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Marigolds, nicknamed smraďošky or African marigolds, are popular and very undemanding plants that are worth having in the bed. They are very useful not only for your beds, but also for you.
These popular annuals have an amazing ability to protect your beds from pests.
Few people know that they are enormously beneficial for our health as well. My grandmother already taught me about their miraculous powers. For example, a simple tea from this little flower was always on the table whenever we had a stomach ache during the holidays at grandma’s. It is unbeatable for digestion; even more useful than pouring it with boiling water is to mix it with ordinary oil.
Marigolds are soil doctors, they will protect your crop
Planting marigolds in the bed helps protect surrounding plants against pests. The juices released from the root system reliably destroy especially the nematodes known as soil eelworms (lat. Nematoda). Marigold roots first attract the nematodes that attack, in particular, carrots, onions, celery, beans, roses and strawberries, and then let them starve, so they die.
Another significant benefit for the soil is the very rich root biomass that remains after cultivation. By decomposing it, the soil gains as much humus as with green manuring. It is appropriate to use marigold roots to alleviate soil fatigue after long-term cultivation of root vegetables and beans in the same place.
Attracts beneficial insects
Butterflies, bees and other types of beneficial insects are literally indispensable for any garden. The lure for beneficial insects and butterflies is the sweet nectar hidden in colorful flowers, fruits and plants. The much-loved marigold is excellent for them, its colors attracting helpful allies.
Oil for joints
This effect of the “smraďoška”, as I call this plant, will be appreciated especially by those who suffer from rheumatism or have aching joints and bones (so after 60, probably everyone). It’s enough to pick these blossomed orange flower heads and pour ordinary kitchen oil over them. I follow a ratio of 1 part flowers to 3 parts oil. Let it infuse for 3 weeks. The oil is used for rubbing and massaging sore joints, bones and muscles. If you want even faster pain relief, add a decoction of the flowers to your bath. Pick the little flowers in the evening and let them soak in water overnight. The next day put it on the heat, bring to a boil and pour into the bath (you can strain it, or add the flowers as well).
Expels illnesses and flies from the home
Grandmother always said that this little flower would drive illnesses and unwelcome inhabitants out of the room. And she was not far from the truth. Marigolds are indeed very useful indoors; they have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Their scent will reliably drive flies out of the room. If you want to get rid of lice, use marigold oil that you rub into the hair and leave for 20 minutes. Then rinse the hair with a decoction of the flowers. This method was also very successful in the past!
You’ll appreciate them in the kitchen too
Marigolds have edible flowers and their sweet taste resembles anise. If you add a few to a salad or to a sauce, you will create a unique oriental flavor. In coastal countries they are also used in soups and fruit salads.
