Tarragon: health benefits and virtues

Tarragon benefits and virtues

Also called Artemisia dracunculus, it is an aromatic plant of the Compositae family, more precisely the Asteraceae.

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This perennial plant of long and thin leaves, native of Central Asia (Siberia mainly) can reach between 40 and 150 cm.

Only "French" tarragon is grown. Russian tarragon, on the other hand, is tasteless.

Also known as "Green Dragon" or "serpentine", tarragon offers real therapeutic virtues and very pronounced aromas.

Also read: Growing Tarragon Well

Tarragon, for the record

In the past, Artemisia dracunculus was used mainly for its medicinal virtues, especially in cases of snake bites or to relieve pain and hiccups of the teeth.

In ancient times, Artemisia dracunculus was used to cure plague and cholera.

Tarragon arrived in Europe in the Middle Ages with the Crusaders. Only in the 16th century was this plant invited to our kitchens.

He is said to have saved the life of the Prince of Wales, George V.

The Arabs, on the other hand, considered Artemisia dracunculus as a powerful aphrodisiac and used it in love potions.

Marie Antoinette drank every morning 5 leaves of Artemisia dracunculus in boiling water with lemon juice.

Health benefits and virtues

Tarragon is excellent for stimulating the appetite and improving digestion, thanks to vitamin C.

It is equally effective in cases of bloating, aerophagia and stomach pain.

It ensures good traffic. It is recommended in cases of mild constipation. Tarragon is also a good diuretic.

In case of intestinal parasites, tarragon is a very good worming agent. It purifies the organism and filters the parasites.

For women in case of amenorrhea or delay, tarragon promotes the return of menstruation.

In case of muscle spasms, tarragon proves to be a very good antispasmodic, acting on the nervous system. It can also relieve pain and cramps in the joints.

For sleep disorders, tarragon fights insomnia. It is also effective in reducing stress and anxiety.

Tarragon can also help relieve a sore throat or dental pain. Chew tarragon leaves for this.

Tarragon contains antioxidants that fight free radicals and therefore slow the development of cardiovascular disease, cancer and cellular aging.

In external use, the essential oil extracted from tarragon has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.

It is also an effective analgesic to relieve, in the form of massage, menstrual cramps, lumbago or more intense pain such as kidney cramps.

At the skin level, tarragon essential oil can soothe hives and eczema by massaging sensitive areas.

Internal use :

Preventive treatment against respiratory allergies, hay fever: With the summer and its pollen waltz, allergies occur. To prevent symptoms and discomfort, pour 3 drops of essential oil on a square of sugar (1 in the morning 1 in the afternoon). Tarragon essential oil reduces the release of histamine, responsible for allergy symptoms.

For diabetics, prefer a handkerchief. Drop 3 drops of oil and inhale.

Tarragon leaf infusion: let some leaves infuse in boiling water for 10 or 15 minutes. Drink during the day to purify the body and enjoy the virtues of tarragon.

Digestive disorders : After each meal, take a teaspoon of honey with 2 drops of tarragon essential oil.

External use :

Bath with essential oils: In case of tension, stress or anxiety, pour about ten drops of essential oils into your bath.

Or massage the solar plexus area (between the breasts) with the palm of the hand in a circular motion each night.

However, in high doses, tarragon is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.

Tarragon oil can be aggressive to the skin. As a precaution, test before applying or dilute Artemisia dracunculus oil with a vegetable oil.

Tarragon in the kitchen

Artemisia dracunculus is an essential ingredient in sauces, especially béarnaise.

Fresh, chopped, dry, and sticky, it goes very well with your soups, salads, tortillas, ratatouille, meat and fish.

However, by carefully measuring the Artemisia dracunculus, its strong aroma could dominate the dish rather than lift it.

Let's reduce our salt consumption. Excessive salt consumption increases blood pressure and all associated risks: cardiovascular disease, kidney failure...

We replaced salt with Artemisia dracunculus!

Artemisia dracunculus is rich in iron, iodine, calcium, carotene and vitamins A, B and C.

You can put a branch of tarragon in your olive oil bottle to perfume it.

Gourmet ideas:

Yogurt sauce: Greek style yogurt, olive oil and finely chopped tarragon. Ideal as an appetizer to accompany raw vegetables (tomatoes, carrots, radishes, cucumbers...).

Tuna rillettes : Mix a can of tuna in 3 tablespoons of cottage cheese, add chopped shallot and a tablespoon of mustard and heavy cream. Add the chopped tarragon (3 tablespoons). Pepper and enjoy the toast with wholemeal bread.

Tarragon and beauty tip:

Fight against bad breath : chew the leaves of this plant after meals, but don't forget to brush your teeth!

A smart tip about tarragon

Hiccups? Chewing leaves of Artemisia dracunculus can be helpful in stopping hiccups.

Dizziness ? A drop of essential oil of this plant under the tongue before leaving.

How to store it : Fresh, can be kept in a closed box at the bottom of the refrigerator.

The leaves can also be dried, however they lose their aroma, but not their medicinal properties.

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