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Greth
| | Posted on Friday, October 13, 2006 - 01:01 am EST : |   
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I am offering my book 'Herblore' thru Gardenbuddies. I have not submitted this to a publisher, so it is not available elsewhere. I have covered the history, folklore, culinary and medicinal properties of many medieval herbs. Included is an anthology of medieval references and period woodcuts of the various plants. For the printed version, I am asking $40 US, strangely after currency conversion it would cost $40 AUS both including postage. I havent tried selling it as a Wordfile on disc, but I think that would be possible, for a much lower price.Gardenbuddies will get 5% from any sales.
Here is a sample chapter, I hope..
Calendula
Calendula officinalis
AKA: Pot marigold, Golds, Golde, Marygold, Mary Gooles, Ruddes, Solsequia, English Marigold, Caltha officinalis, Oculus Christi, Fiore d’ogni mese, Solis Sponsa, Sunne’s Bride, Publican and Sinner, Husbandman’s Dyall, Mary-buds.
One of the easiest herbs to grow, calendulas will brighten your garden at any time of year. Marigolds will seed themselves liberally in most situations, and their long flowering period gives a splash of colour whenever the rest of the garden is looking a little drab. Their orange o r yellow petals make a colourful and healthy addition to a salad, and they even work well into soups, stews, fried rice, and many other dishes where a touch of colour makes the difference. Do not confuse these English Marigolds for the African Marigold, Tagetes, which is certainly not edible. Look for the name Calendula if you are uncertain.
Marigolds are used in herbal medicine particularly for skin complaints, promoting rapid healing and even helping to resolve scarring to some extent. One of my ‘must have’ herbs.
History and folklore
The names Calendula and the Italian Fiore d’ogni mese both imply that the marigold is one of the flowers which can be relied upon to flower in every month of the year, Calendula being taken from the Latin word calends, the first day of a month. Another is gorse, because ‘when the gorse isn’t flowering, kissing’s out of fashion’. The names Solsequia and Solis Sponsa refer to the plant’s habit of only opening its flowers when the sun is bright, and closing them in the late afternoon. ‘Pot marigold’ is given because this is the variety used in cooking, and so for the pot. Marigold comes from the Anglo-Saxon, and is derived from the same source as mere, a swamp, being given first to the Marsh Marigold. Often spelt Marygold in medieval times, it naturally became associated with the Virgin Mary. It was the flower in the old church calendar dedicated to Lady Day, the 25th of March, celebration of the Feast of the Annunciation. Astologically it is a herb of the Sun in Leo.
Marigold
Calendula officinalis
AKA: Pot marigold, Golds, Golde, Marygold, Mary Gooles, Ruddes, Solsequia, English Marigold, Caltha officinalis, Oculus Christi, Fiore d’ogni mese, Solis Sponsa, Sunne’s Bride, Publican and Sinner, Husbandman’s Dyall, Mary-buds.
One of the easiest herbs to grow, calendulas will brighten your garden at any time of year. Marigolds will seed themselves liberally in most situations, and their long flowering period gives a splash of colour whenever the rest of the garden is looking a little drab. Their orange o r yellow petals make a colourful and healthy addition to a salad, and they even work well into soups, stews, fried rice, and many other dishes where a touch of colour makes the difference. Do not confuse these English Marigolds for the African Marigold, Tagetes, which is certainly not edible. Look for the name Calendula if you are uncertain.
Marigolds are used in herbal medicine particularly for skin complaints, promoting rapid healing and even helping to resolve scarring to some extent. One of my ‘must have’ herbs.
History and folklore
The names Calendula and the Italian Fiore d’ogni mese both imply that the marigold is one of the flowers which can be relied upon to flower in every month of the year, Calendula being taken from the Latin word calends, the first day of a month. Another is gorse, because ‘when the gorse isn’t flowering, kissing’s out of fashion’. The names Solsequia and Solis Sponsa refer to the plant’s habit of only opening its flowers when the sun is bright, and closing them in the late afternoon. ‘Pot marigold’ is given because this is the variety used in cooking, and so for the pot. Marigold comes from the Anglo-Saxon, and is derived from the same source as mere, a swamp, being given first to the Marsh Marigold. Often spelt Marygold in medieval times, it naturally became associated with the Virgin Mary. It was the flower in the old church calendar dedicated to Lady Day, the 25th of March, celebration of the Feast of the Annunciation. Astologically it is a herb of the Sun in Leo.
Calendula was one of the herbs used by the ancient Greeks in their funeral offerings, and it was also considered a Death flower in the United States, the myth being that it sprang from the blood of dead Mexicans, who had perished in the pursuit of gold. The herbal meaning of calendula is grief, pain or chagrin, however, it is also considered to be comforting to the heart and spirit. It is the flower of those born on the 15th of March. In Brittany, there is a folk belief that if a maiden touches a marigold with her bare foot, she will understand the language of birds. Marigold is the herb of love and clairvoyance.
Marigolds are used in potpourri, as they dry well and retain their colour, as a dye, with alum and cream of tartar for mordants, and as a colouring agent for cheese. The Shakers also used it in a remedy for gangrene.
Horticultural
Calendulas are actually perennial, but they are usually grown as an annual. In a permanent situation they self -seed easily, so the patch will be continually refreshed with new plants once they have established. They grow up to 40 cm high when flowering, with elongated oval, fleshy and hairy leaves, and thick, sticky stems. The flowers can be yellow, orange, or even tan, single or double. They appear all year round, however, they are much more prolific in the warmer months. Calendulas are a companion plant for tomatoes, repel nematodes in the soil, and are a pest repellant. They look spectacular teamed with true blue flowers, such as borage or blue cornflowers. The Hen and Chickens variety produces small, secondary flowers around the main flowers-see Gerard’s illustration of the Fruitfull Marigold.
