Witchy Wednesdays - Marigold
Witchy Wednesdays - Marigold Marigolds are part of the same family of Calendula, they are native to America.They are herbaceous and often Perrenials. The scent of marigold is said to repel some insects and animals. They grow in small bunches of florets. Marigolds come in different colors, yellow and orange being the most common.The common name, marigold, is from Mary's Gold, though it was originally applied to calendula. The Aztecs used all species of marigolds for medicinal purposes such as with a tea made from the infusion of the fresh herbage to treat hiccups and diarrhea. Marigold extract was specifically used to treat people who were struck by lightening. In modern times, its fresh herbage is made into a tea to treat stomach pains and abdominal cramps. In India, juice from its freshly pressed leaves is administered to treat eczema. In Argentina, a decoction of the leaves is drunk for coughs, and when applied topically on the skin, it is well known as an insect repellent. In Mexico, juice that has been pressed from the herbage or crushed leaves are mixed with water or wine and drunk as an aphrodisiac. The petals of marigold flowers can be used in salads and to create a bright yellow dye. Magickally it has a psychoactive action and has been smoked ceremonially in combination with Nicotiana rustica when peyote was eaten and it may be drunk as a tea to promote visions. All types of marigolds can be used as offerings to the dead and as decoration for ancestor altars.
