Little dragon or Russion tarragon is a tall perennial plant with smooth narrow leaves, and it is popular as a culinary herb. It is native to Europe, southern Russia and western Asia, but is now cultivated world-wide. A hybrid called French tarragon or sativa, is also available and has been cultivated as a garden herb. This is a smaller plant with sharper flavour. In all cases the leaves are used in cooking, herbal medicine and aromatherapy.
Medicinal Properties of Tarragon
The leaves contain volatile oil amongst other compounds. Historically it is said to be antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative (wind relieving), diuretic, anthelmintic (kills and removes worms), emmenagogue (stimulates menstruation), aperitif and a digestive tonic.
Tarragon Herbal Remedies
Historically Tarragon has been used to treat a number of conditions including:
Hiatus hernia
Heartburn
High blood pressure
Indigestion
Intestinal parasites
Lack of appetite
Menstrual problems
Poor digestion
Other Tarragon Information
The leaves can be infused to make a herbal tea, although this herb is rarely used in modern herbal medicine. As a culinary herb it is used with fish, poultry and sometimes in salads, and it can be used in place of salt and pepper. Tarragon is sometimes available as an aromatherapy oil, used to help with digestive disorders and female hormonal problems.
Side Effects of Tarragon
The safety of tarragon during pregnancy and lactation has not been sufficiently studied and should therefore be avoided (although the small amounts used in cooking are considered safe).
The aromatherapy oil of tarragon is contra-indicated during pregnancy.
At the time of writing there are no well known side effects, drug interactions or contra-indications.
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