Sow seed in full sun or light shade. The seed will germinate best in a light soil. Sowing in autumn will give a good display in late winter and early spring. Spring sowings will flower in summer. Thin the plants to 25cm apart, as overcrowded plants may develop fungal diseases such as mildew or black spot.
Remove the dead flower heads to promote more flowering and to keep a neat appearance. Scatter the seed as you do. If you want to dry the petals, make sure they are well spread out, so that they dry quickly and retain their colour.
Culinary
Calendula is a colourful ingredient in salads, and the dried crumbled petals add colour and taste to noodle and rice dishes and soups. It teams well with stewed fruits, yoghurt and soft cheese, and can be used in syrups and conserves, and in custards, breads and cakes. Whole flowers can also be preserved in vinegar. They are a good colouring agent for butter and cheese, and can be used as a substitute for saffron. The petals make a lovely edible garnish. (Never use anything for a garnish unless it can safely be eaten - diners must always be able to trust the cook)
Medicinal
The deep orange variety is the one most commonly used in medicine. There is some discussion as to which varieties are most effective. The most useful advice I have heard is to look at and feel the plants themselves - those with a high resin content, which have heavier, stickier feeling leaves, are probably better to use, though all are effective.
Calendula is a healing agent, used as a tea for gastric disorders and spasms, colds. It has a stimulant, astringent and diaphoretic effect, reduces fevers, and strengthens the heart. The same infusion can be used externally for skin complaints, burns, insect bites and wounds, to clear oily skin, and to bathe sore eyes. It is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, and promotes wound healing. In Tudor times it was popular as a hair rinse, to give gold highlights to blonde hair. A wide variety of salves, ointments and cosmetics are made from calendula petals. The simplest version is made by boiling the flower heads in lard. Marigold vinegar can be made by steeping the petals overnight in warm vinegar. This can be added to bathwater as a skin tonic, or to help heal rashes and burns. I use them to make a soothing skin ointment.
Recipes
To Enable One to See Fairies
A pint of sallet oyle and put it into a vial glasse; and first wash it with rose-water and marygold water; the flowers to be gathered towards the east. Wash it till the oyle becomes white, then put into the glasse, and then put thereto the budds of holly-hocke, the flowers of marygolde, the flowers or toppes of wild thyme, the budds of young hazle, and the thyme must be gathered near the side of a hill where fairies used to be; and take the grasse of a fairy throne; then all these put into the oyle in the glasse and sette it to dissolve 3 dayes in the sunne and keep it for thy use. Ashmolean Manuscript, 1600 [Please note that it is entirely possible that the fairies do not wish to be seen. It is never a good idea to annoy creatures with powerful magic.]
Marigold Pudding
Take a pretty quantity of marygold flowers very well shred, mingle with a pint of cream on new milk and almost a pound of beef suet chopt very small, the gratings of a twopenny loaf and stirring all together put it into a bag flower’d and tie it fast. It will be boil’d within an hour - or bake it in a pan. John Evelyn, Acetaria, 1699
Aurum Potabili Paracelsi
A standard infusion of marigold petals, rosemary and sundew leaves. The leaves of Helianthemum, the rock rose, can be added. A cupful first thing in the morning is used as a tonic and antidepressant. Conway, D., The Magic of Herbs
From the Past
Calendula has always been very well regarded by herbalists, who claimed that it could heal the bites of venemous beastes and prevent the plague (always a winning combination) as well as being used for disorders of the eyes, teeth, liver and heart. In the seventeenth century, marigold petals were a cheap, and less effective substitute for saffron. It is one of those herbs which continually recur in poetry, for its faithfulness to the movements of the sun, and for its year-long production of flowers. Gerard mentions a peculiar variation of Marigold, a form that produces numerous little flowers from the old dead flower head, which he calls jackanapes-on-horseback. This variation still crops up from time to time, and I have seen the same thing happen in some varieties of rose. Another thing he mentions which intrigues me is that the outer seeds of a double marigold will produce single-flowered offspring, whereas the smaller central seeds will give rise to double flowered calendulas. This is not impossible, given the genetic habits of plants, and I hope to have the time to experiment and see if his claims are true.
Golde is bitter in savour
Fayr and zelw [yellow] is his flowur
¡e golde flour is good to sene
It maketh ¡e syth bryth [sight bright] and clene
Wyscely to lokyn on his flowres
Drawyth owt of ¡e heed wikked hirores [humours].
...Loke wyscely on golde erly at morwe [morning]
¡at day fro feures it schall ¡e borwe:
¡e odour of ¡e golde is good to smelle.
Macer’s Herbal, trans. John Lelamoure, 1373
From Gerard, The Herball, 1633
Solseqium ys an erbe ¡at me clapyth [call] Roddys or marigoldys. he beryth a yelowe flowre The vertu of ¡is erbe ys yf a man be betyn [bitten]with any venums beste [venemous beast] take ¡is erbe and let hym ete ¡er-of [thereof] and he schall be hole Also yf a man be stoppyd aboute his luyer take ¡e juse of ¡is erbe and geve hym to drynke and he schall be hole Also ¡is erbe hathe ¡e same vertu ¡at endyve hathe. Brodin, G., Agnus Castus, A Middle English Herbal, Reconstucted from Various Manuscripts (14th century) Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Mass. 1950
Marigolds have not neede of any great ordering, for they grow in untilled fields and in any ground that a man will, neither doe they crave to be sowen everie yeere: for being once sowen, they afterwards grow of themselves; and beare flowers in the Calends [first day] of every moneth of the yeare, as well in sommer as in winter, for which cause the Italian call them the flowre of all the moneths. To be short, the place where they have once been sowen can hardley be rid of them. If they be never so little husbanded, and cut manie times, they will beare most faire flowers and very great, but yet ever more in autumne than in the spring.
