Tarragon: beneficial properties, use and cultivation. Tarragon plant

The beneficial properties and contraindications of tarragon as a medicinal plant began to be studied in Europe in the 17th century. Even then, the main pharmacological properties of the herb were noticed - sedative, restorative, anti-inflammatory, antiscorbutic, anthelmintic, secretory. In most countries, tarragon is primarily known as a seasoning. French, Italian, German, Greek, Caucasian, Central Asian, and Indian cuisine cannot do without this spice. The herb is used fresh, dry, or frozen. Dry seasoning acquires an even more pronounced spicy taste and aroma.

Tarragon. Kinds. Habitat


photo of a plant in its natural habitat

Where it grows:

Tarragon grass grows wild in Southeastern Europe, India, Pakistan, Mongolia, China, and Central Asia. On Russian territories the plant can be seen from the Middle Zone, Siberia and the Far East. The tarragon plant prefers dry soils, slopes, and well-ventilated places. In many countries it is grown as a cultivated plant.

What does tarragon look like:

The plant belongs to the genus wormwood; the second name for tarragon is “tarragon wormwood.” It grows up to half a meter in height, has a long straight stem with narrow oblong leaves without petioles. It blooms towards the end of summer with yellow small flowers collected in panicles. The fruit ripens in early October in the form of an oblong achene without a tuft.

Plant types:

There are two types of plants: fragrant and non-fragrant tarragon.

Odorous or French - common in Central Asia, southern Russia, England and France. It has good taste and is used as a seasoning in cooking.

Odorless or Russian - less common in cooking, as it has a sharper taste and is less aromatic.

Description


Tarragon, or in Latin Artemisia dracunculus, is a representative of the numerous genus Artemisia, family Asteraceae, or Asteraceae. The genus includes over 400 plant species, which are distributed exclusively in the Northern Hemisphere.

Tarragon is a herbaceous bushy perennial. Unlike its more famous “relative”, wormwood, which has a bitter taste and aroma, has a pleasant anise-like smell. The height of the plant reaches 120–150 cm. Its stems are erect, bare, and few in number. Painted in yellowish, brown colors. Tarragon branches closer to the top. The root system is very strong, well developed, woody.

The leaves of the plant are entire, alternate, devoid of stipules. They have a lanceolate, elongated shape. The edges of the leaf plates are smooth, their ends are pointed. Color varies from light green to dark green. Tarragon flowers appear in July and persist until early autumn. Inflorescences are racemose, small, spherical. Their shade varies from yellowish-white to light red. The fruits are oblong achenes. Ripen in October.

One of the features of tarragon wormwood is its ability to adapt to unfavorable climatic conditions. Its homeland is considered to be the dry steppes of southern and eastern Siberia and Mongolia. All she needs is warmth and a moderate amount of moisture. Therefore, wild tarragon is found in the south of European Russia, the Caucasus, Western Siberia, the Far East, Central Asia, along the northern coast of Africa, and North America. The plant prefers steppes, saline and dry meadows. It can withstand droughts and frosts and bears fruit in alkaline soils.

Tarragon is cultivated everywhere due to its unpretentiousness. It feels comfortable both in the shade and in sunny areas.



Chemical composition. pharmachologic effect


Tarragon is rich in biologically beneficial substances for the body, which allows it to be used in the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

What are the benefits of tarragon:

The beneficial properties and contraindications of tarragon are determined by its chemical composition and medicinal effects. The plant contains a lot of biologically active substances:

  • Essential oils;
  • Phenylpropanoids;
  • Vitamins A, groups B, C and PP;
  • Alkaloids;
  • Minerals (calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, iodine);
  • Coumarins;
  • Bitterness, resin;
  • Proteins, carbohydrates.

Medicinal properties of tarragon:

  • Secretory;
  • Antibacterial;
  • Sedatives;
  • Diuretic;
  • Antispasmodic;
  • Vascular strengthening;
  • Anti-inflammatory;
  • General strengthening;
  • Sedatives;
  • Blood purifiers;
  • Antihelminthic;
  • Tonic;
  • Wound healing.

Features of the tarragon plant

What are the benefits and harms of tarragon grass? How to properly grow and prepare spices? For what diseases is it recommended to take herbal decoctions and infusions?


Habitat

Where can you find tarragon wormwood in the wild? In the southern and eastern countries Europe, China, Pakistan, India, Mongolia, Central Asia. In Russia you can see it not only in the middle zone, but even in Siberia and the Far East. The grass is widespread on the North American continent. Loves dry soil, slopes, open, well-lit areas, although it can also take root in the shade. The plant is cultivated in many countries around the world.

pharmachologic effect

Medicinal properties of tarragon:

  • tonic;
  • anti-inflammatory;
  • vitamin;
  • restorative;
  • diuretic;
  • sedative;
  • antispasmodic;
  • wound healing;
  • vaso-strengthening;
  • carminative;
  • secretory;
  • blood purifying;
  • antiscorbutic;
  • anthelmintic.

Plant components:

  • most valuable - essential oil containing methyl eugenol, sabinene, methyl chavicol, myrcene;
  • alkaloids;
  • phenylpropanoids;
  • coumarins;
  • bitterness;
  • resins;
  • micro- and macroelements;
  • vitamin C and A;
  • proteins;
  • carbohydrates.

The pharmacological properties of this plant are still being studied. Potential antitumor activity is being considered, and antibacterial properties have been experimentally identified. The rich composition of minerals in the roots and leaves of the grass is being studied.


Blank

  • Collection. It is recommended to collect the grass along with flowers and buds at the beginning of flowering - in August or September. You can also cut fresh leaves in the spring. Some herbalists claim that the plant can be harvested throughout the summer and cut several times. The grass is not cut down to the very roots, but only its tops. It is necessary to leave the stems up to 15 cm above ground level.
  • Preparation. The leaves are tied into bunches and dried in the shade in a well-ventilated area. The roots are harvested in the fall. They are cut into small circles and dried in the shade or in the sun, like seeds. When harvesting the root, you need to leave part of it so that the plant can reproduce next year.
  • Storage. You can place the raw materials in linen bags or glass or porcelain containers. The herb is protected from dampness and light and stored separately from other medicinal plants due to its high essential oil content. The maximum shelf life, subject to storage conditions, is 3 years.

Some sources indicate that tarragon is best harvested in the first years of the growing season. It is during this period that the maximum amount of useful components accumulates in the grass. Fresh can be stored for 7 days in the refrigerator. The plant can also be frozen in small portions. When frozen, all beneficial substances are preserved.

Growing

Grass is an unpretentious plant, so it can easily be grown in a country house or garden. What conditions must exist for the successful cultivation of this spice? What do gardeners advise?

  • In order for the plant to be lush and develop quickly, you need to choose an open, sunny piece of land.
  • It is better to fertilize the soil with humus, and also add sand and peat to it.
  • Tarragon does not like acidic soil, so it is often recommended to sprinkle the soil with ash to reduce acidity.
  • Grass can be sown in spring, without first germinating the seeds.
  • When the seeds sprout, they must be thinned out (there should be an interval of 30 cm between sprouts).
  • You can also plant tarragon seedlings, in which case by the end of summer the plant will bloom profusely and give a good harvest.
  • For seedlings, seeds are sown at the end of March, and planted in the ground at the end of April, in May, in warm weather.
  • Grass does not like high humidity; it should not be filled with water.
  • Requires regular loosening and weeding.
  • For the winter, it is better to insulate the root system: it is covered with sawdust, dry grass, straw or peat.

