What is Tarragon used for? (Allergy to Tarragon?)

What-is-Tarragon-used-for

What is Tarragon used for?

Tarragon leaves are sometimes used for herbal tea preparation, which is consumed to help with indigestion and weight loss. Extracts of tarragon are used to prepare essential oils that may help improve overall body health via the following benefits:

  • Improve immunity
  • Improve sleep
  • Increase appetite
  • Help lose weight
  • Reduce inflammation

However, substantial research is required to verify the efficacy and safety of using tarragon essential oils.

Tarragon is a leafy green herb commonly used to garnish dishes such as pasta. It is used because it is considered to be highly aromatic. It may also be used to marinate meats such as chicken, beef, fish, etc., as it is known to enhance the flavor. Like most herbs, tarragon is available fresh and in dried form.


Can you develop an Allergy to Tarragon?

You can develop an allergy to Tarragon, as studies show that people may be allergic to spices and herbs. Allergy to tarragon is characterized by intense itchiness and swelling over the area of exposure. In severe cases, it may lead to suffocation due to anaphylaxis. 

The allergy is not to the actual spice itself but to the pollen component of the plant. People who are allergic to other substances like dust, nuts, or other plants from the Asteraceae family, like ragweed, are more likely to develop an allergy to tarragon. 


What are the symptoms of Allergy to Tarragon?

Common Symptoms of allergy to tarragon include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Tingling sensation in the mouth
  • Skin irritation
  • Itchiness
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening choking sensation)
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain

In the video below, you can see 5 Amazing Health Benefits Of Tarragon:

This is our recommended Tarragon supplement (Amazon’s Choice):

Badia Tarragon, 0.5 oz

What is the scientific name of Tarragon?

The scientific name of Tarragon is Artemisia dracunculus. It is a herb commonly found in Europe but is native to Russia. It belongs to the family Asteraceae. 

The tarragon plant is believed to be native to Siberia. The French variety of tarragon is grown in Europe, particularly in France and Spain. It is also grown in North America. The tarragon plant can reach a height of about 60 inches. The stems are woody and sleek, and the leaves are long, narrow, and green in color. The flowers are small and have a mustard color.


How to use Tarragon for a Toothache?

Tarragon can be used to provide temporary relief from a toothache. An oral solution can be prepared by mixing one to two teaspoons of tarragon oil in a cup of warm water. The mouth can be rinsed with the solution to provide temporary relief from toothache.

The momentary relief results from the eugenol compound found in the essential oil extracted from fresh tarragon leaves. Eugenol compound is responsible for inhibiting pain receptors for a short time frame.


Does Tarragon offer Benefits to the Skin?

Tarragon offers benefits to the skin as it is rich in natural antioxidants which protect and help the skin recover from cellular damage. 

  • Tarragon essential oil can be rubbed directly onto the skin to decrease the appearance of blemishes such as acne scars. 
  • A recently conducted study shows that tarragon oil may help treat minor skin fungal infections such as tinea versicolor.

However, it should be noted that some people may suffer allergic reactions to tarragon, so a small test should be carried out by applying tarragon oil to a small area of the skin to observe for a reaction.


Does Tarragon interact with any Benzodiazepine?

Tarragon has the potential to interact with benzodiazepines. A study has shown that tarragon contains compounds that act on benzodiazepine receptors in humans. 

Benzodiazepines belong to a group of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics. They are used for managing anxiety and insomnia. Concomitant use of tarragon and benzodiazepines risks resulting in excessive sedative side effects. Possible adverse effects include:

  • Fatigue
  • Increased risk of falls
  • Hypersomnolence (increased sleep)
  • Poor concentration

Does Tarragon interact with Estrogen?

Tarragon has the potential to interact with estrogen. The evidence regarding this is not very clear; however, studies show that tarragon possesses anti-estrogenic properties. 

It has been shown to down-regulate estrogen receptors on both endometrial and breast tumor cells. The mechanism behind this is not yet clear and warrants further research.


Is Tarragon tea safe in Pregnancy?

Current evidence suggests that drinking tarragon tea may not be safe during pregnancy. Although, no direct study has been conducted to investigate the safety of tarragon in pregnancy.

Animal trials have been conducted using the various herbs from the genus “Artemisia.” All of the trials show that the antiestrogenic effects of this class of herbs result in termination of pregnancy or infertility. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to avoid the use of tarragon during pregnancy.


What are the side effects of Tarragon Tea?

Drinking tarragon tea has not been shown to be associated with any significant side effects. Some common side-effects may include:

  • Headache 
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea

A study showed that the compound “estragole,” which is found in large amounts in tarragon, increases the risk of developing cancer in mice. No human study has been conducted to evaluate the effects of estragole in humans. Further research is needed to support this claim.


Can Tarragon tea be used for Weight Loss?

Tarragon tea can be used for weight loss. Tarragon is a nutrient-rich herb that is low in calories and carbohydrates. It has traditionally been consumed as a digestive tonic. 

The ethanolic extract of tarragon has been shown to enhance metabolism. This helps the body burn excess fat, even while resting. 



What are the benefits of Tarragon for the Hair?

Tarragon has benefits for the hair, as it may help stimulate its growth and repair. Shampoos and conditioners containing tarragon essential oils may help dry and brittle hair the most by giving it a soft and healthy look.

Additionally, the antioxidant capacity of tarragon may help prevent damage to hair from environmental pollutants.

Sources

This article makes use of information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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What is Tarragon used for? (Allergy to Tarragon?)
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