View photos of the edible and medicinal plant Caltha palustris (Marsh marigold).

View photos of the edible and medicinal plant Caltha leptosepala (Marsh marigold), profiled in Medicinal Plants of the Western Mountain States and Wild Edible Plants of New Mexico.

A passage from Medicinal Plants of the Western Mountain States:

Less documented, but still sensible, is Marsh marigold’s usefulness when applied to gastrointestinal deficiencies – specifically secretory deficiencies. As with respiratory issues, the plant should be used in formula, ideally comprising no more than 25% of a well–crafted herbal combination. For example, Marsh marigold combined with bitters or chologogues could be considered in cases of poor gastric digestion or enteric assimilation. If secretory deficiency is part of the symptom picture, used as an accent, the plant will be found relevant.

A passage from Wild Edible Plants of New Mexico:

Gather the just forming leaves, stems, and/or flower buds in the spring (or early summer), prior to the plant becoming aged and fibrous. Collected early–on, the herbaceous parts are thickened and semi–succulent. Simmer these parts for 10–15 minutes (important) and rinse with fresh water. Serve as a cooked spinach–like green.

Eaten fresh, Marsh marigold can be irritating to oral and gastric tissues, producing a very acrid/burning sensation. This is due to the plant’s lactone content. Heat (simmering) quickly dissipates this irritating principle.