Indications

What diseases and symptoms can tarragon help with? How often is the herb used in scientific medicine?

What are the contraindications for tarragon? Chronic gastrointestinal diseases, primarily stomach ulcers and gastritis with high acidity. The grass is a poisonous plant, so it can be dangerous for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children. Prolonged and uncontrolled use can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, convulsions, and loss of consciousness. There are also cases of individual intolerance to tarragon and an allergic reaction to the herb.



How to choose and where to buy tarragon


photo of blooming tarragon

Plant preparation:

The plant is consumed fresh, frozen and dry.

It is recommended to harvest young plants - they contain the largest amount of healing substances. Tarragon is collected at the beginning of flowering along with the buds, the upper part of the plant is cut off, departing from the root at least 15 cm. Tied in bunches and dried in a suspended state, protected from the sun and in a well-ventilated room. During the drying process, the herb acquires a more pronounced aroma and taste.

The roots are dug up in the fall, they are cleared of soil, washed, allowed to dry a little and crushed. They are dried, like seeds, in the shade in the open air.

Store raw materials in airtight containers or fabric bags for up to 3 years.

Fresh tarragon can be stored in the refrigerator for 7 days, after which it loses its quality.

For longer storage, fresh greens are frozen in small batches; such raw materials retain useful substances until the next harvest.

How to choose:


When buying fresh tarragon, you should pay attention to its appearance

Fresh tarragon can be found in large stores or at the market. When choosing, you should pay attention to the appearance, avoid old, lethargic plants that have changed color; the aroma and taste should be rich.

Dry tarragon is sold in packages that must be intact and not expire.

Growing. Seeds


the plant can be grown in a personal plot without much hassle

The grass is not fancy, it can be easily grown in the garden or at the dacha, for this you need to follow certain rules:

  • It is better to plant tarragon in an open sunny area;
  • enrich the land with humus, sand and peat;
  • the plant does not tolerate acidic soils, so you need to add ash to the soil before planting;
  • plant seeds in sufficiently warm soil;
  • after the seeds germinate, the sprouts need to be thinned out (the distance between them should be at least 30 cm);
  • tarragon can be planted as seedlings, then the harvest is obtained earlier;
  • during growth, you should not water frequently, the plant does not tolerate waterlogging;
  • it is necessary to periodically remove weeds and loosen the soil;
  • To prevent the roots from freezing in winter, they are insulated with sawdust, straw or dry grass.

The plant is grown from seeds in two ways:

  • sow in early spring into the ground.
  • sown in winter at home to obtain seedlings, which are subsequently planted in the ground.

Growing in your garden

Tarragon is an unpretentious plant. You can easily grow this herb in your garden using the following tips:

  • select an open area;
  • the soil should not be acidic, to reduce the acidity you need to add ash;
  • seeds are sown directly into the soil without germination;
  • after germination, they need to be thinned out, leaving a distance of 30 cm between the sprouts;
  • Tarragon does not like excessive watering;
  • Weeding and loosening are useful.

The time when to collect greens is determined by the owner himself. The leaves have grown to the desired height - the whole plant is cut to the ground and watered, the sprouts will soon sprout abundantly again.

Tarragon is useful for medicinal purposes when used correctly. Compliance with the dosage and regimen will not cause side effects. Contraindications for use indicate active ingredients in the chemical composition. By taking all precautions, you can bring invaluable benefits to the body with tarragon.

Source

Health Benefits of Tarragon


the plant has a wide range of medicinal effects on the body

Medicinal properties of tarragon

Rich chemical composition Tarragon has the following beneficial effects on the body:

Nutritional value and calorie content

The calorie content of tarragon is 296 Kcal per 100 g. product, including:

  • up to 23 gr. squirrel;
  • up to 7.3 g. fats;
  • up to 50.2 gr. carbohydrates.

What does it help with?

Tarragon is used in complex therapy to treat the following diseases:

  • Flu and ARVI;
  • Pneumonia, bronchitis, cough;
  • Tuberculosis;
  • Depression, neurosis, insomnia;
  • Failure of the menstrual cycle;
  • Headache and toothache;
  • Digestive disorders;
  • Vascular diseases;
  • Thrombophlebitis and varicose veins;
  • Overwork;
  • Impotence;
  • Obesity.

Medicinal properties


Tarragon leaves have long been used by many peoples both as a flavoring additive for food and as a medicine. They contain the following components:

  • carbohydrates – 45%;
  • proteins – 25%;
  • carotene – up to 15%;
  • essential oils – up to 0.8% in wet weight;
  • ascorbic acid – 0.19%.

Other substances that make up the plant: flavonoids and alkaloids, tannins and coumarins, vitamins A, C, B1 and B2, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, iron. Traces of alkaloids are found in the root system.

It is believed that the highest concentration of beneficial substances is contained in tarragon during the first three years of life. Then their number gradually decreases. Moreover, the lifespan of plants often exceeds 10 years.

The culture is valued not only for its pleasant aroma, but also for its ability to saturate the human body with vitamins. The aerial part contains carotene and ascorbic acid. They strengthen the body's immune defense, give strength and vigor.

Plant-based remedies help with depression and emotional stress.

Essential oils with a pleasant, spicy aroma are obtained from tarragon. They are used in the manufacture of men's and women's perfumes. Contains:

  • sabinene;
  • ocimene;
  • phellandrene.

Use of tarragon herb in home cooking. Recipes

The plant has gained popularity all over the world as a spice. Tarragon is used in cooking in fresh and dried form:

  • Tarragon seasoning is added to pickles, marinades when canning cucumbers, tomatoes, mushrooms, eggplants, but you need to know when to stop and not add too much, as the plant will overwhelm the taste of the main product.
  • Fresh tarragon is added to salads to enrich the dish with vitamins.
  • dry spice is added to meat broths and main hot dishes with vegetables, eggs, as well as cheeses and curdled milk.
  • The plant is used in preparing sauces for lamb, poultry and game.


Tarragon is added to fish dishes, giving them an original spicy aroma

  • Tarragon goes well with fish - boiled, baked, salted.
  • Tarragon extract is used in the preparation of liqueurs and vodka - it gives the drink a pleasant spicy aroma and taste.
  • It is not recommended to expose fresh tarragon for a long time heat treatment, it can add bitterness to the dish. It is better to add it at the end of cooking or to enrich already prepared dishes.

Tea and decoction

You can brew tea with fresh tarragon; it will have a restorative and calming effect.

  • put a handful of crushed St. into the teapot. tarragon and add boiled water. Wrap up and let sit for 15-20 minutes. You can drink up to two cups of strained tarragon tea per day. It’s a good idea to add fresh leaves of the plant when brewing black or green tea - this will increase its taste and healing qualities.


drinks with tarragon will boost your immunity and mood

  • Art. l. hold dry tarragon and a glass of boiling water over low heat for 5 minutes, leave, strain. Take a tarragon drink up to 3 times a day, half a glass.

Ointment

Used for external use for dermatitis, eczema, radiculitis; the ointment is used to treat the oral cavity for stomatitis, ulcers and cracks.

  • butter in the amount of 100 g. melt, add tarragon powder (20 g) and keep on low heat for a couple of minutes. The cooled mass is stored in the refrigerator.

