Yauhtli

Commonly known as Mexican tarragon.

In the highlands of Mexico, nestled between the towering peaks of the Sierra Madre, there grows a plant of extraordinary mystique and magic.

This plant is known as Yauhtli, or by its more familiar name – Mexican tarragon, and it has woven its way into the tapestry of Mexican mythology and culture for centuries. Its sweet anise-like flavor has enchanted many savory dishes and its medicinal properties have helped heal the bodies and minds of people across the Americas. Many believe its spirit, Ayauh, has the power to protect against malevolent beings and the ability to heighten one’s senses, granting the potential to perceive beyond the veil. 

NATIVE LANDS

Mexican tarragon, also known as Yauhtli, Pericón, the Mexican mint marigold, or by its Latin name Tagetes lucida, is a species of marigold native to Central America and Mexico. It can be found in a variety of ecosystems, including grasslands, open woods, and disturbed areas, often found growing along roadsides and in fields.

The herb has been used by Mesoamericans including the Aztecs in religious and spiritual practices, traditional medicine, dyes, and food. When the Spanish colonizers noticed the similarity in flavor and aroma between Mexican tarragon and French tarragon, which they were familiar with, they began to refer to the plant as “tarragon.” After the Spanish conquest, Mexican tarragon was introduced to Europe, where it became popular in cuisines and medicine.

Mexican tarragon has a reputation for offering great depth and potency to dreams. It is included in the Codex de la Cruz-Badiano under its Nahuatl name quauhyyauhtli, although it is often referred to as just yauhtli (cloudy plant/the fog). The plant is associated with Tlaloc, the sacred energy of rain, as it is often the first plant to sprout from the Earth after rainfall.

In the ancient Aztec Nahuatl language the word “Ayauh” means mist. In one hand, the Aztec water goddess Chalchiuhtlicue held an ayauhchicahuaztli, a rattle stick made from mist. While several deities possessed rattle sticks, only the rain gods specifically had mist rattle sticks, or ayautli (a[tl]-yauhtli, “water Tagetes lucida incense”), which was believed to be the droplets of smoke from burning Mexican tarragon. To them, the mist was conceived of as droplets of smoke.

The mist, or Ayauh, is often associated with other realms, including the realm of dreams and the unconscious mind. The spirit is often invoked during dream work and spiritual practices where the water energy of mist is said to bring clarity to the dreamer’s mind, offering support and guidance in exploring and interpreting dream symbolism.

We see that magic in the plant’s essential oils, which contain compounds such as estragole and methyl chavicol. Scientist suspect these compounds are responsible for altering brain activity during sleep and enhancing dream activity. Others suggest that the plant’s overall calming and relaxing effects on the body and mind may indirectly contribute to more vivid and memorable dreams. The herb has a long history of use in traditional medicine to treat anxiety and insomnia, which are conditions that can interfere with dream quality. Its delicate and soothing flavor profile is associated with feelings of relaxation, mental clarity, and groundedness. Some of its essential oils, such as eucalyptol and camphor, are believed to promote a sense of peace and tranquility, helping to reduce anxiety, stress, and tension.

CLEANSING HERB

As a limpia plant, Mexican tarragon can help to release heavy emotions like fear, anger, bitterness, resentment, or jealousy. It is also believed to cleanse the body of toxins. Some even use it as a natural remedy for headaches because it helps remove the trapped energy causing the discomfort. 

Ayauh, known as a water spirit, is deeply intertwined with Mexican tarragon. Ayauh is believed to impart nourishment, purification, and healing to those who respect her. The plant may be seen as a conduit for this energy, allowing us to tap into the deep well of emotions within us, and wash away stagnation by allowing it to flow through us.