Leisha 
Mexican Tarragon, or “Tagetes lucida,” is like a vibrant thread woven into the rich tapestry of Mexican culture and spirituality. Unlike its more common cousins—French and Russian Tarragon—this hardy herb thrives in warm climates, exuding a charismatic personality that’s both bold and welcoming. Encountering Mexican Tarragon is like meeting an old friend and discovering untold stories of ancient rituals, culinary secrets, and understated mysticism.
The Aztecs, those remarkable pioneers of knowledge and culture, held Mexican Tarragon in high esteem. Known to them as “yauhtli,” it was integral to their spiritual practices, revered for its ability to transcend the ordinary and lift one into realms of divine communication. They saw beyond its bright yellow flowers and aromatic leaves, extending its use into rituals where its leaves were burned as incense. This was not just for the pleasing scent—a distinctive blend of anise and mint—but for its reputed power to purify spaces and open channels to the gods. Imagine the scene: a softly lit chamber, fragrant smoke curling toward the sky, thoughts turning inward as the veil between worlds thins.
In more recent times, curiosity around Mexican Tarragon’s entheogenic potential continues to grow. Entheogens are substances that stir our consciousness, allowing for altered, often elevated states of awareness. While sipping on Mexican Tarragon tea might not catapult you into vivid visions at first try, there’s something undeniably enchanting about the subtle push it gives to the mind’s eye. Many have ventured to include it in meditation or bedtime rituals, trading modern, fast-paced distractions for a moment steeped in calm and reflection.
But this wonderful plant isn’t just a spiritual wanderer; Mexican Tarragon has practical applications that are deeply satisfying. In the kitchen, it’s a quiet hero, adding layers of surprise and depth to dishes. Its understated, licorice-like flavor plays well with chicken and fish, while a whisper of its essence sprinkled over a salad transforms simple greens into a guessing game of flavors. Its hardiness makes it a favorite in warmer gardens, where its marigold-like blooms bring sunny cheer and its leaves are always ready for a culinary adventure.
Growing Mexican Tarragon is akin to welcoming a bit of history into your garden. This sun-loving plant rewards patience with its lush green leaves, bright yellow blossoms, and a steady provision of culinary treasure. Whether starting from seeds or cuttings, it quickly becomes a steadfast companion, low-maintenance yet endlessly rewarding. Harvesting its leaves or blossoms connects you to its ancient past, letting you partake in the age-old tradition of turning nature’s gifts into nourishment and ritual.
Traditionally, Mexican Tarragon isn’t just restricted to spiritual or culinary realms. Folk medicine in its native lands celebrates the herb’s ability to harmonize digestive systems. Its antimicrobial properties work quietly in the background, supporting gut health by maintaining a balanced microbial environment. Here, it acts as a gentle guardian, fostering good bacteria while keeping less desirable ones in check, a testament to the plant’s delightful duality.
For those looking to savor Mexican Tarragon’s essence, here are a couple of ways to incorporate this vibrant herb into your life:
Mexican Tarragon Tea:
Steep dried Mexican Tarragon leaves in hot water for about 10-15 minutes. Strain and sip this herbal tea warm in the evenings to help foster relaxation and potentially open the gateway to lucid dreaming. This simple ritual can become a comforting end to any day.
Mexican Tarragon Infused Oil:
Infuse dried Mexican Tarragon leaves in a mild oil of your choice for several weeks. Once infused, strain the leaves out and use this oil as a delightful condiment over salads, or even as a soothing topical remedy for skin irritations. The process captures the herb’s aromatic flavors and numerous benefits, ready for culinary and medicinal use.
COMING SOON, “THE SECRET GARDEN” HERB BOOK, 55 PLANTS THAT GROW ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD AND THEIR GIFTS TO HUMANS.