Pickled gherkins

  • put a sprig of tarragon, prepared gherkins, chopped onion and garlic into a 3-liter sterilized jar;
  • top with another sprig of tarragon, black peppercorns, cloves and bay leaf to taste;
  • put two tbsp into water. spoons of salt, a spoonful of vinegar, you can add a little sugar, bring to a boil and pour the contents of the jar with hot brine;
  • roll up and store in a cool place.

Homemade tarragon lemonade


homemade lemonade with tarragon will help quench your thirst and have a tonic effect on the body

Tarragon can be used to make the famous lemonade, it is easy to make at home:

  • half a liter of water and 100 gr. Boil sugar over low heat for several minutes;
  • add crushed St. tarragon (150 gr.) and freshly squeezed lemon juice;
  • let it brew for an hour;
  • strain and take cold.

The tarragon recipe can be adjusted - instead of sugar, add honey and a sprig of mint. This will increase medicinal properties and improve taste, use the tarragon drink as a refreshing, soothing and tonic.

Growing and care

Since tarragon is unpretentious, cultivation and care do not take much time. The plant requires:

moderate watering - 1-2 times a week in the absence of rain; loosening after watering to destroy the soil crust; systematic weeding.

After each mowing, tarragon should be fed with mullein infusion (1:10) on moist soil. It can grow in one place for up to 15 years, but it produces edible leaves only in the first 5-6 years.

It is more rational to propagate tarragon using green cuttings, layering or root suckers. The seeds of hybrid varieties do not retain their parental qualities; the grass from them grows with almost no aroma. If it is necessary to grow tarragon from seeds, the seedling method is used, since seedlings have to wait up to 3 weeks.



It is more rational to propagate tarragon using green cuttings.

Tarragon herb - medicinal uses


the plant is recognized as medicine and is used in complex treatment many diseases

The use of tarragon has a positive effect in the following areas:

For colds and viral infections - as a general tonic, tarragon is useful to take for influenza, ARVI, it treats cough and inflammation of the respiratory system, helps to cope with the disease faster.

For hypertension - tarragon has a diuretic and vasodilator effect that can lower blood pressure.

For worms - tarragon and wormwood belong to the same genus and have a pronounced anthelmintic effect, helping to get rid of giardia, pinworms, and roundworms.

For digestion – the bitterness contained in the plant activates the formation of gastric juice, normalizes intestinal motility, eliminates flatulence and bloating, and improves appetite.

For the nervous system - tarragon has a calming, sedative and tonic effect in cases of nervous excitability, stress and increased anxiety.

External use - the plant has a wound-healing property, which helps with skin diseases - dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, poorly healing wounds, as well as lesions of the oral mucosa and stomatitis. For varicose veins, it is good to make compresses with a water infusion of tarragon. For cosmetic purposes, the plant is used to care for skin and hair.


with insistence of tarragon everything useful components plants turn into a drink that has a therapeutic and preventive effect on the body

When losing weight

Tarragon improves the digestion process and digestion of food, activates metabolic processes, metabolism, removes waste products from the body, has a cleansing and diuretic effect, removing excess fluid, which helps get rid of extra pounds.

For women

The herb helps relieve symptoms of menopause - increased irritability, nervousness, tension, improve mood and sleep. Tarragon is able to improve the functioning of the hormonal system, metabolism, improves blood circulation in the genitourinary system, regulates menstrual cycle, improves reproductive health. Used for cosmetic purposes to maintain health and beauty.

For men

The plant has a beneficial effect on men's health - it calms nervous system, eliminating the causes of sexual dysfunction, restores the function of the sex glands and male strength. For these purposes, it is recommended to take tarragon with other medicinal herbs long course. The herb relieves alcohol poisoning, cleanses the body of harmful products and toxins, normalizes digestion, relieves headaches.

Tarragon Recipes for Health

Juice – juice freshly squeezed through a juicer is used for medicinal purposes as an antipyretic and laxative.

Vinegar is a product that does not lose its taste and aroma for a long time; it is used in cooking.

  • St. the tarragon stalk is placed in a bottle;
  • pour vinegar;
  • insist in a dark place for two weeks;
  • filter and store in a hermetically sealed container.

Tarragon essential oil is used in medicine, cosmetology and aromatherapy as a means of relieving nervous tension and improving emotional mood.


Little with tarragon can be purchased ready-made, and if desired, you can cook it yourself

Indications for the medical use of tarragon oil are: neuroses, insomnia, respiratory diseases, Bladder and kidneys, digestive disorders, neuralgia, arthritis, radiculitis.

Healing tea - to prepare it, take a sprig of tarragon, ginger root, a couple of lemon slices, thyme and mint. Place everything in a teapot, add boiled water and leave for up to half an hour. The strained drink is drunk warm with sugar or honey.

Tarragon tincture with vodka - to prepare the product, fill the container 1/3 of the volume with dry raw materials, fill it with vodka and put it in a dark place to infuse. After two weeks, filter and use to treat colds, coughs, and strengthen the immune system.

Contraindications


Tarragon is no exception among medicinal herbs and has its own contraindications. When used in moderation, the plant does not cause harm. For example, when adding a few leaves to tea or food as a healthy seasoning, no side effects usually does not occur. And with regular, uncontrolled use of decoction or homemade lemonade based on tarragon, unpleasant consequences are possible.

Excessive amounts of tarragon and drinks prepared from it are harmful if:

  • chronic diseases gastrointestinal tract– gastritis, ulcers;
  • pregnancy and breastfeeding;
  • individual intolerance to tarragon, allergic reactions to the substances it contains.

Long-term uncontrolled use of tarragon wormwood is unsafe for health. Symptoms that indicate that use should be stopped:

  • dizziness;
  • nausea;
  • vomit;
  • loss of consciousness.

For children, tarragon is harmless, provided that the plant added to food and drinks is consumed in small quantities. In such cases, the properties of the herb are beneficial.

Women during lactation need to treat tarragon with caution. It can be included in the diet no earlier than the child turns 3 months old. Until this age, the baby’s digestive system is not fully formed and may be vulnerable. The essential oils of the plant penetrate into mother's milk. They can cause discomfort in a child. To avoid harm to it, it is recommended to avoid eating tarragon. 3 months after the birth of the baby, the mother can begin to try drinks with tarragon or food with seasoning and at the same time monitor the baby’s reaction.

Application in cosmetology

Tarragon has a softening, moisturizing, disinfecting, toning and rejuvenating effect on the skin. Infusions with the plant are used independently or added to regular skin and hair care products. Tarragon is used in the preparation of various masks in combination with other components - olive oil, green tea, honey, rolled oats, milk or yogurt.

For daily skin care, it is good to use cosmetic ice with tarragon as a lotion. To do this, the infusion with the plant is poured into molds and frozen.

Use for men

It is also useful for representatives of the stronger half to use tarragon as a medicinal plant and for prevention. This is an excellent tool for maintaining tone and activity for many years.

Benefits for men:

  • normalizes the production of sex hormones;
  • reduces inflammation in the genitourinary system;
  • promotes muscle growth;
  • helps remove toxic substances from the lungs, which is important for experienced smokers.

Tarragon - the herb is considered a good prevention of impotence. You just need to start drinking it in advance. Herbal preparations do not act immediately, unlike medications.


What it is

Tarragon, also known as tarragon, is a herb with green, long, thin, pointed leaves and an unusual aniseed aroma, used fresh and dried as a seasoning.

Tarragon is especially popular in Mediterranean cuisine. It is a key herb in French cooking (an essential ingredient in Béarnaise sauce) and goes well with eggs, cheese and poultry.

