The Mexican Marigold, Aztec Marigold, Cempasúchil, Flor de Muertos, or Tagetes erecta, is native to Mexico & Central America. They are also called African Marigolds.
The Aztecs used it for medicinal purposes and Day of the Dead ceremonies. Cempasúchil is the Nahuatl (Aztec) name for the flower.
Mexican Marigolds Are a Healing Flower
The flowers of the Mexican Marigold are a homeopathic treatment for protecting the eyes, cleaning and healing the skin, cleansing the digestive tract, and fighting various cancers.
Marigold baths are used after childbirth to promote the mother’s healing.
Mexican Marigolds are a Natural Dye
Mexican Marigolds were used by Native Americans as a dye.
Today they are used to make yellow or orange food coloring. They are also used as feed to improve the color of egg yolks and shrimp.
Mexican Marigolds Repel Insects
Gardeners use Mexican Marigolds to repel garden pests, especially various worms.
Mexican Marigolds are the Day of the Dead Flower
The Day of the Dead is a time when dead souls visit their living families. Mexican Marigolds attract spirits with their bright colors and scent.
Marigold flower oil is used in Honduras to clean the bodies of the dead.
