Marigold
Marigold’s scientific name is Calendula officinalis, and it is a member of the Asteraceae family. The flowers are used, which can be bought either as petals or whole flower heads (and either is fine for use in herbal teas).
Taste Profile
When consumed, dried meadowsweet has a sweet taste, along with aromatic and hay-like flavours, and some people also notice medicinal and almond notes. It offers a well-rounded, mellow flavour when enjoyed as a simple beverage, reminiscent of summer evenings in a meadow!
Active Constituents
Salicylic acid, volatile oil, spireine (salicylaldehyde), gaultherine, flavonoids, tannins, mucilage and coumarins
Therapeutic Properties
Analgesic, antacid, antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, relaxant, stomachic and urinary antiseptic.
Traditional Uses
Meadowsweet has a long history of traditional use as a gentle remedy for digestive issues such as diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. It is known for its ability to ease excess acid and indigestion. Additionally, it was one of the original sources of aspirin and is valued for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in addressing headaches and musculoskeletal issues like arthritis.
Taste Profile
Marigold has an earthy, slightly spicy, slightly bitter, slightly sharp, yet sweet and floral taste profile. This complexity of flavour makes for a very enjoyable ‘simple’ tea.
Active Constituents
Triterpenes, flavonoids, resins, saponins, volatile oils, bitter principles, and mucilage.
Therapeutic Properties
Anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, astringent, bitter, cholagogue, depurative, emmenagogue, lymphatic and vulnerary.
Traditional Uses
Marigold has traditionally been used as a healing remedy for the skin, as well as a healer of the gut, especially in cases of inflammation, bleeding, or infection. It improves venous circulation and supports the lymphatic system. These lymphatic properties make it a useful herb for supporting the immune system during infections, especially tonsillitis and in cases where the lymph nodes are swollen. Its lymphatic nature also helps to clear tissue stagnation and water retention, for example, during periods. It is a useful supportive herb during menstrual problems and menopause.
Contraindications
Due to the emmenagogue action, you may wish to avoid during pregnancy.