Description
Santa Maria (often Tagetes lucida, aka Mexican Tarragon or Pericón) is a traditional medicinal and aromatic herb with a long history of use in Central and Latin America. Its overall benefits include: Supports digestive health (eases indigestion, gas, bloating or cramps) Helps with respiratory support and may relieve cold-related symptoms Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties May help relax the body and mind, reduce stress, and calm nerves Used traditionally to alleviate headaches or discomfort Pleasant flavor used in teas and culinary applications. Traditionally used for various minor ailments and well-being preparations. Some historical or cultural sources also mention spiritual or ceremonial uses (e.g., incense), but for product descriptions it’s safest to stick to general wellness and traditional use.
 Santa Maria Leaves vs. Sticks
Herbal tradition and some sources suggest slightly different uses depending on the plant part you’re working with:
Leaves
Most commonly used for tea/infusions and tinctures. Rich in essential oils and aromatic compounds.
Ideal for digestive support, calming teas, and mild nervous support. Often used fresh or dried as a flavorful tea ingredient with calming and digestive benefits. Leaves may offer more aromatic and flavor qualities due to higher volatile oil content
Plantids.
Sticks / Stems
Can be used in preparations (teas, decoctions, infusions) but often paired with leaves
In some traditional systems, sticks are used for pain relief or in ritual/incense forms
May be burned as incense or used in external aromatic applications, especially in folkloric/herbal practices
Some herbal sellers note sticks may give a milder, sustained release of compounds in longer infusions.
Santa Maria Herb (Tagetes lucida) — also known as Mexican Tarragon or Pericón — is a traditional herbal plant used for digestive support, respiratory wellness, calming the body and mind, and mild inflammatory support. The leaves are most often brewed into aromatic teas for soothing benefits, while the sticks can be used in longer infusions or aromatic preparations and are traditionally valued for pain relief and ceremonial use.










