Tarragon, also known as Artemisia dracunculus is a perennial herb belonging to the sunflower family. It is also known as ‘little dragon,’ which signifies its botanical name. The herb is a native of Eurasia and North America where it is cultivated for its aromatic leaves. It exhibits a spicy, aromatic property that resembles anise.
Tarragon is revered as one of the best seasoning ingredients and is mostly used in French cooking. Nonetheless, the little dragon herb has an impressive history in ancient Greece, traditional Chinese, and Ayurvedic medicine. In fact, its health benefits are etched in antique books and scripts. While tarragon was revered in ancient Greece and India for its therapeutic effects, tarragon was employed in traditional Chinese medicine for its antibacterial, antispasmodic, and antiviral properties. Before prescription drugs, tarragon was used to treat epilepsy, urinary infections, and gastrointestinal problems among many others.
Nowadays, tarragon leaves are steam distilled to produce its essential oil, which exhibits qualities that are more potent.
Nutrition Info (per 100 g)
Calories-295
Carbohydrates 50g
Protein- 22.77 g – 40% RDA
Dietary Fiber 7.4 g – 19% RDA
Folate 274 μg – 68.5% RDA
Niacin 8.950 mg – 56% RDA
Pyridoxine 2.410 mg – 185% RDA
Riboflavin 1.339 mg – 103% RDA
Thiamin 0.251 mg – 21% RDA
Vitamin A 4200 IU -140% RDA
Vitamin C 50.0 mg – 83% RDA
Potassium 3020 mg – 64% RDA
Calcium 1139 mg – 114% RDA
Copper 0.677 mg – 75% RDA
Iron 32.30 mg – 403% RDA
Magnesium 347 mg – 87% RDA
Manganese 7.967 mg – 346% RDA
Zinc 3.90 mg – 35% RDA
1. Tarragon Essential Oil Benefits Eye Health
Tarragon essential oil is abundant in beta-carotene, which is a precursor of vitamin A that is essential for maintaining healthy skin, mucous membranes, and sharp eyesight. As an antioxidant, beta-carotene assists in the prevention of oxidative damage brought by free radicals that may cause macular degeneration.
2. Promotes Digestion
Tarragon essential oil supports digestion starting from stimulating saliva production in the mouth to the peristaltic motion in the intestines. First, the oil serves as an aperitif, which is especially beneficial for people who have a poor appetite or for those who are still recovering from illness. Second, it stimulates the body’s production of natural enzymes and digestive juices. Gastric acid and bile help speed up digestion in the stomach and prevent indigestion. Likewise, it promotes better nutrient absorption within the stomach and promotes a smooth peristaltic motion, which augments the transport of food nutrients into the bloodstream.
3. Has Potent Anti-Bacterial Actions
Staphylococcus and E. coli bacteria are two of the most notable and dangerous types of bacteria. Staph bacteria cause food poisoning, boils, and toxic shock syndrome among others; while E. coli cause diarrhea, urinary infections, and pneumonia to name a few. Fortunately, tarragon essential oil exhibits anti-bacterial effects that are potent enough to kill these bacteria types. It inhibits the growth of Staph and E. coli bacteria and prevents it from multiplying. Similarly, this ability also facilitates the natural preservation of cheese as well as a part of a holistic treatment plan for small intestinal bacterial growth or SIBO.
3. Promotes Sound Sleep
Tarragon essential oil exhibits mild sedative qualities. Although it is not as potent compared to other essential oils in treating insomnia, it can at least calm the nervous system so you can unwind.
4. Eliminates Parasitic Worms
Apart from its antibacterial properties, tarragon essential oils have anthelminthic properties. The toxicity of tarragon essential oil can kill any type of parasitic worm in the body. These include trichinosis found in muscles; tapeworms, flukes, and hookworms found in intestines; and pinworms that are commonly found in the rectum of children.
5. Acts as an Emmenagogue
Amenorrhea, which is the absence or suppression of menses, can be treated with tarragon essential oil. Since ancient times, women have found menstrual relief with tarragon. Tarragon essential oils exhibit emmenagogue properties. As such, it stimulates the menstrual flow and prevents obstruction that may lead to certain complications. All these, therefore, facilitates a normal and consistent monthly menstrual cycle.
6. Relieves Toothache
Tarragon essential oil is an excellent home remedy for alleviating toothaches. There is written evidence that tarragon was used in traditional medicine to relieve a toothache throughout history. Back then, people have to chew on its leaves to numb the pain caused by a toothache. Modern science has now attributed this property to eugenol, a natural anesthetic chemical that is abundant in tarragon. Due to its ability to numb the pain, eugenol has become a common component in dentistry. Moreover, tarragon essential oil exhibits antibacterial properties that help remedy other oral-related problems. In addition, it also helps soothe gum inflammation, which often occur associated with a toothache.
7. Eliminates Body Odor
Tarragon essential oil exhibits a rich and woody aroma that can mask most unpleasant odors. Thus, it can be used as an all-natural deodorant to ward off unwanted smell. Furthermore, it exhibits anti-bacterial properties to eliminate microbes that cause body odor, especially underarm odor.
In that same vein, tarragon essential oil can be used as a cleaning agent due to its antibacterial properties. Spraying tarragon essential oil around your home helps keep your surrounding clean and free of bacterial contamination, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom. As an added bonus, it can keep your home smelling warm and enticing.
8. Provides Arthritis Relief
Your body is in a chronic inflammatory state when you have arthritis. You’ll experience joint pain, swelling, and stiffness among its many symptoms. Fortunately, tarragon essential oil is ideal for providing pain relief from arthritis. Massaging a few drops of the essential oil to the affected area increases circulation; hence, providing a warmth that helps soothe aching muscle and joints. Likewise, tarragon essential oil provides detoxification, which helps remove toxins out of the body through urination and excretion- especially important in treating gouty arthritis.
9. Tarragon Essential Oil is Rich in Antioxidants
Tarragon essential oil is an excellent source of antioxidants, which are crucial in fighting free radicals that cause cancers and reverse the oxidative damage brought by oxidative processes. Antioxidants fight cancer by inhibiting the growth of mutated cells, and even preventing mutations from occurring in the first place. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry back in 2005 discovered the antioxidant properties of tarragon against free radicals. Although more research is needed to determine its potency against cancer, its antioxidant properties show great potential thus far.
10. Helps Maintain Water Balance
Tarragon essential oil is rich in potassium, which is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid levels in the body and assists in preventing a number of disorders brought on by sodium imbalance.