Marigold

[Vijay Rajan]

This image is of Marigold (Tagetes erecta) which is among the very popular flowers commonly found in India and other countries. They can be easily cultivated, are widely adaptable to varying soils and climatic conditions and have a good flowering duration. This bushy plant with around 20 to 30 species, have a long flowering period and the colours range from orange, yellow, gold, cream to apricot. They are very much used in making garlands. It is offered to the god and Goddess on the occasion of Durga Puja.

Marigold is has been traditionally 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. 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.

My apologies for the border, unable to reprocess since the original RAW file got deleted. Canon 550D, Sigma 70 - 300 mm APO DG Macro, AE, f/5.6, 1/80, Ev.M, Monopod support, Full frame, minimal PP. C & C welcome.