Tagetes lucida
Posted by dr3amh3rbs on Apr 6th, 2011 in Herbal Products | 5 comments
(Marigold, Yauhtli (‘the dark one’), Flor de Santa Maria, Hierba de Nube (‘cloud herb’), Sweet Mace, Mexican Tarragon)
FAVORITE USE(S): For calming the mind and body and enhancing dreams
FAVORITE TIME(S): 30 minutes – 1 hour before bed
Tagetes lucida, or Mexican tarragon is a powerfully psychoactive species of marigold that was used as a ritual incense by the Aztecs. Even now, this species of marigold is used in Mexican Dia de los Muertos celebrations as an offering to the deceased. These beautiful flowers are also used regularly as flower offerings in Hindu and Tantric ceremonies in Nepal and India, and are associated with the goddess Bhagwati and the god Shiva.
I first came across the ritual use of Tagetes lucida when I was studying the Huichol Indians of the Sierra Madre area of Mexico. They call this flower tumutsáli or yahutli, and they smoke the dried herbage by itself or mixed with an equal portion of Nicotiana rustica. The Huichol hold Tagetes lucida to be one of their most important ritual plants, and use it both recreationally and ceremonially, as part of a rite of passage ritual. They say that it has a strong aphrodisiac effect.
I discovered that the Huichol also smoke the dried herbage of Tagetes lucida during their peyote ceremonies, and that they believe that this empowers the effects of the peyote greatly. They also sometimes smoke Tagetes lucida while drinking traditional maize beer or cactus liquor. In these combinations, Tagetes lucida effects are said to include extremely dynamic and active visions.
Tagetes lucida is said to contain a compound that is very similar to Salvinorin A, the powerful alkaloid found in Salvia that is primarily responsible for its psychoactive effects and which is one of the most potent naturally occurring psychedelics. Dried Tagetes lucida herbage is very fragrant and can be used as a flavoring spice in cooking, as a remedy for digestive troubles, and of course to induce visions.
I find that smoking the herbage and drinking Tagetes lucida tea made from the leaf brings on a very relaxed and sleepy state. I do sometimes notice mild closed-eye visuals when working with this combination. I am also usually encompassed with a warm feeling of well-being, and a physical feeling of warmth in my body.
Working with Tagetes lucida usually makes me feel sleepy, so I find it best to take just before bed. I have found that Tagetes lucida also has very interesting dream enhancing effects. It is very calming and induces restful sleep. This, in combination with the visual effects that it has are certainly part of the reason this plant is useful in working with lucid and vivid dreams. Tagetes lucida is an ideal addition to any dream inducing smoking blend or tea, and has particularly interesting effects when smoked along with Calea zacatechichi and Mexican Prickly Poppy.
HOW TO PREPARE/RECIPE: I have discovered a number of different preparations for Tagetes lucida herbage in my research. It can be infused in high proof alcohol to make a tincture, boiled in water to make a tea, or ground to make a paste. My favorite method of taking Tagetes lucida is to boil 1-2 grams in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. I then usually drink this tea while smoking about 1 gram of the dried herbage. This seems to have the most noticeable effects, particularly when it comes to dreaming. Tagetes lucida also works very well as part of smoking blends for purposes of dreaming, particularly in conjunction with Calea zacatechichi and Mexican Prickly Poppy.
What can you tell me about the diets of the Huichol indians? Tagetes Lucida is potentiated by CYP1A2 Inhibitors and CYP2A6 Inhibitors. German Chamomille is just one example of such an inhibitor, at least of CYP1A2. Because of this, I believe something in their diet or in combination would create its psychoactivity.
The Huichol used to rely on corn and meat as their main staples. But now, since they’ve been forced, in large part, to grow tobacco, destroying much of their hunting and farming lands, they now eat no differently than any other peoples in that region of Mexico. But, as the Huichol revere Peyote as sacred, they reportedly use Tagetes in conjunction with that sacred Plant Teacher. Perhaps that has something to do with the reported powerful effects of this seemingly innocuous plant.
I have been growing this plant for a number of years. However, in the past when making tea from the leaves I have found a rather unsettling result of insomnia. I have seen similar experiences posted online from other users. I would agree with the above that the traditional use is probably more potentiated by the peyote than this herb.
Your comment inspired me to dig deeper. And, upon further research, it seems that it might be either dose-dependent or dependent on the method of ingestion. According to Diaz in a 1975 article entitled “Ethnopharmacology and taxonomy of Mexican psychodysleptic plants”, Tagetes lucida was smoked in ceremonies in Mexico to “aid clairvoyance” and to alleviate “crazy people and those astonished and frightened by the thunder.” On the other hand, in an article by Neher called “The ethnobotany of Tagetes” (which appeared in one of my personal favorite journals called “Economic Botany”), he states that several cups of a tea can have “strong stimulating effects.”
Also, other literature does state that “it is usually smoked alone” by the Huichol and that when they do mix it, it’s usually mixed with Nicotiana rustica. When it “synergizes” with the Nicotiana, the intoxication is “marked by quiescence, lying down, a fixed gaze, and frequent periods of closed eyes.” The literature goes on to state that peyote isn’t used to cause the above effects, but only to intensify them.
Either way, I’d be VERY interested to hear if the different methods of ingestion (tea or smoking) cause different effects, and if blending with Nicotiana rustica is what potentiates the above effects as well. Thanks for sharing, and hope to hear more from you!
I have been developing an herbal liqueur for my own pleasure. Interestingly, I found it to enhance the colors and coherence of my dreams. After reading this I thought it noteworthy that the primary components are Spanish Tarragon leaf (Tagetes lucida), Meadow Sage leaf (Salvia nemorosa), Camomile flowers (Chamaemelum nobile), and Costmary leaf (Tanacetum balsamita). I thought it was just me but reading this blog makes me wonder.