Miraculous Marigold.....

Among all the major plants of India, Marigold is the most identical. The Marigold Flower holds the great religious significance. The Marigold flower is offered to God and Goddess in India. It is also used for making garlands.

It has got several names across the world like Ganda, Gols bloom, Garden Marigold, Gold bloom, Holligold, Marybud, Pot Marigold etc.
It flowers from July to September. The scented flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs). It is hardy to zone 6 and is frost tender. The lower leaves are broad and spatula shaped. Upper leaves may be oblong, are smooth at the edges, and are arranged alternately along the stem.
Classification

Kingdom :	Plantae
Division	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order :	Asrerales
Family :	Calenduleae
Genus :	Calendula
Scientific Name :	Calendula officinalis
Found In :	Valley of Flowers, Ranthambore National Park.

Cultivation :
Marigold plant is propagated by the seeds. They are shown during the early spring. Marigold does not need cultivation but the soil should be free from the weeds. The seeds should be shown 2cm apart. Seeds should be planted in the sunny locations. Fertilizers should be added from time to time. They require damp to wet soil for the growth. The seeds are germinated in two to three weeks. It needs full sunlight for its growth.

What are the Medicinal uses of it??:
Marigold is used for stomach upset, ulcers, menstrual period problems, eye infections, inflammations, and for wound healing. It is antiseptic. If the Marigold flower is rubbed on the affected part, it brings relief in pain and swelling caused by a wasp or bee. A lotion made from the flowers is most useful for sprains and wounds and a water distilled from them is good the sore eyes. The infusion of the freshly gathered flowers is beneficial in fever. Marigold flowers are mostly in demand foe children ailment. Externally it is used in the treatment of alopecia. Internally it is used to treat bladder and kidney problems, blood in the urine, uterine bleeding and many more.

Other uses :
Bright yellow and orange Marigold flowers are used to make garlands. They are even used to decorate the religious places. The leaves of its flowers are used as salads. Yellow dye has also been extracted from the flower, by boiling. The burning herb repels insects and flies. Pigments in the Marigold are sometimes extracted and used as the food colouring for humans and livestock.