Tarragon: benefits, dosage, contraindications

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Tarragon is a perennial herb highly valued in Western cuisine for its anise-like aroma. Tarragon is often used to flavor various dishes and sauces. The aerial parts of tarragon are those used for extracting its essential oil. Tarragon essential oil contains about 81% estragole, an organic compound that gives the oil its characteristic properties and its anise-like taste similar to anethole found in tropical basil oil. In addition to estragole, tarragon is also a rich source of potassium, making it a herb beneficial for maintaining the body's electrolyte balance. It also contains other constituents such as alpha-pinene, alpha-trans-ocimene, volatile oils, alkylamides and various coumarin derivatives. Tarragon is traditionally used to relieve various digestive ailments such as dyspepsia, loss of appetite, nausea and postoperative vomiting.

Scientific name(s)

Artemisia dracunculus

Family or group: 

Plants

Active ingredients:

Estragole

Thymol

Indications

Scoring methodology

EFSA approval.

Several randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials (> 2), including a significant number of patients (>100), with consistently positive conclusions for the indication.
Several randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials (> 2), including a significant number of patients (>100), with positive conclusions for the indication.
One or more randomized studies, or several cohorts or epidemiological studies, with positive conclusions for the indication.
Clinical studies exist but are uncontrolled, with conclusions that may be positive or conflicting.
No clinical studies to date that can demonstrate the indication.

Nausea and vomiting
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It may help counter postoperative or motion-related nausea.

Posologie

posologieOral administration: aerial parts

formulationessential oil


Synergies

ESSENTIAL OIL MONOGRAPH Artemisia dracunculus
A trial of a mixture of three essential oils in the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting

Digestive spasms
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Tarragon is reputed to aid digestion. It is often used to relieve gastric spasms, bloating, and other minor digestive disorders thanks to its antispasmodic properties.

Posologie

posologieOral administration: aerial parts

formulationessential oil

ESSENTIAL OIL MONOGRAPH Artemisia dracunculus

Sleep disorders
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Tarragon has mild sedative properties that may help calm the nerves and improve sleep quality, particularly useful for those suffering from insomnia or stress.

Posologie

posologieOral administration: aerial parts

formulationessential oil

ESSENTIAL OIL MONOGRAPH Artemisia dracunculus

Properties


Neurological

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Tarragon is being investigated for the treatment of neurological conditions such as epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease, thanks to its essential oil which has demonstrated dose-dependent anticonvulsant activity in animal models. Moreover, tarragon extract has been shown to reduce neuronal demyelination and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in mice. In laboratory studies, tarragon also inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes, suggesting potential benefits for neurodegenerative disorders.

Usages associés

Sleep disorders

Antimicrobial

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Tarragon essential oils show antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies, although less potent than that of many other spice essential oils. They partially inhibit bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, and have antifungal effects against pathogens such as Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans.


Antispasmodic

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Tarragon essential oil is considered antispasmodic, like ginger. This claim is based on long-standing traditional use.

Usages associés

Digestive spasms

Safe dosage

Adults aged 15 years and older: 3 drops (essential oil)

1 drop 3 to 4 times a day.

Contraindications

Pregnant women: prohibited

Breastfeeding women: prohibited

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The information presented does not in any way replace medical treatment or the advice of a healthcare professional. Before taking any supplements, consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have a medical condition, are undergoing treatment, or are pregnant.