We love marigolds (Calendula officinalis) for the striking yellow, gold, orange and red hues of their large, round blooms. 

But did you know that beyond the visual interest they add to your garden (even in the chilly season), the marigold plant comes with its own set of impressive health benefits, too? Some marigold varieties are edible, or can be made into tea for drinking, or topical solutions. Just another reason to plant them in your garden.

A boost for skin health

Strengthen your skin’s barrier

Antioxidants are molecules that neutralise free radicals – unstable molecules that can harm your body’s cells – reducing and even preventing damage caused by oxidation, which often leads to the development of certain diseases.

Calendula extract (or marigold extract), when incorporated into your skincare routine through lotions and creams, can help protect your skin from this damage. This is because of their antioxidant properties flavonoids and carotenoids.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Marigold extract can hydrate dry skin, meaning you can look forward to:

• A rejuvenated complexion,
• Reduced appearance of wrinkles, and
• A youthful glow

And, just like a fairy godmother in flower form, marigold extract can also slow down the ageing clock. According to research, it is shown to boost collagen production, meaning your skin can benefit from added firmness and suppleness.

Golden elixir

Besides these everyday benefits for boosting your skin’s health, the anti-inflammatory nature of marigold extract found in calendula cream means it can:

• Soothe various skin conditions and irritations, like rashes and minor burns, 
• Treat wounds, leading to quicker wound healing, and
• Help decrease pain from insect bites.

Interestingly, the plant’s ability to help treat wounds is believed to be due to stimulation of epithelial cell production, mostly because it contains certain proteins that support this. This can be especially helpful for those healing after surgery.

There is some research that also indicates that the extract can increase blood flow and oxygen to the area of a wound to help with healing.

All eyes on you

Marigolds can be a sight for sore eyes in more than one way.

Lutein, a type of antioxidant also present in their flowers, has been shown to lower the risk of chronic diseases, especially eye diseases. This same antioxidant has also been shown to reduce inflammation in conditions like dry eye and conjunctivitis, or pink eye.

Eye health at all ages

This plant is a true health all-rounder, for young and old. 

In addition to boosting immunity and healing wounds especially in sensitive skin, marigold extract has also been proven to protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts in older people. Compounds found in the marigold flower act as natural filters against harmful UV rays and help maintain optimal vision as you age.

Tune into ear health

When you’ve had an ear infection, you may have reached for a bottle of ear drops to help soothe any inflammation that may have caused discomfort in your ear canal. Within hours, you were probably back to your usual self – and marigolds, once again, would’ve been to thank for that. 

Calendula drops, containing marigold extract, can lower inner ear swelling and help heal bacterial ear infections, which is why so many find comfort in them.

Get fighting fit

Because marigolds are packed with antioxidants, they naturally have immuno-stimulating properties.

By now, we know they have surprising antimicrobial superpowers, but how do you get the most out of them to benefit from these properties?

If you’re a tea drinker, be adventurous and try marigold tea made from their dried flowers, or include marigold extract in your daily diet; you can stand to benefit especially in the chillier flu and cold season.

Keep them merry

If you have little ones in the house, the gentle ingredients in calendula oil, made with marigold extract, as well as its pleasant smell, make it perfect for soothing diaper rashes. 

It can even help soothe irritable skin conditions like eczema.

Open wide

If you thought it was just citrus fruits that can naturally boost your immunity and ward off those sore throats, think again.

Calendula extract from marigolds can even be an effective remedy for sore throats, gingivitis (gum infections), tonsilitis and mouth ulcers. Feel a scratch in your throat? Time to gargle with some calendula tea to reduce the odds of needing to take a sick day.

I’ve got sunshine

Gardening itself has been linked to reducing stress levels and promoting mental clarity. The vibrant colours and uplifting fragrance of marigolds add to this therapeutic experience, creating a calming environment that encourages relaxation and boosts overall mood.

Beyond their health benefits, marigolds serve a practical purpose in your garden, too. Their strong fragrance repels pests such as mosquitoes and aphids, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and promoting a healthier garden ecosystem.

Our climate also supports the growth of marigolds throughout the year. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them ideal for garden beds, borders and containers. With proper care and regular watering, marigolds can bloom abundantly, brightening up your outdoor space with their cheerful colours.

Match made in heaven

Ready to embrace the beauty of marigolds and harness their health benefits? They’re easy to grow – and are available at your local Stodels garden centre! Looking for other bedding plants to join them in your garden? Here’s our top 10 list.