Botanical Name: Tagetus erecta
Family : Compositeae
Introduction :
Latin name : Tagetus = marigold, tages an Etruscan God; erecta = straight.
Sanskrit names : Zandu, Salpushpa, Zenduk.
Morphology :
This is a small plant. Its stalk and branches are angular and bear bristle hairs.
Leaves – regularly placed, foliated and with hairs.
Flowers – dark yellow. Seeds- black and oblong. flowering – in October (around Dassera).
Many varieties are found.
Habitat : Though imported from Mexico, it is found all over India.
Properties :
Guna : laghu, ruksha
Rasa: tikta, kashaya
Virya : sheeta
Vipaka Katu
Dosha : kaphapittashamak.
Part used : Flowers or leaf juice.
Dosage : Juice 10 to 20 gms.
Internal uses :
Its hemostatic and anti-inflammatory properties are helpful in injury and ulcers. Leaves and flowers are used for local application. Internal uses :‘ Since it is a blood purifier and hemostatic it is useful in blood disorders, bleeding diathesis, bleeding piles and menorrhagia. Flowers fried in ghee are given orally
