In the herb gardens of Abbaye de Fontfroide near Narbonne in southern France, marigolds—les soucis—grow in profusion, their vivid orange blooms set against a tapestry of other medicinal plants.
UV varnished archival ink on fine art paper bonded to a panel 565mm x 565mm
Their brightness immediately draws the eye, prompting a simple question: why are these flowers included among “medicinal” species? A brief look into their properties provides the answer. As noted by the World Health Organization:
“…marigold (le souci) may be used as an external treatment for superficial wounds, minor inflammations of the skin and oral mucosa, as well as wounds and venous ulcers.”
What first appears ornamental reveals itself, on closer inspection, to be entirely at home in a garden devoted to healing.
