) is collected during flowering (that is, from mid-April to May), after which it is immediately dried in a ventilated room or using special dryers, the temperature in which should not exceed 50 degrees.The rhizomes of the plant are dug up in spring or late autumn.
The shelf life of the dried plant is two years.
Composition of marsh marigold
SaponinsAction:
- increased secretion of the bronchial glands;
- diluting mucus and removing it from the bronchi;
- acceleration of the synthesis of corticosteroids;
- stimulation of the cough center;
- regulation of water-salt metabolism;
- activation of hormones;
- relieving inflammation;
- preventing DNA synthesis in tumor cells, which prevents their further reproduction.
Action:
- reducing the fragility of blood capillaries;
- normalization of central nervous system functions;
- regulation of blood pressure;
- normalization of heart rate;
- stimulating the activity of the adrenal cortex.
Action:
- improving memory and attention;
- regulation of insulin levels in the blood;
- promoting lipid metabolism;
- absorption of fats;
- regulation of liver and gall function;
- decrease in cholesterol concentration;
- stimulation of cardiac activity;
- prevention of premature aging.
Carotene
Carotene is both a natural immunostimulant and an antioxidant, significantly increasing the body's defenses.
Action:
- prevention of the development of cancer;
- regulation of protein synthesis;
- normalization of metabolism;
- removal of toxins and free radicals;
- slowing down the aging process;
- strengthening immunity;
- formation of strong bones and teeth.
Action:
- restoration of tissues and body cells;
- improving the condition of the skin;
- relieving inflammation;
- protecting the body from the influence of carcinogenic substances;
- regulation of metabolic processes;
- acceleration of wound healing.
This class of substances forms a biological film, the main task of which is to neutralize the negative chemical, bacterial and mechanical effects on body tissue. In addition, tannins reduce the degree of capillary permeability and also constrict blood vessels.
Vitamin C
Action:
- decrease in the concentration of uric acid directly in the blood;
- regulation of oxidative and reduction processes of cellular respiration;
- strengthening capillaries;
- stimulating growth and proper development of bone tissue;
- increasing the body's defenses;
- stimulating the activity of adrenal hormones.
Alkaloids
Action of alkaloids:
- normalization of blood circulation;
- pain relief;
- helping to stop bleeding;
- decreased blood pressure;
- decrease in the degree of excitability of the nervous system;
- increased contractions of the smooth muscles of the uterus;
- relief of crises provoked by hypertension and endarteritis.
Action:
- strengthening the immune system;
- relieving inflammation;
- regulation of brain function;
- reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases;
- normalization of the nervous system;
- regulation of metabolism;
- normalization of insulin levels;
- promoting the process of losing weight.
Medicinal properties of marigold
- Antibacterial;
- antiseptic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- painkiller;
- anticonvulsant;
- diuretic;
- antitumor;
- antiscorbutic;
- antitussive.
Application of marsh marigold
Marsh marigold is used mainly externally, as it is moderately toxic. Internally, the plant is more often used as part of preparations, although it can also be used as an independent remedy for the treatment of the following list of diseases and conditions:
- bronchitis;
- cough;
- asthma;
- whooping cough;
- urinary tract diseases;
- burns;
- scrofula;
- nail diseases;
- allergic rashes;
- warts;
- metabolic disease;
- anemia;
- skin diseases;
- scurvy;
- gallbladder and liver diseases;
- herpes;
- ascites;
- urinary tract diseases;
- rheumatism;
- bruises;
- diseases of the female genital area.
Color (flower)
The flowers of the plant are used as an antitussive. In addition, this part of the plant is used in the treatment of ascites, nervous diseases and rheumatism.Grass (leaves)
In folk medicine, an infusion and decoction of the herb and leaves of marsh marigold in small doses is used for scurvy, cough, gynecological and many other diseases listed above. Marigold leaves applied to a burned area or bruise will reduce pain and relieve inflammation. Also, preparations from the herb and leaves of the plant relieve fever and improve the general condition of patients with fever. As a blister agent, the leaves of the plant are used in the treatment of warts.
Juice from fresh, and, most importantly, young leaves of the plant helps speed up the healing process of deep wounds and helps cure herpes.
The effectiveness of marigold aqueous extract in the treatment of cancer has been proven.
Marigold tincture
Marsh marigold tincture is used for:- gallbladder diseases and
