The Magic of Marigolds - Marigolds for Health and Beauty Table of Contents Introduction Use of Marigolds In Herbal Lore And Tradition Planting Marigolds in Your Garden Beauty Products Made from Marigolds and Tips How to Make Marigold Skincare Cream Marigolds in Cooking Appendix Conclusion Introduction I was under the impression that the beautiful Marigold was just an ornamental flower looking great in my garden, until I found out that it was an herbaceous perennial, used in herbal medicines, natural remedies, and also in beauty recipes. So, this book is going to tell you all about the magic of marigolds, how to see them grow and flourish in your garden, and also use them in cookery, as well as in beauty recipes. In Asia, marigolds are an integral part of social life. Every auspicious ceremony needs garlands of marigolds and jasmines to adorn the houses, photographs of the gods, goddesses, and guests who have been invited to bless the ceremony with their presence. Marigolds are originally natives of North India, Africa, and Mexico. From here, they were taken all over the civilized world by traders. So that means you are going to see Calendula officinalis, otherwise known as garden Marigold, common Marigold and even pot Marigold, growing all in warm and temperate regions all over the globe. But a Mexican priest told me that ancient legend says the name Marigold is supposed to be in praise of the Virgin Mary - "Mary's Gold." Also, he told me that this flower named cempasuchil in Mexico was considered to be the sacred flower of the dead, and had to be offered during the celebration of The Day of the Dead, when people prayed to their departed near and dear ones. In India, this flower is called Satvarga- just like the Sun. Marigolds may bloom throughout the year, if the conditions are favorable, and the sun is warm and shining, so naturally this flower is one of the most preferred choices to use in happy celebrations, when you want to depict and praise light and sunshine. Do you know that the ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and Indians used Marigold flowers as a natural dye? They also colored foods with Marigold flowers to give the dish a golden yellow tint, especially when they did not have turmeric or saffron around. So if you want to nibble Marigolds, remember that only Pot Marigold Species T. tenuifolia florets are edible. Do not use Marigold leaves in any culinary masterpiece."