As an Amazon Associate and affiliate with other programs, I may earn revenue from qualifying purchases through affiliate links. This does not affect the price you pay. Privacy Policy / Disclosures. This site is for educational purposes only.

Guide To Tagetes Essential Oil and Its Benefits and Uses

The Tagetes genus includes about 50 species of annual herbs. One of the most common species used to produce tagetes essential oil is Tagetes minuta (also called Tagetes glandulifera Schrank). Other species used to make essential oil include Tagetes erecta and Tagetes patula.

Picture of tagetes plant with the words Guide to Tagetes Essential Oil Benefits and Uses

Tagetes is a type of marigold. However, do not confuse tagetes essential oil with pot marigold oil (Calendula officinalis), which has different properties.

Plant family: Asteraceae/Compositae

Production: Steam distilled from the bright orange, daisy-like flowers and flowering tops of the annual herb. An absolute is also available.

Aroma: Fruity with warm, sweet, pungent characteristics that can be harsh. The
subsidiary notes and nuances are green, apple, herbaceous, and minty, according to Listening to Scent.

Perfume/Aromatic note: Top

Is tagetes safe to use during pregnancy? No, according to multiple sources.

Is tagetes essential oil safe for children? Consult a professional.

Cautions: Tagetes may cause skin sensitization. The oil does cause photosensitivity. Avoid exposing skin to UV rays for 12 to 24 hours after applying the oil. Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition, recommends a dermal maximum of 0.01% to avoid a photosensitive reaction.

Main components of the Egyptian essential oil:

(Z)-beta-ocimene 31.0–43.3%
Dihydrotagetone 3.0–22.0%
(Z)-tagetone 4.8–10.7%
(Z)-tagetenone 4.8–10.3%

Components of the essential oil from India and South Africa are different, as are components of the absolute. See Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition.

Tagetes Essential Oil Aromatherapy Benefits

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy and The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (updated edition): Use tagetes to help relieve bunions, calluses, corns, and fungus, including athlete's foot.

375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols: Tagetes is beneficial for the respiratory system and can help relieve fungus.

The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Third Edition, Vol. 1: For use on foot fungus, blend tagetes with myrrh, patchouli, or tea tree essential oil.

Stillpoint Aromatics: Use tagetes for the second chakra to support relationships and creation energy, for the third chakra to support personal power, and for the fourth chakra to support unconditional love. This oil soothes the nervous system and helps relieve anger, anxiety, depression, panic, stress, and other psychological imbalances.

Therapeutic Blending With Essential Oil: Tagetes may help get rid of fungus, loosen mucous and congestion, and heal cuts, sores, and bunions.

Mixing Essential Oils for Magic: Tagetes oil encourages healing for personal growth and transformation. The oil helps you define your purpose for divination, clairvoyance, and dreamwork and also helps develop psychic skills. Use the oil for angel magic, to provide spiritual protection, and in spells to attract abundance, comfort, happiness and prosperity.

A few sources, including Essential Oils Natural Remedies: The-Complete A-Z Reference, suggest using tagetes in a diffuser to repel insects.

Tagetes Essential Oil Uses and Blends

Tagetes oil is very powerful and best used sparingly.

Fungus Relief

Fungus-Relieving Blend

4 drops tagetes essential oil
4 drops lavender essential oil
8 drops manuka essential oil
2 tablespoons rosehip seed oil

Blend the oils in a small bottle. Apply a little of the blend directly to areas affected by fungus.

Source: Miracle Botanicals

Fungus-Relieving Foot Bath

1 drop tagetes essential oil
2 drops lemon essential oil
4 drops spike lavender essential oil
28 ml (slightly less than 2 tablespoons) neem oil

Blend oils in a 30 ml dark glass bottle.

Add up to 5 ml (about 1 teaspoon) of the aromatherapy blend to a warm, not hot, water foot bath. Stir to disperse the oils. Soak your feet.

Source: Base Formula

Respiratory Support

For the respiratory system, Mountain Rose Herbs suggests diffusing a blend of tagetes minuta, eucalyptus, and peppermint essential oils or a blend of cedarwood, lavender, rosemary and tagetes to encourage open airways.

Diffuser Blend for Respiratory Support