Marigold, the most popular flower of India, has spiritual significance in India. It is grown not only in gardens, but also cultivated in fields. The flowers are used as prayer offering to deities, to decorate the house and its garland to welcome guests. Apart from its many uses, it has several health benefits. The flowers, leaves and even the sap of the stem have medicinal purpose for several ailments.
While marigold comes in different colours and varieties, the dark red ones are said to be more effective medicinally. Some of its health benefits are:
The leaves of dark red royal marigold are effective for treatment of skin irritation and allergy. Slightly warm the leaves, roll them between your palms and rub the roll on to the infected skin area.
The juice of the flowers also cure inflammation of the skin and other parts of the body.
The extract of the flower and leaves can be used as sunscreen. It cures sunburn.
The leaves extract also treat boils, cuts and other damge on the skin.
Its strong odor keeps insects and pest away, which is why they are commonly used in houses to ward off evil as believed.
Marigold grows in plenty in the country. Farmers harvest them for commercial purpose, as the flowers are used for all religious purpose by the Hindus. If they are hard to find, you can plant your own. They are easy to grow and they grow well in sunny places and are all-weather flowering plants.
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