Kitchen Herbs and Medicinal Uses - Tarragon

Tarragon is a perennial herb that is part of the sunflower family of plants. Tarragon is used for culinary flavors for its subtle taste, which is similar to anise or licorice flavors. Some describe it as sweet and slightly stringent. in just one tablespoon, tarragon contains a small amount of the daily nutrients manganese, iron and potassium. Manganese is essential for brain health, growth, and for the reduction of oxidative stress in the body. Iron is necessary for cell function and blood production. Potassium is necessary for proper heart, muscle and nerve  function.

Tarragon is showing promise for improve insulin sensitivity thus helping the body to improve the uses of glucose. The idea is to consume tarragon before breakfast and dinner to help decrease total insulin, helping to keep blood sugar levels balanced. Tarragon also helps those who have trouble sleeping. Tarragon has properties like sedatives thus helping to regulate sleep patterns. Just drinking a cup of tarragon tea before bedtime can help you to get a better night’s sleep.

In traditional folk medicine, tarragon has been known to treat pain. It is suggested that tarragon is beneficial as an alternative to traditional pain management.  Tarragon also relieves tooth pain because of its high levels of eugenol, which is a naturally occurring anesthetic. Tarragon also contains antibacterial properties and its essential oils can be used to help prevent food borne illnesses. Other infections that tarragon fights is boils, impetigo, food poisoning, cellulitis, urinary tract infections, respiratory illnesses, pneumonia and  toxic shock syndrome. Because of tarragon’s benefits for heart health, tarragon is often used in many mediterranean dishes.

Tarragon Tea:

• 1 teaspoon

• 1 cup boiling water

• steep together for 10 minutes then drink