Plantas y flores / plants and flowers: The marigold: medicinal easy cultivation

Since ancient times has been used for the purposes of numerous medicinal plants and herbs. One is the calendula or calendula officinalis. Also known as a marvel, flamenquilla or flowers of late, this herb, which reaches just over half a meter in height, come from southern Europe and the Middle East, but their ease of adapting to all kinds of conditions has facilitated its expansion by all continents as a wild plant.

Its name comes from the Latin 'calendar', which refers to the first day of the month, as their flowers, if weather conditions are not very rigorous, may emerge every month. Can be found in shades of yellow and orange, are opened at dawn and remain closed during the night. Traditionally, were with her and wreaths were placed at the doors of the houses, because, according to superstition, scaring disease.

Playing very simple
A good option in the design of the garden is to devote a space for the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants. Besides enjoying an ornamental bed, we can take advantage of the many properties that offer us. This grass grown on the outside or in pots from seeds, will spring easily.

The plant in spring in a dry terrain and poor, located in the sun, but also develops well with partial shade. The flowers appear about two months after sowing. Supports either extreme conditions, both the drought and frost.

Care
For your good health, we must pay attention to the disease. They include the black calendula, which detect the appearance of small brown, the yellow aster, which produces holes in the leaves and flowers of death and exemplary. In this case, it is necessary to remove it because, otherwise, the insects that will spread to other copies. There will also be to avoid the powdery mildew or mold.

To grow properly, you need to irrigate as usual, and we recommend removing the weeds around it. While you do not need soil rich in nutrients, in extreme cases it is advisable to add fertilizer. Harvesting takes place when the flowers open, and are kept in a place in the shade, which has no moisture. Once they are dry supplement, are preserved in glass jars to use.

For what it is used
With anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, is the main ingredient in lotions and oils that are used in burns and stings. Its wider use, which was already known in ancient Egypt, is as a remedy for various skin conditions such as acne or just as moisturizing the skin. It is also effective in reducing the rheumatic disorders.

As infusion, is indicated in case of indigestion, ulcers, gastritis and vomiting as well as to regulate menstruation. Wash your eyes with water from calendula is effective in case of conjunctivitis.

It also is used in the kitchen. In cheeses and other foods are added as a color, aroma and to provide a variety of stews. Formerly, it was also adding the petals of flowers to salads, although its flavor was too strong.