Tagetes is also known as the Mexican Marie Gold as it is popular in North America. It is also called the Khaki Bush in some countries. It is native to Africa and is prized for its essential oils that are now popular in various parts of the world. The essential oils are known for its health benefits. They are also used as insect repellant.
The best part in extracting oil from Tagetes is that it can be extracted from almost all parts of the plant, including the leaves, stem, flowers and stalk. The essential oils are rich in limonene, valeric acid and tagetone. These components are essential in making sure that it can provide health benefits. Although the essential oils are fragrant, they are not known for aromatherapy. They are not used for perfumes either. They are mostly used as insect repellant due to their properties.
This essential oil has fruity and sweet scent. In the past, the flowers were hung outside the house so they can serve as insect repellants. Eventually, more studies have been conducted and the essential oils extracted from the plant were used for various medical purposes. The essential oil is usually confused with calendula oil mainly because of its similarities in scent and appearance. India is the largest producer of Tagetes Essential Oil.
Tagetes Essential Oil Benefits
You will get these benefits when using the essential oil:
- Treats minor cuts and wounds
- Prevents the spread of bacteria and virus in the body
- Helps boost the immune system
- Serves as an insect repellant
- Treats respiratory conditions
- Calms people with stress and anxiety problems
- Serves as a natural muscle relaxant
- Lowers pain in affected areas of the body
Tagetes Essential Oil is not really that popular relative to other essential oils. This can be attributed to the popularity of tea tree oil. They both have antifungal and antibacterial properties. However, tea tree oil is generally deemed safer. Tagetes is usually used as an insect repellant. However, it has also been harnessed for culinary purposes. In Chile and Argentina, it is used as a condiment. It is usually paired up with rice dishes and stews. In China, the flowers were deemed effective for solving various problems including cough, cold, sore eyes and mumps. In India, it is extremely popular as most of the essential oils are manufactured there. Aside from the oil, they also harness the flowering tops which are used for manufacturing perfume.
Tagetes Essential Oil Uses
- Tagetes Essential Oil as Antibiotic. It inhibits the growth of bacteria in the body and ensures that they don’t come back to cause more harm.
- Tagetes Essential Oil as Insect Repellant. It has the ability to ward off insects and prevent them from coming closer to people. They might smell good, but they have properties that insects don’t like.
- Tagetes Essential Oil as Sedative. It helps calm people down especially those who are suffering from hysteria and stress. It also helps people suffering from epilepsy and convulsion.
- Tagetes Essential Oil as Treatment for Cuts and Wounds. Considering the fact that it has anti-bacterial properties, it is perfect in treating minor cuts and prevents them from getting worse. As long as it is diluted before applied to the wounds, it would be totally safe.
- Tagetes Essential Oil as Remedy for Respiratory Conditions. It has the ability to clear blocked passages for easier breathing. People suffering from asthma and bronchitis will find relief with its help.
- Tagetes Essential Oil as Muscle Relaxant. It helps in relaxing the muscles especially after experiencing spasms.
- Tagetes Essential Oil as Anti-microbial. It prevents the growth and spread of microbes in the body.
- Tagetes Essential Oil as Deodorant. It smells really good so it is perfect for neutralizing bad odor. Although people usually make use of it as an insect repellant, it is still tempting to use it as a perfume considering its nice smell.
Tagetes Essential Oil Side Effects
Since Tagetes is a powerful essential oil, it is suggested that it is used only in low dilution. It is also considered a dermal irritant. Therefore, it is not advised to be used in large amounts directly to the skin. It should be diluted to be safe. Tea tree, frankincense and geranium oils are among the best essential oils to partner with Tagetes. It is also considered phototoxic. This means that you should not be exposed to the sun within 24 hours of applying the essential oil or else you will suffer from skin irritation. Children and pregnant women are also advised not to use this essential oil.
How to Use Tagetes Essential Oil
Here are some ways to make the most out of the Tagetes Essential Oil:
- It is usually applied topically but it should only be in low dilutions to avoid irritation. It may also be mixed up with other essential oils to reduce its strength. It is also possible to mix it with bath water so you can be relieved from fever and flu.
- It is possible to directly inhale the essential oil as it has nice scent, but you may also use a diffuser. Just make sure you don’t put it directly on your eyes to prevent irritation. The diffused oil can be used for solving respiratory complaints like difficulty of breathing.
How to Make Tagetes Essential Oil
The essential oil is extracted through the process called steam distillation. Unlike other essential oils where only a specific part of the plant can be extracted, Tagetes is more flexible. You can make use of its leaves, flowers and stalks to use for extraction. However, for flowers, the only ones that can be used are those that were picked when the seeds were just starting to form. The parts to be used for extraction are dried first before they can undergo steam distillation.
Tagetes Essential Oil Recipe
It is best to use Tagetes Essential Oil with other essential oils to maximize its benefits. For instance, if it is used for its antifungal properties, you have to blend 4 drops of Tagetes Essential Oil with 8 drops of tea tree oil and 8 drops of lavender oil. The mixture can be applied topically in affected areas. If you just want to harness its smell and make you feel relaxed before bedtime, you can combine 3 drops of Tagetes Essential Oil with 6 drops of German chamomile oil and jojoba oil.
Where to Buy Tagetes Essential Oil
It is best to look for this essential oil online. It is easy to find Tagetes insect repellant locally, but the essential oils are not that popular. Sites like Stillpoint Aromatics and Base Formula sell this essential oil at a reasonable price.
More Information on Tagetes Essential Oil
- This essential oil blends will with lavender, bergamot and jasmine. Although it already smells good on its own, it would be nice to have it blended with these other essential oils.
- If you want to use this essential oil for your feet, it is possible. It helps keep your feet moist and healthy.
- Although it smells good, be careful not to use more than what is allowed. The extra strength of the aroma might be difficult to withstand.
- You must stay away from the sun for a while to maximize the positive effects on your skin or else it could be the other way around.
- The essential oil is bitter and herby in taste. Therefore, it is advised not to ingest it unless you get permission from a doctor.
