Mexican Tarragon (Tagetes lucida) is a species of marigold said to contain a compound that is very similar to Salvia, one of the most potent naturally occurring psychedelics. It is most notably used in ancient Aztec rituals and for its claimed psychotropic and entheogenic effects. Some have said it can induce lucid dreaming, dreamlike visions and a calming, relaxed effect. Also used in Central American peyote rituals, it is believed to enhance and balance the effects of peyote due to its combined psychoactive and relaxant effects. 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.
Mexican Tarragon 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.
