Khakibos (Tagetes) Oil10 ml (1/3 oz). 100% Pure, Undiluted

Origin of tagetes oil

Known in Africa as 'Khaki bush', it is now also grown in France and North America and is a weed with deeply divided deep-green feathery leaves and numerous yellowish-orange carnation-like flowers.

The leaves and flowers are a good insect repellent and are often seen hanging from native huts to deter swarms of flies and mosquitoes. In a 5% dilution, tagetes oil has been used to kill maggots in open wounds, while the roots and seeds have been found to help rid the body of poisons.

After the Boer war in South Africa, Australian troops brought plants to their native land where it grew profusely. It is an ingredient of many foot treatment preparations and is also used in some perfumes.

Extraction 

Tagetes oil is extracted from the leaves, stalks and flowers, picked when the seeds are just starting to form.

Chemical composition

The main chemical components are tagetone, limonene, valeric acid and ocimene etc.

Precautions

Tagetes oil is a very powerful oil and should be used sparingly and should be avoided during pregnancy. Not to be used on a sensitive skin and may cause photosensitivity. Cases of dermatitis have been reported.

Therapeutic properties

The therapeutic properties of Tagetes oil are anti-infectious, anti-microbial, antibiotic, anti-spasmodic, anti-parasitic, antiseptic, insecticide and sedative.