A popular carbonated soft drink, Tarragon lemonade, is flavored with a sweet tarragon concentrate.


Preparation of medicinal raw materials

Tarragon grown in the garden can be dried and later used as a medicinal raw material. The plant should be harvested for harvesting at a time when its leaves or flowers bloom, or it begins to bear fruit. It is at this time that the amount of nutrients in it is maximum.

The above-ground parts of the grass should be harvested in dry weather, and the roots should be harvested under any conditions. environment. Exhaust gases entering the soil gradually penetrate all parts of the plant, so it is advisable to cultivate it away from city roads.

Tarragon flowers and fruits must be collected carefully so as not to damage it. The above-ground parts can be cut off entirely, and when collecting the roots, it is necessary to leave part of the tarragon for further propagation. When preparing raw materials for drying, only the rhizome of the plant should be washed. Then you need to spread the grass in a thin layer and move it to a dark place with good air circulation. The fruits, roots, bark and seeds of tarragon can be dried in the sun. Before harvesting raw materials, it is advisable to cut thick roots into circles, and long ones - cut across.

The leaves of a properly dried plant should be ground to a powder. The stems and rhizomes should become brittle. Dried tarragon fruits will not stick together. The finished medicinal raw material will retain its original color.

Dried tarragon wormwood should be stored in bags or boxes. Raw materials should be kept in a cool and regularly ventilated area.

Effects of tarragon on the body

Eating tarragon helps treat kidney and urinary tract diseases - normalizes organ function and eliminates inflammatory processes. Due to the antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity of the plant, it is used for treatment respiratory system: tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and even tuberculosis.

Tarragon is a source of valuable antioxidants - selenium, ascorbic acid and vitamins A and E. They eliminate the effects of free radicals on the body, prevent premature aging of the skin, prevent the occurrence of cancer, activate immune defense, and increase resistance to colds.

Traditional medicine uses tarragon to treat chronic migraines, insomnia, prolonged depression and toothaches. Regular consumption of the plant is beneficial for men - tarragon increases potency due to a large amount of minerals and vitamins, as well as a strengthening effect on the walls of blood vessels.

Diseases and pests of tarragon

The most common disease found on tarragon is rust. This fungal disease most often manifests itself in overly thickened plantings, as well as where a large number of nitrogenous nutrients. Disease spores can spread throughout the entire area in a short period of time and infect healthy plants. Without the necessary control measures, plant foliage soon withers and dries out. Treatment of the disease involves the use of appropriate fungicides. Preventive measures are as follows:

  • follow generally accepted technology for cultivating plants, especially in terms of fertilizing and seeding rates;
  • remove and burn plant residues in a timely manner;
  • Weed and cut off the green part as necessary.

Among the harmful insects on the crop, the most common are aphids, wireworms, and leafhoppers. You can get rid of the first pest using only folk remedies. In this case, use infusions prepared on the basis of:

  • green potato tops;
  • onion peels;
  • yarrow;
  • tobacco

The harm caused by wireworms is damage to the root system. The insect poses a serious danger to young plants, while it does not cause significant damage to older specimens. Wireworms can be destroyed by liming the soil, as well as deep loosening it.



Penny leafhoppers

The greatest danger among leafhoppers in the European territory of Russia for tarragon is the pentail leafhopper. The insects get their name from the foamy liquid substance they secrete around themselves. Adult specimens of the pest and larvae cause harm to the foliage of the plant, sucking juices from it and making the leaves wrinkled and ugly. The risk of the appearance and spread of these pests can be reduced by timely removal of weeds, which are the initial place of appearance of leafhoppers. Affected foliage should be torn off and burned as soon as possible, and the plantings should be treated with special insecticides or fluff lime.

Note! It is necessary to resort to the use of chemicals only as a last resort, when all other methods have not shown the expected effectiveness.

Is tarragon good for weight loss?

The benefits of tarragon for women include, among other things, its dietary properties. Tarragon helps the body better absorb food, promotes the release and absorption of creatine, a substance responsible for energy balance and muscle building.

Thus, when added to food, tarragon speeds up metabolism and helps lose weight. overweight. And its nutritional properties allow you to lose only useless fat mass, but at the same time maintain healthy muscle tissue.

Preparation and storage

The herb tarragon is somewhat unique. It can be used fresh, dried and frozen, while the content of useful elements remains quite high.


The cut parts are knitted into small bundles and dried in a cool, dark place. This herb can be stored for no more than 3 years, provided that the container protects the contents from moisture, sunlight and foreign aromas.

Harvesting roots begins closer to autumn. Only dig out a small part of the roots so that the plant does not die. They are cut into thin slices and dried in the sun. Storage conditions are the same as for above-ground parts of the plant. You need to choose a glass or porcelain container with a tight-fitting lid, protect it from cold, heat, moisture and sun.

Some herbalists agree that it is better to make preparations from the tarragon plant in the first two years of its growing season. It is at this time that the content of active substances is maximum.

As for fresh shoots, they should be kept in the refrigerator for no more than a week. And when frozen, the plant continues to retain its properties for several years. To properly freeze tarragon, rinse it well, dry it with a paper towel, then wrap it in cling film and put it in the freezer as is.

There is another way. Pour 100-150 ml of dry white wine into a stainless steel pan and evaporate all the alcohol so that about half of the liquid remains. At this time, wash several bunches of tarragon well, dry and finely chop. Add chopped herbs to hot wine and stir. Form portioned balls or briquettes from the resulting mass. Wrap them in film and freeze.

Homemade lemonade

To prepare a delicious soft drink, you will need to grind 200 g of herbs in a blender, add 1 liter of water and 1 tbsp. sugar or cane syrup. Stir well and add ice cubes to the pitcher.

Chopped tarragon can be poured with sprite and added 3-4 slices of lime, 1 tbsp. lemon syrup. The whole family will love this invigorating drink. You can add tarragon to various green smoothies to support your health.


Based on the plant, you can prepare a tea drink by pouring 5 strawberries with 500 ml of boiling water, adding 10 grams of tarragon and 10 g of sea buckthorn, adding a spoonful of strawberry syrup. Brew for 10-15 minutes. Tea will be a great addition to dinner.

Tarragon or tarragon - medicinal plant with a pleasant taste and aroma. It is used as a medicinal plant, for cosmetic purposes, and in cooking. Despite its great benefits, tarragon can cause severe harm to the body if consumed in large quantities.

Tarragon in cosmetics

Tarragon (tarragon) is widely used in hair and skin care. The rich chemical composition helps restore elasticity and pleasant color to the skin, and radiance and healthy strength to lifeless hair.

We bring to your attention several recipes for homemade cosmetics with tarragon.

