Marigolds are beautiful, uncomplicated farmer garden flowers that also have an excellent reputation as medicinal herbs. Hildegard von Bingen recommended these plants for treating skin ailments. Marigold ointment can easily be made at home and can be used for many natural treatments. The flowers are spicy, very decorative and have an intense ocher-yellow colour which can be used as a substitute for saffron. Marigolds can also be used with many dishes.