Some say that to eate oft of marigold leaves doth make a good countenance: the distilled water of marigold leaves being dropt into the eies, or linnen clothes wet therein and applied unto them, doth heale the rednes of the eies. Anthony Askham, A Lytel Herball, 1550.
Marygoldes floures dronken, drawe downe wymens siknes [women’s sickness=period]: & so doth the iuice of the herbe: whyche is a present remedy for the toothe ake, if the mouthe be wasshed with it: summe use to make theyr here yelow [their hair yellow] with the floure of this herbe, not beyng content with the natural colour, which God hath geven them. William Turner, A New Herball, 1551.
Some terme it the Sunnes floure, or the follower of the Sunne, and it is of some named the Husbandman’s Dyall [Dial], in that the same sheweth to them both the morning and evening tide. Other name it the Sunne’s Bride, and Sunne’s hearbe...This Marigold is a singular kind of Herbe, sowen in Gardens, as well for the potte as for the decking of Garlands bewtifying of Nosegayes, and to be worn in the bosom. Thomas Hyll. A Most Briefe and pleasaunt treatyse, 1563.
The marygolde hath plesant bright and shining yellow flowers which close at the setting downe of the sun and do spread again at the sun’s rising.
The distilled water of Marigolds put into the eyes, cureth the rednesse, and inflammation of the same. Rembert Dodoens, A niewe Herball, (trans. Lyte, 1578)
Hark! How the bashful morn in vain
Courts the amorous Marigold
With sighing blasts and weeping rain
Yet she refuses to unfold.
But when the planet of the day
Approaches with his powerful ray,
Then she spreads, then she receives
His warmer beam into her virgin leaves. Carew (1595-1640)
The marigold that goes to bed with the sun,
and with him rises, weeping. Shakespeare
Hark! Hark! the lark at heaven’s gate sings,
And Phoebus ‘ [Apollo, sun-god] gins arise,
His steeds to water at those springs
of chalic’d flowers that lies;
And winking Mary-buds begin
To ope their golden eyes. Cymbaline, Shakespeare
Of Marigolds
1. The great double Marigold hath many large, fat, broad leaves, springing immediately from a fibrous or threddy root; the upper sides of the leaves are of a deepe greene, and the lower side of a more light and shining greene: among which rise up stalkes somewhat hairie, and also somewhat ioynted, and full of a spungious pith. The floures in the tip are beautifull, round, very large and double, something sweet, with a certaine strong smell, of a light saffron colour, or like pure gold: from the which follow a number of long crooked seeds, especially the outmost, or those that about the edges of the floure; which being sowne commonly bring forth single floures, whereas contrariwise those seeds in the middle are lesser, and for the most part bring forth such floures as that was from whence it was taken.
2. The common double Marigold hath many fat, thicke, crumpled leaves set upon a grosse and spungious stalke: whereupon do grow faire double yellow floures, having for the most part in the middle a bunch of threddes thicke thrust together: which being past there succeed such crooked seeds as the first described. The root is thicke and hard, with some threds annexed thereto.
3. The smaller or finer leaved double Marigold groweth upright, having for the most part one stem or fat spungeous stalke, garnished with smooth and fat leaves confusedly. The floures grow at the top of small branches, very double, but lesser than the other, consisting of more fine iaggednesse, and of a faire yellow colour. The root is like the precedent.
4. The Globe-flouring Marigold hath many large broad leaves rising immediately forth of the ground, among which riseth up a stalke the height of a cubit, dividing it selfe toward the top into other smaller branches, set or garnished with the like leaves, but confusedly, or without order. The floures grow at the top of the stalkes, very double, the small leaves whereof are set in comely order by certain rankes or rowes, as sundry lines are in a Globe, traversing the whole compasse of the same; whereupon it took the name Orbiculata.
5. The fifth sort of double Marigold differeth not from the last described, saving in the colour of the floures; for this plant bringeth forth floures of a straw or light yellow colour, and the others not so, wherein consisteth the difference.
‡All these five here described, and which formerly had so many figures, differ nothing but in the bignesse or littlenesse of the plants and floures, and in the intensenesse and remisnesse of their colur, which is either orange, yellow, or of a straw colour.‡
6. The Marigold with single floures differeth not from those with double floures, but in that it consisteth of fewer leaves, which we therefore term Single, in comparison of the rest, and that maketh the difference.
7. This fruitfull or much-bearing Marigold is likewise called of the vulgar sort of women, Iacke-an-apes [monkey] on horsebacke: it hath leaves stalkes and roots like the common sort of Marigold, differing in the shape of his floures, for this plant doth bring forth at the top of the stalke one floure like the other Marigolds; from the which start forth sundry other small floures, yellow like-wise, and of the same fashion as the first which if I be not deceived commeth to passe per accidens, or by chance, as Nature oftentimes liketh to play with other floures, or as children are borne with two thumbes on one hand, and such like, which living to be men, so get children like unto others; even so is the seed of this Marigold, which if it be sowen, it brings forth not one floure in a thousand like the plant from whence it was taken.