  1. Mask for moisturizing the skin of the neck and face. Brew a handful of fresh tarragon leaves with boiling water, wait until it cools down a little, strain and apply the green mixture to the skin for twenty minutes. We wash ourselves with the water remaining after straining the tarragon.
  1. Mask for aging skin. Grind 40 g of young tarragon in a blender, mix with carrot juice, cottage cheese and cream (all 1 tbsp). Apply the mixture to cleansed skin, wait 15 minutes and rinse with strong brewed green tea.
  1. Contrast compress for the neck. Brew a spoonful of tarragon and parsley with boiling water, leave for 10 minutes, filter and cool in the refrigerator. We heat up any cosmetic oil, moisten a napkin in it and apply it to the neck for 1 minute. Then we remove it and apply another napkin soaked in a chilled tarragon infusion. We repeat the procedure five times.
  1. Mask for décolleté and neck area. Brew 3 tbsp boiling water. fresh chopped tarragon with ¾ cups rolled oats. Add egg white to the warm mixture and apply to the skin for half an hour. Wash off the residue with warm water.
  1. Nourishing face mask with tarragon. Mix 2 tsp. honey with 1 tbsp. crushed fresh tarragon leaves, apply to face and wait 20 minutes. Wash off the mask and apply moisturizer to your face.
  1. Mask with tarragon to strengthen hair. Boil a handful of tarragon leaves in water for a few minutes, then brew a packet of colorless henna with the decoction. Cool to a tolerable temperature, mix with 3 drops of chamomile oil, apply to hair and head for 1.5 hours. We put the bag on top. Wash off the remaining mask with warm water.

How to use tarragon in cosmetics

Tarragon (tarragon): contraindications for use

Despite the beneficial properties of tarragon (tarragon), in some cases its use is unacceptable.

  1. Tarragon leaves and essential oil should not be consumed by pregnant women: tarragon increases the tone of the uterus and can cause miscarriage.
  2. Nursing mothers should also avoid tarragon, as it reduces lactation.
  3. Tarragon is contraindicated for ulcer sufferers and those diagnosed with gastritis with high acidity.
  4. Do not use it if you have stones gallbladder: By increasing the secretion of bile, tarragon causes all the stones to come out at once, which leads to severe pain.
  5. If you are allergic to marigolds, chrysanthemums and other plants from the Asteraceae family, tarragon is also contraindicated.

Even if these contraindications do not apply to you, you should not take it uncontrolled and regularly. Exceeding the permissible dosage can cause fainting, nausea, convulsions and even malignant tumors. This is explained by the content of methyl chavicol in small doses in tarragon, which belongs to phenols - carcinogenic substances. So, keep it in moderation and don’t forget to consult your doctor.

Tarragon herb - medicinal properties and contraindications

The herb tarragon has unusual taste qualities and has a second name - tarragon. Delicious teas and lemonades are made from it, but many people forget that tarragon is an excellent medicinal plant. With its help, with regular use, you can get rid of serious illnesses, if you take a comprehensive approach to therapy. Review of all useful properties and most effective recipes to maintain your health is presented below!

Folk recipes: cosmetology

1. Mask for dry skin.

Mix a handful of tarragon leaves with 5 g of oatmeal. Pour the ingredients into ½ cup of boiling water and leave the mixture for a quarter of an hour, then pour about 5 ml of olive oil into it. Distribute the product over cleansed facial skin and rinse thoroughly after a quarter of an hour.

2. Mask for normal skin.

Grind 30 g of fresh tarragon leaves or 15 g of dry plant, pour boiling water. Pour the contents of 1 ampoule into the composition liquid vitamin Oh, and then add 15 g of cottage cheese. The final composition should have a consistency similar to gruel. Apply the product to the skin, hold for 15 minutes, then rinse. To prepare masks, you should use only fresh leaves of the plant. Regular use of herbal remedies will definitely prolong the youth of the skin.

Indications for use of tarragon

First of all, tarragon is an aromatic spice that adds a touch of piquancy to any meat dish. The herb is also added to pickles and homemade preserves.

In folk medicine, the plant is used to treat:

  • menstrual irregularities;
  • vitamin deficiency;
  • scurvy;
  • insomnia;
  • disorders of digestive processes;
  • wounds and abrasions on the skin;
  • hypertension.

The plant contains special compounds that have a positive effect on the functioning of the female genitourinary system.

The use of leaves allows you to normalize the menstrual cycle and get rid of the specific symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Regular consumption of tarragon is an effective prevention inflammatory diseases female genital organs.

Due to its general strengthening effect, the leaves of the plant can be used to reduce potency in men. Taking tarragon is indicated for weakened libido due to prolonged stress or chronic fatigue.

The plant has a positive effect on the nervous system, eliminates the harmful effects of stress, and normalizes sleep. In this regard, tarragon is indicated during periods of strong mental stress, for neuroses and neurasthenia, and also as part of a comprehensive treatment for depression.

Thanks to the large amount of vitamins, tarragon leaves help with scurvy and seasonal vitamin deficiency. Regular consumption of a drink with tarragon will be an excellent prevention of ARVI.

Tarragon leaves normalize digestive processes, improve the production of gastric juice and increase appetite. This property of the plant should be taken into account by people who are watching their weight or following a strict diet for medical reasons.

Healing ointments

To treat skin diseases: eczema, fungus, allergic dermatitis, use the following ointment. Combine celandine, tarragon and nightshade stem (popularly “wolf berry”) in equal proportions. Grind until a powder forms and mix with liquid honey in a ratio of 1 part of dry matter to 3 parts of honey. Apply the ointment to problem areas once a day for two weeks. Store the finished mixture in the refrigerator.

You can also prepare a universal cream that copes well with radiculitis pain, cracks and ulcers on the skin, and stomatitis. You need to melt 100 g of homemade butter and add 2 tsp. tarragon powder. Cook over low heat for 3 minutes, then transfer to a jar and cool. Store the prepared ointment in the cold and use as needed.

What is it called differently?

Many people are interested in what other tarragon is called. As a rule, tarragon and tarragon - there is no difference between these names. This is the same plant.

Scientifically, the spice is called tarragon wormwood, in Latin – Artemísia dracúnculus. The word comes from the Greek, meaning “healthy.” A similar interpretation refers to all types of wormwood. But there is another explanation for this. The plant was named after the ancient greek goddess Hunt of Artemis. It is also worth mentioning here Queen Artemisia, who, in order to honor the memory of her husband Mausoleum, built a mausoleum in Halicarnassus.

The plant also has the name dragoon grass. From the word "dracunculus", which means "little dragon". The herb tarragon received this name due to the way it looks. The shape of the leaves is very similar to a dragon's tongue, just as long and forked.

Also, the tarragon root itself bends like a snake. In addition, the grass can serve as a good antidote in the event of a bite from some species of these reptiles. So the herb can be called differently, besides, tarragon or tarragon - both names will be correct.

Photo of tarragon (tarragon)

For those who have not seen what tarragon looks like, we present its photo:


Cooking process

So how to cook tarragon? Tarragon must be thoroughly washed and then cut into large pieces. The juice of one lime and one lemon should be added to the finished raw materials. The resulting composition must be diluted with boiled water, preferably at room temperature. Just half a glass of liquid is enough.

After this, the mixture must be crushed. This is best done using a blender. Now the liquid needs to be separated from the chopped greens. To do this, squeeze out the herb and strain the resulting drink. It is best to use gauze, transferred several times.

The finished juice must be diluted with boiled water. In this case, certain proportions must be observed. For one part of juice you need to take 4 parts of boiled water. After this, you can add a little sugar to the drink. That's all. Homemade tarragon is a drink that both adults and children will enjoy. This kind of lemonade perfectly quenches your thirst in hot weather. And if you add a couple of pieces of ice to the glass, the effect will be simply unforgettable.

Questions and answers

Mexican tarragon - is it tarragon or not?

In Mexico, there grows a crop that resembles tarragon in appearance and smell. But this plant belongs to a different family. Mexican "tarragon" is called Tagetes lucida in Latin, which means radiant Tagetes. This is a relative of ordinary garden marigolds.

