Helping the flavor of French cuisine for centuries, the herb known as tarragon also provides a vast array of health benefits. The leaves of this herb, belonging to the sunflower (Asteraceae) family, provide us with tarragon essential oil.
Nutritional values in 1 tablespoon of tarragon include the following:
- Excellent source of iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium
- 2 g of carbs
- 1 g of protein
- 14 calories
Origins of Tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus – or tarragon – is thought to be native to Siberia. The French variety of tarragon is cultivated in North America, Spain, and France specifically, but widely in Europe in general. With bright green leaves, tarragon has a taste reminiscent of anise and a warm odor.
It is thought that the Crusaders introduced tarragon essential oils to the Europeans. However, Asia is thought of as the place where it originated. For centuries, it’s been used by many cultures.
Tarragon was historically used for oral pain in particular, but for pain relief in general, as well. Tarragon leaves contain a numbing agent.
Popular Uses of Tarragon
Tarragon has many uses. It can be used in both fresh and dried forms. Also, the essential oils derived from the herb are extraordinarily useful.
When tarragon leaves/sprigs are soaked in vinegar, a product known as tarragon vinegar is the result. This is a product used in cooking. In fact, tarragon itself is widely used in certain dishes and cooking styles. Some people steep tarragon leaves to make tea and use that for its medicinal characteristics.
Tarragon is also a popular deodorizer, putting to good use the oils derived from the herb. The oils can be introduced to the atmosphere in a number of ways.
Thanks to the antibacterial qualities of tarragon, it is a natural preservative. As an oil, it can be used topically for numerous purposes.
Health Benefits of Tarragon
Tarragon offers a variety of health benefits including promoting cardiovascular health. This is, in part, due to the potassium contained within. Particularly good for intestinal function and digestive problems, tarragon ingredients help fight free radicals. In the body, it can help relieve water retention as a natural diuretic. Tarragon can stimulate the production of gastric juices and saliva, as well as increasing appetite.
To induce sleep, some insomniacs have received relief thanks to tarragon tea. They find it calms their nerves, among other things.
As referenced earlier, tarragon has been used for the relief of pain for centuries. Today, tarragon essential oils are used by some for the same purpose.
A Look at Tarragon Essential Oils
The easy to grow and versatile herb referred to as tarragon is one of four irreplaceable herbs used in French cooking. With notes of anise, it is bittersweet and is primarily used in savory dishes. It is especially useful in dishes involving eggs, fish, or chicken. Occasionally found in pickling spice, one popular application is the tarragon vinegar mentioned earlier.
At Plant Guru, we have a vast array of 100% pure tarragon essential oils at prices most anyone can afford. Do yourself a huge favor and take a moment to browse through our selection. You’ll find just the right tarragon essential oil for yourself, as a gift, or to give a loved one.