The other fruitfull Marigold is doubtlesse a degenerate kind comming by chance from the seed of the double Marigold, whereas for the most part the other commeth of the seed of the single floures, wherein consisteth the difference. ‡The floure of this (wherein the onely difference consists) you shall finde exprest at the bottome of the fourth figure.‡
From Gerard, The Herball, 1633
9. The Alpish or mountaine Marigold, which Lobelius setteth downe for Nardus Celtica or Plantago Alpina, is called by Tabernamontanus, Caltha, or Calendula Alpina: and because I see it rather resembles a Marigold, than any other plant, I have not thought it amisse to insert it in this place, leaving the consideration thereof to the friendly Reader, or to a further consideration, because it is a plant that I am not well acquainted withall; yet I doe read that it hath a thicke root, growing aslope under the upper crust of the earth, of an aromaticall or spicie taste, and somewhat biting with many threddy strings annexed thereto: from which rise up broad thicke and rough leaves of an overworn greene colour, not unlike to those of Plantaine: among which there riseth up a rough and tender stalke set with the like leaves; on the top whereof commeth forth a single yellow floure, paled about the edges with small leaves of a light yellow, tending to a straw colour, the middle of the floure is composed of a bundle of threds, thicke thrust together, such as is in the middle of the field Daisie, of a deepe yellow colour.
‡ This Plant is all one with the two described in the next chapter: they vary onely thus; the stalkes and leaves are sometimes hairy, otherwhiles smooth; the floure is yellow, or else blew. I having three figures ready cut, thinke it not amisse to give you one to expresse each varietie.‡
10. The wilde Marigold is like unto the single garden Marigold, but altogether lesser, and the whole plant perisheth at the first approach of Winter, and recovereth it selfe againe by the falling of the seed.
The Place
These Marigolds with double floures especially, are set and sowen in gardens; the rest their titles do set forth their naturall being.
The Time
The Marigold floureth from Aprill or May even untill Winter, and in Winter also, if it be warme.
The Names
The Marigold is called Calendula: it is to be seene in floure in the Calends almost of everie moneth: it is also called Chrysanthemum, of his golden colour: of some Caltha, and Caltha Poetarum: whereof Virgil in his Bucolickes, the second Ecloge, writeth thus;
Tum casia atque aliis intexens suauibus herbis
Mollia Luteola pingit vaccinia Caltha
And then shee’l Spike and such sweet herbes infold,
And paint the Iacinth [Hyacinth] with the Marigold.
Columella also in his tenth booke of Gardens hath these words;
Candida Leucoia & flaunentia Lumina Catthae
Stock Gillofloures exceeding white,
And Marigolds most yellow bright.
It is thought to be Gromphena Plinii: in low-Dutch it is called Goudt bloemen: in high-Dutch kingleblumen: in French Sousii & Goude: in Italian Fior d’ognimese: in English Marigolds, and Ruddes.
The Temperature and Vertues
A. The floure of the Marigold is of temperature hot, almost in the second degree, especially when it is dry: it is thought to strengthen and comfort the heart very much, and also to withstand poison, as also to be good against pestilent Agues, being taken anyway. Fuchsius hath written, That being drunke with wine it bringeth down the teres, and that the fume thereof expelleth the secondine or after-birth.
B. But the leaves of the herbe are hotter; for there is in them a certain biting, but by reason of the moisture ioyned with it, it doth not by and by shew it selfe; be meanes of which moisture they mollifie [soften] the belly, and procure solublenesse if it be used as a pot herbe.
C. Fuchsius writeth, That if the iuyce...[be pressed out] it helpeth the toothache.
D. The floures and leaves of Marigolds being distilled, and the water dropped into red and watery eyes, ceaseth the inflammation, and taketh away the paine.
E. Conserve made of the floures and sugar taken in the morning fasting, cureth the trembling of the heart, and is also given in time of plague or pestilence, or corruption of the aire.
F. The yellow leaves of the floures are dried and kept throughout Dutchland against winter, to put into brothes, in Physicall potions, and for divers other purposes, in such quantitie, that in some Grocers or Spice-sellers houses, are to be found barrels filled with them, and retailed by the pennie more or lesse, in so much that no brothes are well made without dried Marigolds. John Gerard, The Herball, 1633
The herbe and flowers are of great use with us among other pot-herbes and flowers eyther greene or dryed, are often used in possets, broths, and drinkes, as a comforter of the heart and spirits, and to expel any malignant or pestilential quality, gathered neere thereunto. The Syrup and Conserve made of the fresh flowers, are used for the same purposes to good effect. John Parkinson, Paradisus, 1629
The Marigold observes the Sun
More than my subjects me have done. Charles I (in exile on the Isle of Wight)
Marigolds may be sown in August for the spring, you may remove the Plants about two inches long, they will grow the bigger.
Marigolds shew pleasant, and a reasonable sent, you may sow them of seeds, or set young Plants.
Such is the love of it known to be toward that royall Star [the sun], being in the night time, for the desire of him, as pensive and sad, they be shut or closed together, but at the noon time of the day fully spread abroad, as if they with spread armes longed, or diligently attended, to embrace their Bridegroom. This Marigold is a singular kind of herb sown in gardens, as well for the pot, as for the decking of Gardens, beautifying of Nosegaies, and to be worn in the bosome.
Marigold helpeth the after burden of a woman, stayeth the fluxe of pissing of bloud, it killeth the worms, it healeth pushes, and stoppings, and griefs of the liver, comforteth the stomack, and procureth appetite to the stomack, and procureth appetite to meat, heateth a cold breast, asswageth the paine of the teeth, it recovereth the palsie, and fit of the plague: is a preparative against the plague, it helpeth the quartaine, it helpeth the milt of cold stomack.
