Tagetes. Learn more about tagetes uses, benefits, side effects, interactions, safety concerns, and dosing considerations for tagetes. A native of mexico,tagetes erecta (african marigold, american marigold, aztec marigold, big marigold, mexican marigold) is a tender perennial that is usually grown as an annual. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. Tagetes has been traditionally used for stomach problems, coughs, colds, and many other conditions.