Tagetes (Tagetes bipinata) Madagascar

Tagetes is a very powerful essential oil.  The herb has been used in China and South America for coughs, colds, and stomach problems. It is distilled with Sandalwood in India to make a very popular perfume essence.  Although it is often used in perfumes, Tagetes is a very strong scent and needs to be used in very small quantities in a perfume blend.  Tagetes is often confused with Calendula, but the two plants are different species.

Essential oil of Tagetes contains the chemicals ocimene, tagetones, myrcene, linalol, carvone, and valeric acid. These chemicals make it anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-spasmodic. 

Tagetes can be used in a lotion or massage oil for a variety of skin problems.  Its anti-fungal activity makes it a good choice for Athlete's Foot.  The oil is also said to cure bunions if used every day for a long period of time.   Tagetes is used in skin conditions where the skin has become hardened and layered for some reason.  Add 10 drops of Tagetes to a 2 oz massage oil to soften callouses, rough skin, corns, chapped skin, and to heal scars.

There are several studies being conducted on Tagetes as an insecticide.  Folklore holds that it repels the common housefly and can be used against parasites.

The scent of Tagetes is very unique.  It has a strong camphor-like initial effect followed by a soft flowery undertone with a touch of very smooth leather. For some reason, it reminds me of the smell of suede; soft and organic once it has had some time to mellow.   It seems to have a relaxing yet clearing effect on my psyche. I find it a very motivating scent.

Always dilute your essential oils in an unscented carrier oil like Sesame or Jojoba. Do not take essential oils internally. Always store essential oils out of heat and sunlight. Keep essential oils away from children and pregnant women.

All information in this description is copyright Kamala’s Own LLC. Please ask for permission to reprint it. This description is not medical advice and the information herein comes from personal experience, research, and folklore. If you believe you are ill, consult an M.D. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any medical condition. Nothing here has been evaluated by the FDA.