Tagetes essential oil is derived from the leaves, stalks, and flowers of the Tagetes Minuta through steam distillation.
Also known as Mexican Marie Gold or Khaki Bush, this plant belongs to the Sunflower family that forms the largest family of vascular plants with more than 23,000 species.
The key properties of tagetes essential oil are limonene, tagetone, ocimene, and valeric acid.
Although tagetes essential oil comes with a nice aroma, it is not a popular choice for aromatherapy. However, this essential oil possesses numerous medicinal properties that are beneficial for your health.
This article looks into the potential benefits, uses, and side effects of tagetes essential oil.
7 Benefits of Tagetes Essential Oil
1. Tagetes Essential Oil Can Heal Wounds.
Tagetes essential oil can effectively treat minor cuts, wounds, and insect bites, thanks to its antimicrobial and antibiotic properties.
Research published in the Flavour and Fragrance Journal states that the active antibacterial properties on tagetes essential oil can effectively kill bacteria.
Applying this essential oil on wounds can prevent the spread of infections and helps the skin to heal quickly.
Due to these antibacterial components, tagetes essential oil can also kill the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that is responsible for the staph infections.
2. It May Treat Respiratory Condition.
Since ancient times, tagetes essential oil has been used to treat different respiratory problems.
A study was published in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines. It shows that the chemical components found in tagetes essential oil make it an effective treatment for asthma and other chronic respiratory problems.
It is recommended by the ayurvedic practitioners that a warm tagetes oil massage can soothe congestion and stimulate mucus flow, making breathing easier and more comfortable.
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3. Tagetes Essential Oil Can Reduce Anxiety.
The sedative properties of tagetes essential oil make it a good choice when you’re suffering from any nervous system disorder.
A study published in the Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy confirms the anxiolytic and sedative activities of tagetes essential oil.
It can act as a tonic for the central nervous system, helping you to deal with stress, anxiety, panic attack, and other emotional conditions.
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4. It Can Ease Pain and Inflammation.
Tagetes essential oil can reduce any pain and inflammation. It’s because this oil has sedative, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties.
According to the research published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, tagetes essential oil can be an effective and safe therapy against oxidative damage due to some inflammatory conditions.
Whether you’re suffering from arthritis or having joint pain after a day of hard work, you can try this essential oil to get relief from the pain and inflammation.
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5. Tagetes Essential Oil May Reduce Spasms.
Tagetes essential oil contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antispasmodic properties.
It can act as a natural relaxant against conditions caused by any internal spasms.
This oil can also help ease stomach cramps, diarrhea, as well as spasmodic coughs.
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6. It Can Repel Insects.
The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of tagetes essential oil can be deadly to some insects.
It can kill bugs like fleas, cockroaches, mosquitoes, bedbugs etc. It can also kill parasites like tick and lice.
A study was published in the Experimental & Applied Acarology. It shows tagetes essential oil could effectively kill the Rhipicephalus sanguineus or the brown dog tick on infested dogs.
READ ALSO: 8 Essential Oils to Keep Bees Away: Natural Bee Repellents
7. Tagetes Essential Oil is a Disinfectant.
Apart from treating infections in your body, this essential oil possesses more practical uses.
The antiparasitic, antibacterial, and antibiotic properties make tagetes essential oil an effective disinfectant.
You can put this oil in a spray bottle and spray it on your furniture, pillows, and surfaces to kill unwanted bugs and microbes.
You can also add this essential oil into the water and use it to clean your home.
How to Use Tagetes Essential Oil
Tagetes essential oil can be used in several ways, including:
Massage
Dilute a few drops of tagetes essential oil with a suitable carrier oil. Try a warm massage to soothe spasms and respiratory problems.
Bath
Pour a few drops tagetes essential oil into your bath water. Soak yourself in for extreme relaxation.
Diffuse
Add some of this essential oil into the diffuser and let the aroma soothe your mind and body, keep away the insects, and disinfect your home.
Precautions to Follow
Like most essential oils, tagetes essential oil also requires some precautions while being used. You need to take care of the following things to avoid any negative effects:
- Tagetes essential oil is quite strong and causes irritation if you have sensitive skin. Make sure you dilute this oil with a carrier oil of your choice.
- It is highly recommended to conduct a patch test before you start using this oil.
- Tagetes essential oil is extremely phototoxic, meaning that you should avoid sun exposure for a minimum of 24 hours after applying this oil to your skin.
- This essential oil should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Best Blending Combinations
Apart from carrier oils, tagetes essential oil blends well with some other essential oils. These includes:
- Clary sage essential oil.
- Lavender essential oil.
- Jasmine essential oil.
- Myrrh essential oil.
- Lemon essential oil.
- Tangerine essential oil.
End Note
Tagetes essential oil may not be as popular as other essential oils available in the market, but the health benefits it provides cannot be overlooked.
The high amount of therapeutic properties make this oil an effective treatment for infections, respiratory problems, inflammation, as well as spasms. You can also use this oil to kill bugs and disinfect your home.
Always purchase pure essential oil from a reputed seller. Make sure they are not adulterated. Use them as instructed and store them in a cold and dry place.
It’s highly recommended to consult with an expert or aromatherapist before you try any new essential oil. Do not use them on kids unless it is labeled kid-friendly.
Tagetes essential oil becomes more effective when blends with some other essential oils. Try the above-mentioned combination and enjoy the numerous benefits of this essential oil.
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