Water of Marigolds distilled, recovereth all defaults of the eyes, and procureth cleare eyes, and also putteth away the griefes of the head. Thomas Hyll, The Gardener’s Labyrinth, 1653
These being so plentiful in every Garden, are so well known that they need no Description.
They flower al the Summer long, and somtimes in Winter if it be mild.
It is an Herb of the Sun, and under Leo: They strengthen the heart exceedingly, and are very expulsive, and a little less effectual in the smal Pox and Meazles than Saffron. The Juyce of Marigold Leavs mixed with Vinegar, and any hot swelling bathed with it, instantly giveth ease and asswageth it. The Flowers either green or dried are used much in Possets, Broths and Drinks as a comforter of the Heart and Spirits, and to expel any malignant or pestilential quality which might annoy them. A Plaister made with the dry Flowers in Pouder, Hoge Grease, Turpentine and Rosin, and applied to the Breast, strengthens and succors the Heart infinitely in Feavers whether pestilential or not pestilential. Nicholas Culpeper, The English Physician Enlarged, 1653.
We all know the many and sovereign virtues in your leaves, the Herbe Generalle in all pottage. Fuller, Antheologie, 1655
Conserve made of the flowers and sugar, taken in the morning fasting, cureth the trembling of the harte, and is also given in the time of plague or pestilence. The yellow leaves of the flowers are dried and kept throughout Dutchland against winter to put into broths, physicall potions and for divers other purposes, in such quantity that in some Grocers or Spicesellers are to be found barrels filled with them and retailed by the penny or less, insomuch that no broths are well made without dried Marigold.
Stevens, Maison Rustique, or the Countrie Farme 1699
The plant, especially its flowers, was used on a large scale by the American surgeons, to treat wounds and injuries sustained during the last Civil War; and obtained their warmest commendation. It quite prevented all exhaustive suppurative discharges and drainings. Succus Calendula (the fresh juice) is the best form, say the American surgeons, in which the Calendula is obtainable for ready practice. W.T. Fernie, Herbal Simples, 1895.
From Gerard, The Herball, 1633
Calendula was one of the herbs used by the ancient Greeks in their funeral offerings, and it was also considered a Death flower in the United States, the myth being that it sprang from the blood of dead Mexicans, who had perished in the pursuit of gold. The herbal meaning of calendula is grief, pain or chagrin, however, it is also considered to be comforting to the heart and spirit. It is the flower of those born on the 15th of March. In Brittany, there is a folk belief that if a maiden touches a marigold with her bare foot, she will understand the language of birds. Marigold is the herb of love and clairvoyance.
Marigolds are used in potpourri, as they dry well and retain their colour, as a dye, with alum and cream of tartar for mordants, and as a colouring agent for cheese. The Shakers also used it in a remedy for gangrene.
Horticultural
Calendulas are actually perennial, but they are usually grown as an annual. In a permanent situation they self -seed easily, so the patch will be continually refreshed with new plants once they have established. They grow up to 40 cm high when flowering, with elongated oval, fleshy and hairy leaves, and thick, sticky stems. The flowers can be yellow, orange, or even tan, single or double. They appear all year round, however, they are much more prolific in the warmer months. Calendulas are a companion plant for tomatoes, repel nematodes in the soil, and are a pest repellant. They look spectacular teamed with true blue flowers, such as borage or blue cornflowers. The Hen and Chickens variety produces small, secondary flowers around the main flowers-see Gerard’s illustration of the Fruitfull Marigold.
Sow seed in full sun or light shade. The seed will germinate best in a light soil. Sowing in autumn will give a good display in late winter and early spring. Spring sowings will flower in summer. Thin the plants to 25cm apart, as overcrowded plants may develop fungal diseases such as mildew or black spot.
Remove the dead flower heads to promote more flowering and to keep a neat appearance. Scatter the seed as you do. If you want to dry the petals, make sure they are well spread out, so that they dry quickly and retain their colour.
Culinary
Calendula is a colourful ingredient in salads, and the dried crumbled petals add colour and taste to noodle and rice dishes and soups. It teams well with stewed fruits, yoghurt and soft cheese, and can be used in syrups and conserves, and in custards, breads and cakes. Whole flowers can also be preserved in vinegar. They are a good colouring agent for butter and cheese, and can be used as a substitute for saffron. The petals make a lovely edible garnish. (Never use anything for a garnish unless it can safely be eaten - diners must always be able to trust the cook)
Medicinal
The deep orange variety is the one most commonly used in medicine. There is some discussion as to which varieties are most effective. The most useful advice I have heard is to look at and feel the plants themselves - those with a high resin content, which have heavier, stickier feeling leaves, are probably better to use, though all are effective.
Calendula is a healing agent, used as a tea for gastric disorders and spasms, colds. It has a stimulant, astringent and diaphoretic effect, reduces fevers, and strengthens the heart. The same infusion can be used externally for skin complaints, burns, insect bites and wounds, to clear oily skin, and to bathe sore eyes. It is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, and promotes wound healing. In Tudor times it was popular as a hair rinse, to give gold highlights to blonde hair. A wide variety of salves, ointments and cosmetics are made from calendula petals. The simplest version is made by boiling the flower heads in lard. Marigold vinegar can be made by steeping the petals overnight in warm vinegar. This can be added to bathwater as a skin tonic, or to help heal rashes and burns. I use them to make a soothing skin ointment.
