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Mountain Marigold
Lemmon’s marigold Description Mountain marigold is an herbaceous perennial that freezes back to the ground in the winter months. In mid-summer when at the peak of its growth it usually stands 3 feet tall by 3 feet wide with an array of yellow daisy-like flowers suspended at its branch tips. If the leaves are closely examined oil glands can be clearly seen. The same volatile oils the glands contain are responsible for the mint-anise, slightly skunky odor that permeates the air if the plant is brushed against.
Distribution Mountain marigold is a mid-mountain plant of southeastern Arizona and northern Mexico. It is found from 4,000-8,000 feet among Oaks and Conifers in canyon bottoms where the soil is more apt to be nutrient rich and moist.
Chemistry Acetylenic thiophenes, flavonoids, benzofurans, and carotenoids: lutein and zeaxanthin
Medicinal Uses Mountain marigold tea is soothing to stomach and upper small intestinal irritation. If the upper gastrointestinal tract is inflamed from emotional or physically derived stresses, this plant offers relief through its mild antiinflammatory and analgesic properties. Use if suffering from gastritis, pre-ulcerous conditions, and gas pains.
The plant has an interesting effect on the nervous system and corresponding emotional outlook. Shortly after 30 drops of the fresh plant tincture is taken, a calming quality can be felt along with a lightness of mind, sometimes to the extent of giddiness. I have seen the effects of this plant useful in times of fixated emotional morbidity.
If feverish, the hot tea is a reliable way to initiate sweating. Mountain marigold is predictably vasodilating. The plant’s aromatics shift blood flow to the surface of the body, dilating the pores of the skin, therefore facilitating diaphoresis. An oil or salve can be made from the dried flowers and applied to poorly healing skin, cuts, and scrapes. It is nutritive to tissues and will expedite healing.
Indications Gastric irritation/gas pains Dry fevers Poorly healing tissues/scrapes (external)
Collection From late spring to late summer collect the upper foliage with or without the flowers (the flowers are rich in carotenoids and flavonoids).
Preparations Tincture fresh, or dry the leaves and flowers for tea or topical use.
Dosage FPT: 30-60 drops 3-4 times daily Leaf infusion: 4-8 ounces 3-4 times daily Oil or salve made from the flowers: topically as needed
Cautions None known. |