Already in the Middle Ages, marsh marigold found application as a medicinal plant. Today, it is used rather rarely. Nevertheless, its diuretic, antispasmodic and expectorant effects can be used for numerous diseases. However, due to the strong change in our landscapes, it is already on the red list in some states and is considered endangered.
Occurrence and cultivation of marsh marigold.
The name already indicates its preferred location: In damp places, especially on riverbanks and swamps, the yellow-flowered plant can be found. The marsh marigold bears the scientific name: Caltha palustris and belongs to the marsh marigolds (Caltha). This is a part of the Ranuculaceae plant family. It is a very perennial herbaceous plant and flowers perennially. Its growth height can vary from 5 to 30 centimeters, depending on whether the stems erect or run along the ground. In early spring, the plant sprouts strong green leaves – also on the stems. Between March and May, marsh marigold blooms an intense sunny yellow. Although visually it strongly resembles buttercups, it can be easily distinguished by its round and greasy glossy leaves. The distribution region of the marsh marigold is circumpolar. Accordingly, it finds ideal growing conditions throughout Europe, northern Asia, and as far away as Arctic North America. The name already indicates its preferred location: The yellow-flowered plant is found in moist places, especially on riverbanks and swamps. It prefers nutrient-rich soils, which it also finds in moist marsh meadows, floodplain and swamp forests, springs and streams. Thus, marsh marigold is also a reliable indicator of moisture and wetness.
Effect and application
As with numerous other plants used in natural medicine, marsh marigold is mildly toxic to poisonous. In what concentrations this applies is not clearly defined. In part, the green leaves are consumed as a wild salad, others advise against its use altogether. Nevertheless, this plant should be used as a precaution only dried, externally or homeopathically prepared. Recipes are given only in folk medicine and even here the marsh marigold is rarely used. Its toxic effect is due to the anemonines, saponines, apoquinalkaloids and triterpenlcones it contains. These secondary plant compounds are found in all buttercups. Consumption of raw leaves or buds causes irritation of the mucous membranes, throat, and nasal passages. Furthermore, the poison can cause vomiting, bloody diarrhea, fainting, seizures and water retention. In very sensitive people, even mere skin contact causes irritation and swelling. Burns of the skin are also possible. These usually occur after four to five hours. In case of poisoning, taking activated charcoal or gastric lavage will help. Cooking the plant reduces the toxic effect. If it is dried, it disappears completely. A tea can therefore be taken quite safely. Other components of marsh marigold are choline, flavonoids, protoanemonin and carotene. In the Middle Ages, people used this plant for liver diseases. This followed the widespread doctrine of signatures. The color yellow was associated with liver and gall bladder. In this context, the term jaundice. Since the marsh marigold blooms intensely yellow, it was assigned to these complaints. Today, marsh marigold is used sporadically in the form of tea mixtures for coughs. The saponins it contains have an expectorant and antispasmodic effect. This buttercup plant is also used in homeopathy. Under its scientific name Caltha palustris, it is available in the potencies D3 to D6 and is used for coughs, inflammations of the skin and menstrual cramps. In the latter case, the patient also benefits from the antispasmodic effect. In addition, marsh marigold was used in the past as a coloring agent for dairy products and luxury foods. It was also an integral part of some national cuisines. Among other things, it was used as a substitute for capers when pickled in vinegar. However, caused stomach upset after consumption.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
In general, the components of marsh marigold have a diuretic, skin irritant, antispasmodic and expectorant effect.This results in numerous treatment options. The expectorant and antispasmodic effect is particularly useful in diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Cough and bronchitis can be alleviated. The antispasmodic effect also helps women with menstrual cramps. Due to its diuretic effect, it is also used for gallbladder and liver complaints, as well as rheumatic diseases. This is because the increased excretion enables the body to detoxify, as it were. Regular detoxification is recommended especially for rheumatism patients. It can also be used for inflammatory skin diseases. Thus, positive reports have been received about its use in the treatment of warts. Furthermore, products of dried marsh marigolds are said to help with general nervous weakness and migraine. In addition, the toxic component anemonin is known to be effective against tumors. Most of the examples of use are handed down from the Indian culture. Here, the marsh marigold is also used in cases of flu to make the body sweat and increase fever. Likewise, the yellow-flowered herb is used to induce vomiting in cases of stomach ailments. Furthermore, Native American peoples associate the flowers of marsh marigold with an aphrodisiac effect and use them in all sorts of love spells. Basically, the marsh marigold is very rarely used. If it is, it is used exclusively in dried form, externally or homeopathically prepared. In this way, any possible danger of poisoning is avoided. Special care should be taken with pregnant and nursing women, they should not come into contact with any components.