Recipes
To Enable One to See Fairies
A pint of sallet oyle and put it into a vial glasse; and first wash it with rose-water and marygold water; the flowers to be gathered towards the east. Wash it till the oyle becomes white, then put into the glasse, and then put thereto the budds of holly-hocke, the flowers of marygolde, the flowers or toppes of wild thyme, the budds of young hazle, and the thyme must be gathered near the side of a hill where fairies used to be; and take the grasse of a fairy throne; then all these put into the oyle in the glasse and sette it to dissolve 3 dayes in the sunne and keep it for thy use. Ashmolean Manuscript, 1600 [Please note that it is entirely possible that the fairies do not wish to be seen. It is never a good idea to annoy creatures with powerful magic.]
Marigold Pudding
Take a pretty quantity of marygold flowers very well shred, mingle with a pint of cream on new milk and almost a pound of beef suet chopt very small, the gratings of a twopenny loaf and stirring all together put it into a bag flower’d and tie it fast. It will be boil’d within an hour - or bake it in a pan. John Evelyn, Acetaria, 1699
Aurum Potabili Paracelsi
A standard infusion of marigold petals, rosemary and sundew leaves. The leaves of Helianthemum, the rock rose, can be added. A cupful first thing in the morning is used as a tonic and antidepressant. Conway, D., The Magic of Herbs
From the Past
Calendula has always been very well regarded by herbalists, who claimed that it could heal the bites of venemous beastes and prevent the plague (always a winning combination) as well as being used for disorders of the eyes, teeth, liver and heart. In the seventeenth century, marigold petals were a cheap, and less effective substitute for saffron. It is one of those herbs which continually recur in poetry, for its faithfulness to the movements of the sun, and for its year-long production of flowers. Gerard mentions a peculiar variation of Marigold, a form that produces numerous little flowers from the old dead flower head, which he calls jackanapes-on-horseback. This variation still crops up from time to time, and I have seen the same thing happen in some varieties of rose. Another thing he mentions which intrigues me is that the outer seeds of a double marigold will produce single-flowered offspring, whereas the smaller central seeds will give rise to double flowered calendulas. This is not impossible, given the genetic habits of plants, and I hope to have the time to experiment and see if his claims are true.
Golde is bitter in savour
Fayr and zelw [yellow] is his flowur
¡e golde flour is good to sene
It maketh ¡e syth bryth [sight bright] and clene
Wyscely to lokyn on his flowres
Drawyth owt of ¡e heed wikked hirores [humours].
...Loke wyscely on golde erly at morwe [morning]
¡at day fro feures it schall ¡e borwe:
¡e odour of ¡e golde is good to smelle.
Macer’s Herbal, trans. John Lelamoure, 1373
From Gerard, The Herball, 1633
Solseqium ys an erbe ¡at me clapyth [call] Roddys or marigoldys. he beryth a yelowe flowre The vertu of ¡is erbe ys yf a man be betyn [bitten]with any venums beste [venemous beast] take ¡is erbe and let hym ete ¡er-of [thereof] and he schall be hole Also yf a man be stoppyd aboute his luyer take ¡e juse of ¡is erbe and geve hym to drynke and he schall be hole Also ¡is erbe hathe ¡e same vertu ¡at endyve hathe. Brodin, G., Agnus Castus, A Middle English Herbal, Reconstucted from Various Manuscripts (14th century) Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Mass. 1950
Marigolds have not neede of any great ordering, for they grow in untilled fields and in any ground that a man will, neither doe they crave to be sowen everie yeere: for being once sowen, they afterwards grow of themselves; and beare flowers in the Calends [first day] of every moneth of the yeare, as well in sommer as in winter, for which cause the Italian call them the flowre of all the moneths. To be short, the place where they have once been sowen can hardley be rid of them. If they be never so little husbanded, and cut manie times, they will beare most faire flowers and very great, but yet ever more in autumne than in the spring.
Some say that to eate oft of marigold leaves doth make a good countenance: the distilled water of marigold leaves being dropt into the eies, or linnen clothes wet therein and applied unto them, doth heale the rednes of the eies. Anthony Askham, A Lytel Herball, 1550.
Marygoldes floures dronken, drawe downe wymens siknes [women’s sickness=period]: & so doth the iuice of the herbe: whyche is a present remedy for the toothe ake, if the mouthe be wasshed with it: summe use to make theyr here yelow [their hair yellow] with the floure of this herbe, not beyng content with the natural colour, which God hath geven them. William Turner, A New Herball, 1551.
Some terme it the Sunnes floure, or the follower of the Sunne, and it is of some named the Husbandman’s Dyall [Dial], in that the same sheweth to them both the morning and evening tide. Other name it the Sunne’s Bride, and Sunne’s hearbe...This Marigold is a singular kind of Herbe, sowen in Gardens, as well for the potte as for the decking of Garlands bewtifying of Nosegayes, and to be worn in the bosom. Thomas Hyll. A Most Briefe and pleasaunt treatyse, 1563.
The marygolde hath plesant bright and shining yellow flowers which close at the setting downe of the sun and do spread again at the sun’s rising.
The distilled water of Marigolds put into the eyes, cureth the rednesse, and inflammation of the same. Rembert Dodoens, A niewe Herball, (trans. Lyte, 1578)
Hark! How the bashful morn in vain
Courts the amorous Marigold
With sighing blasts and weeping rain
Yet she refuses to unfold.