Tagetes radiata leaves are used to stimulate digestion, as a diuretic and antipyretic. They make a very fragrant tea with notes of anise aroma. However, the plant contains hallucinogenic substances, so it is a psychedelic and can interfere with the functioning of neurotransmitters. The indigenous population of Mexico uses it for meditative practices and in some religious rituals.



Mexican "tarragon" is called Tagetes lucida in Latin.

Nature has given man a variety of herbs that have medicinal properties. One of them is tarragon, a storehouse of vitamins, healthy bitters and wonderful flavor notes that you so want to feel in your favorite dishes.

Compound. Content of vitamins, micro- and macroelements in the grass

*the norm is calculated based on the average daily calorie intake of 2000 kcal

The table shows that tarragon, like many other herbs, is rich in iron. This fact justifies the advice of doctors to drink tarragon decoction and consume it fresh for those who have recently undergone surgery or who are recovering from a serious illness. Tarragon should also be included in your daily menu for vegetarians who, in addition to a lack of iron, often experience a lack of vitamin B-6.

Daily intake of tarragon

The daily dosage of the plant depends on the age of the person and the variety of tarragon.

  1. Fresh tarragon is recommended to take no more than 50 g per day.
  2. In dried form, this amount is reduced to only 5 g.
  3. The daily intake of tarragon-based decoctions and teas should not exceed 500 ml.

In addition, you must first talk with your pediatrician about the advisability of using the plant in a child’s diet, otherwise tarragon may harm the baby.

Basic Rule

Not everyone knows the tarragon recipe. And very often they make many mistakes when choosing a cooking method. You should immediately abandon those recipes where the herb needs to be brewed with boiling water or boiled for a while. The result is an incomprehensible tea Brown. It doesn't even taste like that bright green drink. This tarragon recipe is incorrect. After such experiments, it is difficult to believe that dyes can not be used when making a drink. However, there is still a way to make delicious tarragon with a pleasant green hue.

Just look at the leaves of the plant. They will give off their aroma and juice at a temperature that is slightly higher than the temperature of the human body. But with hard stems the situation is a little different. There is no need to stand on ceremony with this part of the plant. The stems can be boiled a little and then left to infuse. This will make the drink more flavorful. It is also worth combining an infusion of stems and an infusion of leaves. The resulting drink should be placed in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. This way the raw material will release more aromatic and flavoring substances into the water.

Where does tarragon grow?

A unique grass found over vast areas of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It is also brought to Russia from China and Mongolia, and less often from India. Huge plantations of wild tarragon are located in Pakistan and North America. In Russia, this grass also grows happily in various fields and steppe hills.

Advice! It is preferable to use natural fresh tarragon, since it contains more useful substances, and it is sold almost everywhere. When choosing shoots, pay attention to their freshness - the absence of lethargy, yellowing and mold.

Fresh and high-quality tarragon has a pleasant aroma, and the French variety is more suitable for cooking. The Russian type of herb is ideal for home preparations and medicinal recipes.

As for growing the spice yourself, there are no problems with this either: tarragon grows remarkably well in pots on the windowsill, and in any soil at the dacha. Russian varieties tolerate frost well and love cold, and do not need regular watering.

Harvesting tarragon

  • cut the stems and put the grass in water - this way it will last 3-4 weeks in a cold place;
  • Wash the leaves and put them in a bag, put it in the freezer - the herb will be stored for up to 5-6 months.

You can dry tarragon by placing it in a cool room where the sun's rays do not penetrate. It must be ventilated.

Tarragon is an unusual herb that, with the right approach, will help protect the body from the development of various diseases. It will bring the most benefit when fresh. And it’s not so difficult to obtain high-quality green tarragon all year round: it’s easy to grow it in the country and freeze it, or plant it in a simple pot and leave it on the windowsill!

Tarragon, also known as Artemisia tarragon, Tarragon is a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is used as a spice and an additive for salting and canning dishes. This article details the beneficial properties and contraindications of tarragon, its use, composition, as well as recipes. Interesting Facts, photo.

Benefits of herbal tea

Tea and decoction based on tarragon leaves are very beneficial for the human body. The drink helps normalize the functioning of the digestive system, eliminates abdominal cramps, increased gas formation, decreased intestinal motility.

You can prepare a healthy drink using the following recipe:

  1. 1 tsp Pour a glass of boiling water over the tarragon.
  2. Add 20 g fresh ginger and a slice of lemon.
  3. Leave for 15 minutes.

If desired, you can add sugar and honey.


Calorie content. How many calories are in 100 g of product

Tarragon has an extremely low energy value: only 25 kcal per 100 g of product. In this case, the combination of proteins, fats and carbohydrates is as follows:

Thanks to such a low calorie content, tarragon can be safely added to any dish without fear for your figure. These calculations are correct for fresh product. Dry grass will contain 250 kcal per 100 g.

Tarragon (other names: tarragon, dragoon grass) is a perennial herbaceous plant from the genus wormwood. It has been widely used in alternative medicine, cosmetology and cooking over the past centuries.

The larger the plant, the more useful components it contains.

The terrestrial part is rich in flavonoids. These are substances involved in cellular metabolism human body. They have a pronounced antioxidant property, improve the activity of of cardio-vascular system, digestive processes and brain activity. In some cases, they are prescribed for the treatment of diabetes, as they stimulate the production of hormones.

The stems also contain small amounts of coumarin, ocimene and phellandrene. These components have found their use in the perfume industry and medicine. They are used as additives in anticoagulant drugs, i.e. they promote blood clotting.

Tarragon leaves are rich in ascorbic acid, carotene, vitamins B, PP, D. The presence of pectins, protein and useful minerals: potassium, iron, selenium, magnesium, phosphorus. Estrogen essential oils contain up to 65% sabinene and up to 10% myrcene, as well as resins and aldehydes. These are aromatic substances that have antimicrobial and disinfecting properties. They are found in high doses in coniferous plants, so finding them somewhere else is a great success.

The roots of dragoon grass are used in traditional and folk medicine due to the presence of alkaloids - components that affect the nervous system. When used correctly, they relieve inflammation, reduce pain, improve sleep, remove fear and anxiety, and fight tension. Some groups of alkaloids stimulate the central nervous system, have an expectorant and wound-healing effect, and help in the treatment of alcoholism.

Indications for use

Thanks to its rich taste and piquant aroma, the plant is added to dietary dishes instead of salt and spices. But the beneficial properties of tarragon are not limited to this. The content of vitamins and active substances allows it to be used as an auxiliary therapy in the following cases:

In cooking, tarragon has found its use in the form of marinades for preservation and seasoning for cooking meat. The herb is included in side dishes, salads and soups. In dermatology, the plant is used externally: masks, tonics, decoctions, compresses are prepared from it, and also added to lotions and creams.

Preparation and storage

The herb tarragon is somewhat unique. It can be used fresh, dried and frozen, while the content of useful elements remains quite high.

The cut parts are knitted into small bundles and dried in a cool, dark place. This herb can be stored for no more than 3 years, provided that the container protects the contents from moisture, sunlight and foreign aromas.

Harvesting roots begins closer to autumn. Only dig out a small part of the roots so that the plant does not die. They are cut into thin slices and dried in the sun. Storage conditions are the same as for above-ground parts of the plant. You need to choose a glass or porcelain container with a tight-fitting lid, protect it from cold, heat, moisture and sun.

Some herbalists agree that it is better to make preparations from the tarragon plant in the first two years of its growing season. It is at this time that the content of active substances is maximum.

