Tarragon, Artemesia dracunculus
Latin: Artemisia dracunculus
French: Estragon, herbe dragon, armoise âcre
English: Tarragon, dragon’s wort
Family: Compositae (Asteracea)
Source: France
History and Origin:
This perennial plant originates from the Steppes of Central Asia. Dracunculus meaning “little dragon”, its name recalls the mystery and legend surrounding dragon’s wort. Indeed, several legends speak of the plant, among other things, as being able to attract favors and as a remedy against snake bites. Around 1000, it was used by the Arabs for its digestive and antispasmodic properties. Today, tarragon is commonly used in the kitchen and grown by gardeners. It pleasantly cheers up sauces and fish meals.
| Part Used |
Aerial part and leaves |
| Extraction |
Steam distillation |
Main Components
|
Phenols monomethyl-ethers: chavicol (60-75%), anethol, coumarines. |
Oil Characteristics
|
Clear liquid of a pale yellow-green color with the typical aroma of tarragon. |
Properties
|
Neuromuscular antispasmodic +++, anti-inflammatory+, anti-infectious, antiviral+++, antibacterial, anti-fermentation, antiallergic++.
|
Indications
|
Aerophagia, inflammatory and spasmodic colitis+++,
dysmenorrhea, premenstrual pains+++, spasmophilia++++, neuritis,
sciatitis, motion sickness, hiccup. |
| Energetic and Emotional Effect |
Emergency remedy against emotional shocks. It awakens the life force in us and creates an aura of protection. It also helps overcoming fears and staying in the present.
|
| Type Chromatography |
Artemesia dracunculus |
Aromatherapy: See “Aromatherapy Data Sheet” tab.
Culinary: It is used as an aromatic, mainly with fish. Available as Arôme de Saba
Cosmetics
Environment
Perfumery
Heartburn (pyrosis): Grate finely a small white cabbage. Peel and dice three Granny Smith apples. In a bowl, blend a container of yogurt (bifidus added) with a tablespoon of soy sauce, pepper, and one drop of tarragon essential oil in a tablespoon of olive oil. Add cabbage, apples and a handful of raisins. Serve chilled.
Hiccup and digestive spasms: Place four American plaice in a vegetable parchment. Baste with the juice of one lemon and 100ml of white wine. Add two drops of tarragon oil diluted in one tablespoon of olive oil. Add salt and pepper. Put in foil parcels and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Serve with basmati rice.
Colitis (irritable bowel): Peel four pears (Williams). In a pan, pour 250ml of water, and add four tablespoons of honey as well as the juice of one lemon. Bring to boil and let evaporate for 10 minutes or until it takes the texture of a syrup. Add tarragon essential oil (one drop).
Put pears to cook in the syrup for 20 minutes. Serve lukewarm or chilled.
(Recipes from Danièle Festy, see « References »)
Safety data: None when respecting physiological doses. Avoid during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Discharge: In case of health concern, Aliksir strongly recommends that you consult with a physician or aromatherapist. You must get accurate information concerning contraindications and interactions with other substances. Essential oils are powerful, and they must be used in respect of the physiological doses.
L’AROMATHÉRAPIE, huiles essentielles du Québec et du monde, Michel Turbide
L’AROMATHÉRAPIE EXACTEMENT, P. Franchomme et Docteur P. Pénoël, Éditions Roger Jollois
LA GUÉRISON VIBRATOIRE, Deborah Eidson
MES RECETTES DE CUISINE AUX HUILES ESSENTIELLES. Plaisir, santé et minceur.
Danièle Festy, Éditions LEDUSC.S EDITIONS