But when the planet of the day
Approaches with his powerful ray,
Then she spreads, then she receives
His warmer beam into her virgin leaves. Carew (1595-1640)
The marigold that goes to bed with the sun,
and with him rises, weeping. Shakespeare
Hark! Hark! the lark at heaven’s gate sings,
And Phoebus ‘ [Apollo, sun-god] gins arise,
His steeds to water at those springs
of chalic’d flowers that lies;
And winking Mary-buds begin
To ope their golden eyes. Cymbaline, Shakespeare
Of Marigolds
1. The great double Marigold hath many large, fat, broad leaves, springing immediately from a fibrous or threddy root; the upper sides of the leaves are of a deepe greene, and the lower side of a more light and shining greene: among which rise up stalkes somewhat hairie, and also somewhat ioynted, and full of a spungious pith. The floures in the tip are beautifull, round, very large and double, something sweet, with a certaine strong smell, of a light saffron colour, or like pure gold: from the which follow a number of long crooked seeds, especially the outmost, or those that about the edges of the floure; which being sowne commonly bring forth single floures, whereas contrariwise those seeds in the middle are lesser, and for the most part bring forth such floures as that was from whence it was taken.
2. The common double Marigold hath many fat, thicke, crumpled leaves set upon a grosse and spungious stalke: whereupon do grow faire double yellow floures, having for the most part in the middle a bunch of threddes thicke thrust together: which being past there succeed such crooked seeds as the first described. The root is thicke and hard, with some threds annexed thereto.
3. The smaller or finer leaved double Marigold groweth upright, having for the most part one stem or fat spungeous stalke, garnished with smooth and fat leaves confusedly. The floures grow at the top of small branches, very double, but lesser than the other, consisting of more fine iaggednesse, and of a faire yellow colour. The root is like the precedent.
4. The Globe-flouring Marigold hath many large broad leaves rising immediately forth of the ground, among which riseth up a stalke the height of a cubit, dividing it selfe toward the top into other smaller branches, set or garnished with the like leaves, but confusedly, or without order. The floures grow at the top of the stalkes, very double, the small leaves whereof are set in comely order by certain rankes or rowes, as sundry lines are in a Globe, traversing the whole compasse of the same; whereupon it took the name Orbiculata.
5. The fifth sort of double Marigold differeth not from the last described, saving in the colour of the floures; for this plant bringeth forth floures of a straw or light yellow colour, and the others not so, wherein consisteth the difference.
‡All these five here described, and which formerly had so many figures, differ nothing but in the bignesse or littlenesse of the plants and floures, and in the intensenesse and remisnesse of their colur, which is either orange, yellow, or of a straw colour.‡
6. The Marigold with single floures differeth not from those with double floures, but in that it consisteth of fewer leaves, which we therefore term Single, in comparison of the rest, and that maketh the difference.
7. This fruitfull or much-bearing Marigold is likewise called of the vulgar sort of women, Iacke-an-apes [monkey] on horsebacke: it hath leaves stalkes and roots like the common sort of Marigold, differing in the shape of his floures, for this plant doth bring forth at the top of the stalke one floure like the other Marigolds; from the which start forth sundry other small floures, yellow like-wise, and of the same fashion as the first which if I be not deceived commeth to passe per accidens, or by chance, as Nature oftentimes liketh to play with other floures, or as children are borne with two thumbes on one hand, and such like, which living to be men, so get children like unto others; even so is the seed of this Marigold, which if it be sowen, it brings forth not one floure in a thousand like the plant from whence it was taken.
The other fruitfull Marigold is doubtlesse a degenerate kind comming by chance from the seed of the double Marigold, whereas for the most part the other commeth of the seed of the single floures, wherein consisteth the difference. ‡The floure of this (wherein the onely difference consists) you shall finde exprest at the bottome of the fourth figure.‡
From Gerard, The Herball, 1633
9. The Alpish or mountaine Marigold, which Lobelius setteth downe for Nardus Celtica or Plantago Alpina, is called by Tabernamontanus, Caltha, or Calendula Alpina: and because I see it rather resembles a Marigold, than any other plant, I have not thought it amisse to insert it in this place, leaving the consideration thereof to the friendly Reader, or to a further consideration, because it is a plant that I am not well acquainted withall; yet I doe read that it hath a thicke root, growing aslope under the upper crust of the earth, of an aromaticall or spicie taste, and somewhat biting with many threddy strings annexed thereto: from which rise up broad thicke and rough leaves of an overworn greene colour, not unlike to those of Plantaine: among which there riseth up a rough and tender stalke set with the like leaves; on the top whereof commeth forth a single yellow floure, paled about the edges with small leaves of a light yellow, tending to a straw colour, the middle of the floure is composed of a bundle of threds, thicke thrust together, such as is in the middle of the field Daisie, of a deepe yellow colour.
‡ This Plant is all one with the two described in the next chapter: they vary onely thus; the stalkes and leaves are sometimes hairy, otherwhiles smooth; the floure is yellow, or else blew. I having three figures ready cut, thinke it not amisse to give you one to expresse each varietie.‡
10. The wilde Marigold is like unto the single garden Marigold, but altogether lesser, and the whole plant perisheth at the first approach of Winter, and recovereth it selfe againe by the falling of the seed.
The Place
These Marigolds with double floures especially, are set and sowen in gardens; the rest their titles do set forth their naturall being.
The Time
The Marigold floureth from Aprill or May even untill Winter, and in Winter also, if it be warme.
The Names
The Marigold is called Calendula: it is to be seene in floure in the Calends almost of everie moneth: it is also called Chrysanthemum, of his golden colour: of some Caltha, and Caltha Poetarum: whereof Virgil in his Bucolickes, the second Ecloge, writeth thus;
Tum casia atque aliis intexens suauibus herbis
Mollia Luteola pingit vaccinia Caltha
And then shee’l Spike and such sweet herbes infold,
And paint the Iacinth [Hyacinth] with the Marigold.
