Yautli/Mexican Tarragon

Tagetes lucida, or Mexican tarragon is a 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.  While appreciated for its tarragon-like flavored leaves, this type of marigold is primarily valued for its psychoactive properties. Native to Mexico and Central America.

Huichol Indians of the Sierra Madre area of Mexico 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.

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. The flowering plant is featured in very early magiko-religious art. Many believe its spirit, Ayauh, has the power to protect against malevolent beings and the ability to heighten one’s senses, granting the potential to perceive beyond the veil. The aerial parts are harvested. The dried herb has a spicy flavor reminiscent of tarragon. Easy to grow with sweet yellow/orange flowers. Prefers full sun. Tender Perennial. Hardy to zones 8-11. It will die back in winter in zone 8 and regrow from the roots in spring.