Tagetes Essential Oil
Botanical Name: Tagetes minuta
Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distilled
Parts Used: Flowering plant
Note Classification: Middle
Aroma: Bitter-green, herby
Largest Producing Countries: South Africa, France, Argentina, and Egypt
Traditional Use: Used in some pharmaceutical products. To a limited extent the oil is employed in herbaceous and floral perfumes.
Properties: Anthelminthic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, fungicidal, and stomachic.
Benefits: Athlete’s foot, bunions, calluses, catarrh, chest infections, corns, coughs, fungal infections, and parasitic infections.
Blends Well With: Bergamot, clary sage, jasmine, lavender, lemon, and other citrus oils.
Of Interest: In India the locally grown flowering tops of the French marigold are distilled into a receiver that contains a solvent, often sandalwood oil, to produce ‘attar genda’ – a popular Indian perfume material. The herb is hung in doorways as a fly and mosquito deterrent in Africa, and as a mattress stuffing to keep out bugs and pests. In Uganda it is used to treat and deter disease and insects. The oil in a 5% dilution has been used to kill maggots in open wounds as well as other ticks and parasites.
Safety Data: Not to be used in pregnancy and may cause skin irritation in some individuals. Tagetes is photo-toxic and exposure to the sun is not recommended. Use with moderation.
Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate.
As with all essential oils, never use them undiluted. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier).