As for fresh shoots, they should be kept in the refrigerator for no more than a week. And when frozen, the plant continues to retain its properties for several years. To properly freeze tarragon, rinse it well, dry it with a paper towel, then wrap it in cling film and put it in the freezer as is.

There is another way. Pour 100-150 ml of dry white wine into a stainless steel pan and evaporate all the alcohol so that about half of the liquid remains. At this time, wash several bunches of tarragon well, dry and finely chop. Add chopped herbs to hot wine and stir. Form portioned balls or briquettes from the resulting mass. Wrap them in film and freeze.

Homemade recipes with tarragon herb

Decoctions, infusions, ointments and teas are made from tarragon. And to strengthen healing properties, the plant is combined with other ingredients.

Teas and decoctions

  1. Tea for insomnia. Add 1 tbsp to 300 ml of boiling water. l. dry tarragon. Cook with the lid closed over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Let it brew for half an hour, then strain. Drink 100 ml before bedtime.
  2. A decoction to strengthen the nervous system and relieve headaches. Add a spoonful of chopped tarragon to 250 ml of water. Bring to a boil and cook for another 5-6 minutes. Leave for 1-2 hours. A handkerchief is moistened in the resulting decoction and applied to the forehead.
  3. Infusion for the prevention of appendicitis. Pour a glass of boiling water over a handful of dry tarragon. Leave for 30 minutes, then strain. Drink 15 minutes before meals for 3 days. Important! This is only a precautionary measure. In case of exacerbation of appendicitis, self-medication is contraindicated.
  4. Vitamin tea. Add a pinch of green tea, crushed tarragon leaves and 2 handfuls of washed pomegranate peel to a glass of boiling water. Leave in the teapot for 20-30 minutes. Before use, dilute with water. Add sugar, honey or lemon to taste.
  5. Infusion to get rid of rashes and itching. Mix the dry ingredients of medicinal herbs in the following proportions: 3 teaspoons each of chamomile and burdock root, 2 teaspoons each of nettle and motherwort, 1 teaspoon each of thyme and tarragon. Pour a handful of the mixture with 250 ml of boiling water. Leave for an hour and strain. Take 2-3 times a day until symptoms disappear.
    It is also acceptable to add a few leaves of fresh or dry tarragon to regular tea. But it is not advisable to take such a drink regularly, due to the risk of adverse reactions.

Healing ointments

To treat skin diseases: eczema, fungus, allergic dermatitis, use the following ointment. Combine celandine, tarragon and nightshade stem (popularly “wolf berry”) in equal proportions. Grind until a powder forms and mix with liquid honey in a ratio of 1 part of dry matter to 3 parts of honey. Apply the ointment to problem areas once a day for two weeks. Store the finished mixture in the refrigerator.

You can also prepare a universal cream that copes well with radiculitis pain, cracks and ulcers on the skin, and stomatitis. You need to melt 100 g of homemade butter and add 2 tsp. tarragon powder. Cook over low heat for 3 minutes, then transfer to a jar and cool. Store the prepared ointment in the cold and use as needed.

Application in cosmetology

The pulp and juices of tarragon contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals, which restore youth and elasticity to the skin, and softness and healthy shine to the hair. In cosmetology, they use both tarragon essential oil (produced mainly in France and the Middle East), combining it with cream or shampoo, and a decoction of fresh or dry shoots.

Products based on tarragon have lifting and disinfecting effects. They can be used by owners of any skin type. Below are several recipes for maintaining female beauty.

  1. Toning lotion. Pour a few pinches of chopped tarragon into a glass of boiling water. Leave for 3-4 hours and strain. Wipe the skin of the face, neck, décolleté and hands 2 times a day.
  2. Whitening lotion. Mix tarragon and cucumber juice in a 1:1 ratio and add 5 drops of tarragon essential oil. Wipe your face and neck with the resulting mixture.
  3. Firming mask. Fill ¾ cup oatmeal porridge, add 3-4 tbsp. l. crushed leaves of dragoon grass and pour boiling water over it. When the mixture has cooled, add 1 egg white and stir well. Apply the mask to clean skin of the face, neck and décolleté for 20-30 minutes. After use, use moisturizer.
  4. Mask "Intensive nutrition". Combine 2-3 tsp. liquid honey with 1 tbsp. l. freshly ground tarragon. Apply to face, avoiding the area around the eyes and lips for 20-25 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
  5. Decoction for hair. Add 2-3 tbsp per liter of boiling water. l. crushed leaves. Cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes. Strain through a sieve and cool. Rinse hair after shampooing. Can be used 2-3 times a week.
  6. Mask for strength and hair growth. Mix 2 tbsp. l. olive and jojoba oils, then add 4 drops of tarragon essential oil. Heat the mixture in a water bath. Apply with massage movements to the hair roots. Wrap your head in polyethylene and insulate it with a towel. Leave for 30-40 minutes, then rinse with shampoo.

Use in cooking

Tarragon is widely used in cooking. The aroma of the plant is not very pronounced, and the taste resembles anise. It is better not to heat treat fresh leaves, otherwise the dish will be slightly bitter. But dry seasoning can be added at any stage of cooking.

The tarragon plant began to be used as a spice in France. Later, this idea was picked up by other European countries: Germany, Italy. There, crushed tarragon leaves were rubbed onto fresh meat to disinfect it and keep it for longer.

Today tarragon is added to any vegetable salads. The plant adds a pleasant piquancy and serves as a prevention of vitamin deficiency. Dry spice is added to meat and vegetable broths, jellied meats, cheeses, and baked goods. The seasoning goes well with chicken and lamb.

In France, tarragon is used to make vinegar, which is used for salting fish, and the famous béarnaise sauce is also prepared. Fresh branches are used in production alcoholic drinks- vodka, liqueur, wine. In the CIS countries, a non-alcoholic drink with tarragon flavor is common.

Since the plant contains natural preservatives, it is added to pickles and marinades (cucumbers, tomatoes, mushrooms), when sauerkraut, soaking apples and watermelon.

Homemade lemonade "Tarragon"

The drink perfectly quenches thirst in the summer and is also a good preventive measure. colds and lack of vitamins. You can drink it in the morning on an empty stomach to improve appetite or in the evening to calm your nerves.

  1. Leaves and essential oil should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Tarragon increases the activity of the uterus and enhances the effect female hormones, which can cause miscarriage and decreased lactation in the postpartum period.
  2. It is not recommended for use by small children, as the plant contains poisons and causes poisoning in large quantities. But calculating a harmless dose for a child is very difficult.
  3. Use with great caution for kidney disease and gallstones. Due to the stimulation of these organs, sand and stones can come out all at once, causing discomfort and pain.
  4. Tarragon is contraindicated during exacerbation of a stomach ulcer and/or duodenum, as well as for gastritis with high acidity.
  5. Do not use if you have an individual intolerance or severe allergy to chrysanthemums, marigolds and other similar flowers (tarragon is part of the aster family).

Before using tarragon for medicinal purposes, it is advisable to consult a specialist who will prescribe the appropriate dosage and duration of herbal medicine. And, of course, you should not use the plant too often or for a long time, since the accumulation of phenols and alkaloids included in the composition can harm your health and provoke the opposite effect. Symptoms of an overdose include convulsions, confusion, nausea, and pale skin.

The beneficial properties and contraindications of tarragon is an interesting question for those who love unusual spices and healing properties. herbal remedies. To understand why tarragon is valuable and when it can cause harm, you need to familiarize yourself with its properties.