Columella also in his tenth booke of Gardens hath these words;
Candida Leucoia & flaunentia Lumina Catthae
Stock Gillofloures exceeding white,
And Marigolds most yellow bright.
It is thought to be Gromphena Plinii: in low-Dutch it is called Goudt bloemen: in high-Dutch kingleblumen: in French Sousii & Goude: in Italian Fior d’ognimese: in English Marigolds, and Ruddes.
The Temperature and Vertues
A. The floure of the Marigold is of temperature hot, almost in the second degree, especially when it is dry: it is thought to strengthen and comfort the heart very much, and also to withstand poison, as also to be good against pestilent Agues, being taken anyway. Fuchsius hath written, That being drunke with wine it bringeth down the teres, and that the fume thereof expelleth the secondine or after-birth.
B. But the leaves of the herbe are hotter; for there is in them a certain biting, but by reason of the moisture ioyned with it, it doth not by and by shew it selfe; be meanes of which moisture they mollifie [soften] the belly, and procure solublenesse if it be used as a pot herbe.
C. Fuchsius writeth, That if the iuyce...[be pressed out] it helpeth the toothache.
D. The floures and leaves of Marigolds being distilled, and the water dropped into red and watery eyes, ceaseth the inflammation, and taketh away the paine.
E. Conserve made of the floures and sugar taken in the morning fasting, cureth the trembling of the heart, and is also given in time of plague or pestilence, or corruption of the aire.
F. The yellow leaves of the floures are dried and kept throughout Dutchland against winter, to put into brothes, in Physicall potions, and for divers other purposes, in such quantitie, that in some Grocers or Spice-sellers houses, are to be found barrels filled with them, and retailed by the pennie more or lesse, in so much that no brothes are well made without dried Marigolds. John Gerard, The Herball, 1633
The herbe and flowers are of great use with us among other pot-herbes and flowers eyther greene or dryed, are often used in possets, broths, and drinkes, as a comforter of the heart and spirits, and to expel any malignant or pestilential quality, gathered neere thereunto. The Syrup and Conserve made of the fresh flowers, are used for the same purposes to good effect. John Parkinson, Paradisus, 1629
The Marigold observes the Sun
More than my subjects me have done. Charles I (in exile on the Isle of Wight)
Marigolds may be sown in August for the spring, you may remove the Plants about two inches long, they will grow the bigger.
Marigolds shew pleasant, and a reasonable sent, you may sow them of seeds, or set young Plants.
Such is the love of it known to be toward that royall Star [the sun], being in the night time, for the desire of him, as pensive and sad, they be shut or closed together, but at the noon time of the day fully spread abroad, as if they with spread armes longed, or diligently attended, to embrace their Bridegroom. This Marigold is a singular kind of herb sown in gardens, as well for the pot, as for the decking of Gardens, beautifying of Nosegaies, and to be worn in the bosome.
Marigold helpeth the after burden of a woman, stayeth the fluxe of pissing of bloud, it killeth the worms, it healeth pushes, and stoppings, and griefs of the liver, comforteth the stomack, and procureth appetite to the stomack, and procureth appetite to meat, heateth a cold breast, asswageth the paine of the teeth, it recovereth the palsie, and fit of the plague: is a preparative against the plague, it helpeth the quartaine, it helpeth the milt of cold stomack.
Water of Marigolds distilled, recovereth all defaults of the eyes, and procureth cleare eyes, and also putteth away the griefes of the head. Thomas Hyll, The Gardener’s Labyrinth, 1653
These being so plentiful in every Garden, are so well known that they need no Description.
They flower al the Summer long, and somtimes in Winter if it be mild.
It is an Herb of the Sun, and under Leo: They strengthen the heart exceedingly, and are very expulsive, and a little less effectual in the smal Pox and Meazles than Saffron. The Juyce of Marigold Leavs mixed with Vinegar, and any hot swelling bathed with it, instantly giveth ease and asswageth it. The Flowers either green or dried are used much in Possets, Broths and Drinks as a comforter of the Heart and Spirits, and to expel any malignant or pestilential quality which might annoy them. A Plaister made with the dry Flowers in Pouder, Hoge Grease, Turpentine and Rosin, and applied to the Breast, strengthens and succors the Heart infinitely in Feavers whether pestilential or not pestilential. Nicholas Culpeper, The English Physician Enlarged, 1653.
We all know the many and sovereign virtues in your leaves, the Herbe Generalle in all pottage. Fuller, Antheologie, 1655
Conserve made of the flowers and sugar, taken in the morning fasting, cureth the trembling of the harte, and is also given in the time of plague or pestilence. The yellow leaves of the flowers are dried and kept throughout Dutchland against winter to put into broths, physicall potions and for divers other purposes, in such quantity that in some Grocers or Spicesellers are to be found barrels filled with them and retailed by the penny or less, insomuch that no broths are well made without dried Marigold.
Stevens, Maison Rustique, or the Countrie Farme 1699
The plant, especially its flowers, was used on a large scale by the American surgeons, to treat wounds and injuries sustained during the last Civil War; and obtained their warmest commendation. It quite prevented all exhaustive suppurative discharges and drainings. Succus Calendula (the fresh juice) is the best form, say the American surgeons, in which the Calendula is obtainable for ready practice. W.T. Fernie, Herbal Simples, 1895.
Greth
- South Australia,
Zone "?"
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