Tarragon Central Uses

Thank you to "The therapeutic benefits of tarragon." Copyright 2001 by PageWise, Inc. for the following information:

Tarragon is widely used as an herb in cooking but also has a medicinal history of use. The ancient Greeks chewed tarragon to treat toothaches because of its ability to numb the mouth. Tarragon has also been used as a digestive aid, a mild sedative, and as a heart disease prevention aid. Tarragon is an herb which has a flavor that resembles licorice. It was used during the Middle Ages as an antidote for poisonous snakebites.

Today it is used mainly in cooking but still has medicinal values when added to foods. It is great for the digestive system; it relieves stomach cramps and promotes the appetite.

It is also in many folk remedies for toothaches. It can be used to promote menstruation and fights fatigue and calm the nerves. Tarragon can also be substituted for salt for people with high blood pressure.

Tarragon also promotes the production of bile by the liver, which aids in digestion and helps to speed the process of eliminating toxic waste in the body. Tarragon tea can be made to aid in this process. The main components of tarragon are estragole and ocimene. These with tannins, bitters, terpenes, flavonoids and coumarin, give the healing properties for the stomach and liver.

Children are prone to getting intestinal worms; tarragon is extremely valuable at fighting this parasite. It also relieves insomnia, hyperactivity, depression, or nervous exhaustion. While tarragon stimulates the digestion, it is reputed to be a mild sedative and has been taken to aid sleep. With its mild menstruation-inducing properties, it is taken if periods are delayed. The root has traditionally been applied to aching teeth.

Parts Used

The fresh or dried leaves and roots of the tarragon plant.

Medicinal Uses/Indications

Tarragon is a recognized herbal treatment for the following conditions and symptoms:

Insomnia
Toothache
Upset stomach
Loss of appetite
Intestinal Worms
Hyperactivity
Anti-Bacterial properties for cuts
Depression

Available Forms

Tarragon is available in the following forms:

Teas
Dried leaves
Infusions
Tinctures
Essential oil
Fresh Leaves

How to Take It

The following are recommended uses of Tarragon:

Tea for calming benefits: To prepare tarragon tea, take one cup boiling water and pour over one tablespoon tarragon and let stand for ten minutes, and drink. It is recommended to drink at least one cup of tarragon tea per day.
Tea for Parasites:Tarragon tea has been used in helping to remove parasites, take one quart of boiling water and one ounce of tarragon leaves, pour water over leaves and let stand for ten minutes, strain and drink two cups in the morning and refrigerate the remaining. It is recommended to drink at least four cups per day, once in the morning and in the evening.
Tea for for insomnia, hyperactivity, depression, or nervous exhaustion. (or anything "jittery") 1 ˝ tsp cut dried herb in 1 ž cups boiled water, steep 40 minutes, drink warm
Tea to aid Digestion: For digestion steep a handful of dried leaves in a jar with apple cider vinegar, stand 7 hours, strain and seal. Take 1 tbsp before each meal.
Hiccups: Chew a leaf to stop hiccups.
External use: inhalation: dried leaves in 2 to 3 cups of boiling water; inhale vapors for headache, depression, or insomnia.
Topical application: Apply crushed leaves to small cuts to help fight bacteria before washing and bandaging.
Toothache: try chewing a couple of fresh or dried leaves until it is a paste and hold with tongue against sore tooth or area for oral pain (adults only). It will numb the bothersome area.

Precautions

There are no side effects reported, although there is a slight risk of allergic reaction to tarragon in certain people.

Possible Interactions

No noteworthy interactions (positive or negative) between tarrgaon and conventional medications are known to have been reported in the literature to date.

Supporting Research

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