The Marigold Vibe

Going for gold

It’s always a good idea when you take over a new garden space to watch and wait and see what pops up, to learn the soil and the elements at play.

I just planted for the bees this year and like all new gardeners, I watched the progression in my garden from seed to bloom like a maniac. But I was there at the very moment the first flower bloomed as was a bee who neatly nosedived into that fresh on the earth flower like he had also been watching and waiting.

It was one of those “I am part of the cycle of life” moments I guess. The seeing and the feeling of being in collusion rather than collision with nature.

I think I was almost as delighted as that bee on that particular morning.

I’m vibing out on marigolds at the moment. They have to be the easiest most loyal plants to ever grow on earth and her uses are many.

I’m dyeing with the dried leaves - fabric and paper come out an extraordinary yellow!

Then I started looking at other uses, since in Ayurveda it is also used as a medicine.

Here are a few Things You Will Have in Your cupboard recipes for your Sunday Beauty Routine.

If you want a recipe for lotions and potions using things you may not have in your cupboard but which are easily available online or in actual real shops then click this link.

MARIGOLD INFUSED OIL

This is good for a base oil if you want to go on and make other potions or lotions. However if you just want to make some lovely oil for your face then use the following recipe.

Fill a jar with DRIED marigold flowers and then pour in an oil of your preference - jojoba or sesame are good choices - to fill the jar. Fit a lid and leave the jar for half the cycle of the moon. Strain the petals from the oil.

Make sure the flowers are well dried because using fresh flowers increases the risk of bacteria growing.

Skin Brightening Oil With Marigold Flower

• Almond oil 80ml

• 1 large marigold flower

• 1 glass jar

Make

• Put almond oil in a jar and dip all petals of marigold flower.

• Leave it in the jar for 15 days.

• Strain away the petals with a cloth.

• Use this oil at night.

Marigold Face Mask (Instant Glow)

• 1/2 cup marigold petals

• 5 tbsp rose water

• 1/4 cup peeled apple slices

Make

Grind together all the ingredients. Use it as a mask to apply on your face for 15 minutes. And then wash.

Marigold flowers are cultivated all over India. While it is commonly used for decorative purposes, you will also find its presence in various beauty rituals and culinary purposes. Marigold is cooling by nature because of which it's helpful in balancing Pitta and Kapha Dosha. It has a bitter and astringent taste.

Marigold Face Mask (Detanning)

• 1 tbsp marigold paste

• 1 pinch of turmeric powder

• 1 pinch of milk cream

• 1 pinch of honey

Make

Mix everything well. Use it as a mask to apply on your face for 20 minutes. Wash your face with water.

The paste of the leaf is applied over the area to treat muscle pain and rheumatism. It acts as an anti-inflammatory. Cold infusion of the plant is used to treat bronchitis, asthma and cough.

The paste of the leaf is fried in clarified butter or oil and consumed to control bleeding in piles and excessive blood flow during menstruation.

Marigold Face Pack (Oily Skin)

• 1 tbsp of marigold flower paste

• 1 tbsp of yogurt

• 1/2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp rose water

Make

• Mix all the ingredients and apply on your face and neck.

• Let it dry completely. Wash off with lukewarm water.

Marigold Face Mask (Normal Skin)

• 1 tbsp marigold flower paste

• 1 tbsp chickpea flour or besan

• 1 tbsp raw milk

Make

• Mix all the ingredients well and apply on the face and neck area.

• Let it dry completely. Wash off with lukewarm water.

• Apply up to three times a week.

“One such plant believed to have magical properties was calendula (marigolds) which flowers at the beginning of most months. Calendula has numerous mythological properties, such as the ability to strip a witch of her will, or wreaths of marigolds hung over a door would prevent evil from entering. They are specifically picked at Midsummer for their supposed healing properties.”

Marigold Face Mask (Anti-Ageing)

• 1/2 cup marigold petals

• Half cup diced papaya

• 2 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp rose water

Make

• Mix all ingredients in a mixer. Apply on your face and massage for 1 minute.

• Let it dry and then wash with water.

Marigold Face Mask (Dry Skin)

• 1 tbsp marigold flower paste

• 1 tbsp fresh milk cream

• 1/2 tbsp honey

Make

• Mix all the ingredients well and apply on the face and neck. Let it dry completely.

• Remove the face mask by scrubbing in circular motions. Wash off with lukewarm water.

Marigold Face Mask

• 1 tbsp marigold flower paste

• 1 tbsp rice flour

• 1/2 tbsp lemon juice

Make

• Mix all the ingredients properly and apply on the face and neck.

• Leave it to dry completely.

• Remove the face mask by scrubbing in circular motions.