Putting your beautiful marigolds to good use long into the winter.
I write often about marigolds. Why not? They’re beautiful, easy to grow, and make great companion plants. As the summer fades in September and the blooms fade, I harvest the blossoms and give them new life – as a marigold foot soak.
The soaking is incredibly relaxing. But my favorite part is how dried petals release their spicy fragrance. It’s an incredible reminder of the warm weather to come.
This article explores how you can make a marigold foot soak, a recipe that combines the topical benefits of marigold with the soothing properties of Epsom salt.
The Marigold (Tagetes) Plant
Tagetes marigolds, with their distinctive bright orange and yellow flowers, have more than just aesthetic value. Historically, these plants have been valued for their medicinal properties, significant in various cultural healing practices.
NOTE: DIY Home & Garden content is meant for general knowledge only. I’m a blogger and herbologist, not a physician or pharmacist. Check with your primary care doctor if you have questions about adding marigolds to your health routine.
Therapeutic Benefits of Marigolds
Marigolds are renowned for their potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. When used topically, these flowers can have therapeutic impacts. Their bioactive compounds make them suitable for a pedicure or foot care.
- Antimicrobial Properties: Marigolds exhibit strong antimicrobial abilities, making them effective against various microorganisms. This property is crucial for preventing and treating infections, especially in wounds.
- Evidence: Research highlights the inhibitory effects of marigold extracts on some microorganisms, showcasing their potential antimicrobial potency.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The flowers are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, which can significantly alleviate inflammation. That is particularly beneficial for conditions like skin irritations and inflammations.
- Evidence: Marigolds may contribute to reducing inflammatory conditions, which has been documented in studies.
- Antioxidant Properties: Marigolds are rich in antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. These antioxidants include flavonoids and carotenoids.
- Evidence: The antioxidants in marigolds help scavenge free radicals. Thus, they may reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall skin health.
- Wound Healing: Marigolds are traditionally used for their wound-healing abilities. Their application can accelerate the healing process of cuts, burns, and other skin injuries.
- Evidence: The compounds in marigold flowers aid in reducing inflammation and promoting the formation of new tissue, which is beneficial in treating minor skin injuries.
- Treatment of Skin Irritations: Marigold preparations are often used to treat various skin conditions and irritations due to their soothing and healing properties.
- Evidence: Marigold’s natural antiseptic properties prevent infections in minor skin injuries and soothe irritated skin, per traditional and contemporary uses.
These properties make marigolds an invaluable addition to natural wellness routines. You might enjoy experimenting with them as topical applications like foot soaks, where they can provide relief and aid in skin health and underlying tissues.
Harvesting and Drying Marigolds
I gather the marigold flowers only from my garden each fall and toss the roots and stems in my compost bin. The process of drying marigolds is as simple as giving them a quick rinse and swooshing free any loose dirt into a bucket of water. Dirt removed, I spread them out on a clean tarp to completely dry for two hours.
Once completely dry to the touch, I put them in my electric dehydrator to completely rid them of moisture. I use the default setting and start checking them after about an hour of drying; it takes up to two hours (depending on flower head sizes).
Preparing and Storing Marigold Tagetes for a Foot Soak
To prepare the dried marigold petals for a foot soak, I gently crush them to release their essential oils. This step is crucial to maximize the therapeutic benefits of the soak.
Proper storage of dried marigolds is essential to preserve their efficacy. I store mine in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Storing them this way helps to make sure they remain potent for my next foot soak preparation.
Recipe for Marigold Foot Soak
The foot soak recipe is a harmonious blend of dried marigold petals and Epsom salt. Epsom salt, known for its high magnesium content, reduces inflammation and relieves muscle tension. It complements the marigold petals perfectly, creating a foot soak that soothes the skin and relaxes the muscles.
Using the marigold foot soak is a rejuvenating experience. It feels and smells so good!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Epsom salt
- 1/4 cup dried marigold (Tagetes) petals
- Warm water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marigold petals: If your dried marigold petals are large, you should crush them a bit to release more of their oils.
- Mix Ingredients: Mix the Epsom salt and crushed dried marigold petals in a basin large enough for your feet.
- Prepare the Soak: Fill the basin with warm (not too hot) water. The water should be enough to cover your feet completely.
- Dissolve the Epsom Salt: Stir the water until the Epsom salt seems mostly dissolved.
- Soak Your Feet: Submerge your feet in the basin and relax for 15-20 minutes. As you soak, gently rub your feet over the marigold petals to help release their soothing properties.
- Dry and Moisturize: After soaking, pat your feet dry with a towel and consider applying a moisturizer to lock in the softness.
This soak is great for reducing swelling, soothing aches, and softening the skin. The marigold adds a calming effect and can help with skin healing. Enjoy this relaxing experience after a long day or as a special treat for your feet!
The Takeaway: Marigold Foot Soak Is an Excellent Experience
The marigold Tagetes foot soak is an excellent way to continue using your garden product, even long after the cold weather has set in.
By enjoying the topical benefits of marigold and the muscle-relaxing properties of Epsom salt, this foot soak offers a simple, effective way to rejuvenate and care for your feet. Love this idea? Give it a try, and let me know on social media how it worked for you!
She has a B.S.Ed. in Secondary Education/English and a Spanish Minor. In addition, she holds a Certificates in Natural Health and Herbology from accredited programs. She pursued these natural wellness certifications due to her love for herb gardening.
Despite freelancing to make a living, her love is "all things home."
Deborah grew up in a family that grew a large vegetable garden and a fruit orchard, helping her parents pull weeds and can home-grown foods as part of her childhood. In fact, she had no idea that she could purchase veggies and fruits in pre-packed steel cans until she went to college and made a food run.
Today, she lives in Bertie County, North Carolina, an agricultural rural area with more chickens than people. She lives with her husband and two rescue pets a sweet toy fox terrier and a cat who showed up one day and moved into the house. Together, they enjoy DIY projects, furniture refinishing, gardening, and canning.
