• Tarragon is a perennial plant from the Asteraceae family. It is widespread in various countries of the world. In Georgia, it is most abundantly grown in the suburban zone of Tbilisi. It contains a large amount of essential oils. It is used as a herb, in cooking, in the liqueur industry, in perfumery, and in the canning industry. Mongolia and Eastern Siberia are considered the homeland of tarragon, and tarragon was called it in Georgia. It is widespread in many countries of the world. Tarragon, botanically known as Artemisia dracunculus, is believed to have been introduced to Europe from Mongolia and Siberia as a result of the Mongol invasion in the 13th century. The name of the plant means “little dragon” in translation – perhaps because of the unusual shape of tarragon leaves, which resemble dragon scales.
• Tarragon is rich in vitamins A, B, E, D, K, as well as essential oils, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, etc. Tarragon leaves, roots and stems contain alkaloids, carotene, flavonoids and coumarins. Tarragon contains rutin, essential oils and ascorbic acid. The plant is rich in macroelements such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus and microelements such as iron, copper, zinc, selenium, manganese.
• The iron in this herb is key to cell function and blood production. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, fatigue, and weakness. Manganese is an important nutrient that supports brain health, growth, metabolism, and stress reduction. Tarragon is high in potassium, a mineral that plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and nerves. Research has shown that potassium can lower blood pressure. Tarragon has long been used in folk medicine to relieve pain. Supplements containing tarragon may be helpful in reducing pain caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis.
• In folk medicine, tarragon was used to treat edema and scurvy. Tarragon, thanks to its healing properties, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, regulates sleep, has a mild diuretic effect, and helps expel worms. Tarragon tincture is used for cystitis, arthritis, fatigue, rheumatism, and gastrointestinal diseases. Tarragon lowers blood sugar levels Insulin is a hormone that helps cells send glucose, so you can use it to produce energy. Factors such as diet and inflammation can cause insulin resistance, which leads to high glucose levels. Tarragon has been found to improve insulin sensitivity and the body’s use of glucose. Tarragon extract reduces blood glucose levels by 20%.
• Tarragon promotes the normal functioning of the gonads. Tarragon dishes improve appetite, promote better production of gastric juice and normal functioning of the glands of internal secretion, including the gonads. As a means of external use, tarragon is used in the treatment of burns, eczema and mumps. Tarragon tincture is used as a mouthwash for inflammatory processes of the mucous membrane. Tarragon belongs to the Artemisia plant group, which has a calming effect and improves sleep quality. An imbalance of the hormones ghrelin and leptin can lead to a decrease in appetite. These hormones are essential for energy balance. Leptin and ghrelin are two hormones that control appetite. Research has shown that tarragon extracts can improve appetite by reducing leptin levels.
• It is found wild in North America, Europe, and Asia. Species distributed in different territories have their own characteristics, for example, in France tarragon is very delicate, in Mexico it has a sharp taste, in the Caucasus tarragon is distinguished by its aromatic properties.
• Is tarragon a standout product for you? In what form do you mainly use it? Share your knowledge, recipes, and ideas with us.