Cempasúchil is also called Tagetes Erecta, Mexican Marigold, Flower of the Dead, Genda, or Dow Ruang. It is a pre-Hispanic plant that was used by many Mesoamerican civilizations. Cempasúchil derives from the Nahuatl word cempohualxochitl, which translates to “20 flowers.” The flower symbolizes both life and death and is also tied to the love story of Xóchitl and Huitzilin. In the story of Xóchitl and Huitzilin, it is said that after the great warrior Huitzilin died, Xóchitl begged the sun god Tonatiuh to reunite her with her lover for eternity. Tonatiuh granted her plea, transforming her into the cempasúchil flower. Soon after, Huitzilin was reincarnated as a hummingbird and found his way back to her. It is believed that as long as there are hummingbirds and cempasúchil flowers, the love between Xóchitl and Huitzilin will live on.
In México, cempasúchil blooms are displayed during Día de Muertos, in short, it is a time to honor loved ones who have transitioned. The flower’s distinct aroma is believed to help guide our ancestors back to the earthly realm during Dia de Muertos or into the afterlife through Mictlan. Cempasúchil is used to adorn altars for loved ones and to honor Mictecacihuatl, the Queen of the Underworld. It is also used as an insect repellent by being planted near crops, in poultry feed, traditional dishes, and medicinally. Cempasúchil is not only used in México but also internationally in festivals and medicinally in India, Nepal, Thailand, and China.
Cempasúchil has a natural cooling effect on the body. While the flowers are the most commonly used part of the plant, the roots, stems, and leaves have also been utilized for various ailments. In Nepal, the plant’s juice was traditionally used to treat fever, rheumatic pain, and skin conditions. In India, the leaves were either juiced or made into a poultice to treat wounds in livestock and alleviate ear pain.
In pharmacology, cempasúchil petals have become a valuable source of lutein, a carotenoid found in colorful plants like carrots and yams. Lutein is widely recognized for supporting visual, cardiovascular, DNA, and skin health.
Beyond its lutein content, cempasúchil is rich in flavonoids and terpenes, such as limonene, linalool, geraniol, acetate, ocimene, and menthol. These compounds contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, diuretic, antipyretic, and antispasmodic properties. The flower has been traditionally used to treat gastric issues and various skin conditions.
When applied topically, cempasúchil can help reduce inflammation, nerve pain, acne, eczema, rashes, abscesses, and wounds. As an antispasmodic, it is used to ease coughs, stomach cramps, menstrual pain, muscle spasms, and aches associated with illness. Other traditional uses include postpartum baths, treatments for insomnia and anxiety, as well as remedies for diabetes and rheumatism.
"Treats cold diseases, relieves flatulence, aphrodisiac, treats cold stomach, induces urination and menstruation, induces sweating, treats intermittent fevers, alleviates cold-related conditions, cures cachexia, relieves liver ailments, relieves contracted limbs, cures hydropsy, induces vomiting in warm water.” - Francisco Hernández, 1838.
“Alleviates bladder pain and stranguria (taken with wine), reduces fever (administered in warm water), treats thigh pain (toasted with egg whites and vinegar, applied as a poultice), acts as a fumigant for infants, relieves nerve pain and reduces swelling in the feet (ground and mixed with oil), effective against foot pain (consumed as a potion), reduces body heat (externally applied, presumably the seeds), kills worms and helps in their elimination (seeds are drunk or eaten), promotes urination and helps expel bladder stones.” - Brunfels [& Weiditz], 1530.
Recommended Dosage:
Petals:
Dried or fresh: 1 tbsp per 8oz of boiling water, 2-3x/day.
Fresh: 2 - 3 tbsp per 8 oz of boiling water, 2-3x/day.
Let steep for 20 minutes.
Use this tea when you are experiencing a fever from a cold, flu, or bacterial intestinal infection. As well as for spasms, cramping, gas, excess salt, and fluids in the body. For chronic symptoms, make 32oz to have throughout the day. The first glass on an empty stomach for 15 days. Tea can be used as an eye wash for infections or redness 3x times a day.
Contraindications:
May irritate the intestinal mucosa.
Resources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10145960/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411024000920
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29864942/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10145960/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6222523/
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