What does tarragon look like and where does it grow?

The herb called tarragon, or tarragon, is a perennial plant that is closely related to. The plant can reach one and a half meters in height; the photo of the tarragon plant shows that its stems are straight, the leaves are lanceolate and pointed.

Tarragon grows mainly in fields and on mountain slopes in Mongolia, Eastern Siberia and North America. However, it is famous all over the world - it is used in Asian, American and European folk and official medicine.

Chemical composition and calorie content of tarragon herb

The health benefits and harms of tarragon are determined by its chemical composition. This plant contains:

  • vitamins B1, B2 and B6;
  • vitamins A and C;
  • vitamins D, E and K;
  • nicotinic acid PP;
  • valuable minerals - iron and calcium, magnesium and copper, sodium and zinc;
  • substances potassium, iodine, manganese, selenium and phosphorus;
  • essential oils and flavonoids;
  • fatty acids - both saturated and unsaturated;
  • alkaloids and proteins;
  • fats and carbohydrates.

The calorie content of spicy greens is very small - tarragon contains only 25 kcal per 100 g of product.

Useful and medicinal properties of tarragon

The benefits of tarragon for the human body are its unique properties. Even when used in moderation as food or for medicinal purposes, tarragon is not harmful, but has the following health effects:

  • strengthens the body and increases immunity, preventing the development of colds and infectious diseases;
  • fights inflammatory processes, removes accumulated toxins and excess fluid from the body;
  • serves as a prevention of scurvy;
  • has a beneficial effect on hair and skin;
  • is beneficial for joint ailments - arthritis and rheumatism;
  • improves metabolism, awakens appetite and has a positive effect on the functioning of the stomach and intestines;
  • calms nerves and helps fight depression;
  • eliminates insomnia and chronic fatigue;
  • tones and improves performance;
  • promotes rapid healing of skin damage;
  • strengthens blood vessels and protects the heart from ailments;
  • normalizes blood pressure.

Tarragon is useful as a prevention of oncology - it prevents the development malignant tumors in organism.

For women

The benefits of tarragon for women are that the plant has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the reproductive system and normalizes monthly cycle. Tarragon has a mild diuretic effect and is useful in the treatment and prevention of cystitis.

Tarragon is often used for cosmetic purposes, as it has a rejuvenating effect on hair and skin, tightens the face and evens out its color.

For men

The benefit of tarragon herb for men is that the plant is a good prevention of impotence - it normalizes the production of male sex hormones. Tarragon has a good effect on the entire genitourinary system and helps cope with inflammatory processes. With regular use, the plant promotes enhanced muscle growth- this is especially valuable for men who are partial to sports.

Is tarragon good for weight loss?

The benefits of tarragon for women include, among other things, its dietary properties. Tarragon helps the body better absorb food, promotes the release and absorption of creatine, a substance responsible for energy balance and muscle building.

Thus, when added to food, tarragon speeds up metabolism and helps to lose extra pounds. And its nutritional properties allow you to lose only useless fat mass, but at the same time maintain healthy muscle tissue.

Can tarragon be used for pregnant women?

For all its benefits, tarragon can cause harm during pregnancy. It is not recommended for pregnant women to use it - the plant can cause miscarriage.

Attention! Likewise, tarragon in any form should be avoided during lactation.

The properties of the plant reduce the production of breast milk, and this is harmful to the baby.

Daily intake of tarragon

The daily dosage of the plant depends on the age of the person and the variety of tarragon.

  1. Fresh tarragon is recommended to take no more than 50 g per day.
  2. In dried form, this amount is reduced to only 5 g.
  3. The daily intake of tarragon-based decoctions and teas should not exceed 500 ml.

Important! If we are talking about giving tarragon to a child, all dosages must be divided in two.

In addition, you must first talk with your pediatrician about the advisability of using the plant in a child’s diet, otherwise tarragon may harm the baby.

Traditional medicine recipes based on tarragon

The health benefits and harms of tarragon are intensively used in folk medicine. There are several popular products based on it that bring real practical benefits.

Universal syrup recipe

The properties of tarragon are used to generally strengthen the body and improve immunity; for example, the universal syrup from this plant is of great benefit. It is prepared like this:

  • 500 g of fresh tarragon is washed, kneaded properly or crushed in a blender;
  • the raw materials are placed in an enamel container and completely filled with water;
  • under the lid, the grass is infused for 12 hours, then squeezed out and filtered;
  • add a little sugar to the container, and then put it in a water bath and cook until the syrup becomes thick.

The finished product is poured into sterile glass jars and stored in the refrigerator for up to six months.

Infusion for men's health

The medicinal properties of tarragon can be used for problems with potency - the plant is a natural aphrodisiac. An infusion of strong alcohol, which is made as follows, will be of great benefit:

  • 50 g of dry grass is poured with 500 ml of alcohol or regular vodka;
  • The neck of the bottle is tightly covered with cling film and the infusion is placed in the refrigerator for 20 minutes until the liquid acquires a greenish tint;
  • After this, the infusion is filtered and kept in the refrigerator for another day.

You need to use the finished product twice a day - in the morning after waking up and in the evening before going to bed. A single dosage is 1 tablespoon; in large quantities the product will do more harm than good.

Tea with tarragon for women

The benefits and harms of the tarragon drink are used to treat female ailments in the reproductive and genitourinary sphere. Medicinal tea based on the plant is made as follows:

  • a teaspoon of herbs is poured into a glass of hot water;
  • add half a teaspoon of ginger and a slice of lemon;
  • insist for half an hour.

The beneficial remedy is drunk warm in small sips. The benefit of tarragon tea is not only that it helps cure cystitis and inflammatory female ailments. The drink is also effective in the fight against excess weight, and it also quickly improves digestion.

Ointment for joints

The healing properties of tarragon are used to treat joint diseases - the plant relieves tissue swelling and inflammation, reduces painful sensations. Usually, an ointment based on tarragon is prepared for joints. They do it like this:

  • melt 100 g of good butter;
  • add 2 teaspoons of dry tarragon, crushed into powder;
  • in a small enamel container, place the mixture on low heat and cook for 3 minutes;
  • then remove from the stove and allow to cool.

Sore joints are lubricated with a useful product several times a day - the properties of tarragon quickly help relieve exacerbations.

In addition, for joint ailments, the beneficial properties of honey with tarragon appear. In this case, a teaspoon of dry tarragon powder must be mixed with liquid honey in a ratio of 1 to 3 and applied daily to the sore spot for 2 weeks.

Tea for insomnia

The beneficial properties of the tarragon plant have a calming effect on the nervous system and help get rid of chronic insomnia. It is necessary to prepare a healing decoction - to do this, pour 300 ml of boiling water over a large spoon of dry tarragon and cook under the lid over low heat for just 3 minutes.

The finished product is allowed to brew for about half an hour, and then filtered to remove the herbal sediment. Drink a few sips of the decoction late in the evening - the remedy quickly returns healthy sleep.

Oil for stomatitis

The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant help well with diseases of teeth and gums - tarragon soothes pain and reduces inflammation. Tarragon-based oil has the best effect, and you can even prepare it at home.

  1. 20 g of dry tarragon leaves are ground to a powder.
  2. Melt 100 g of natural butter in a water bath and add tarragon powder.
  3. Simmer the mixture over the lowest heat for 10 minutes, and then allow the oil to cool naturally.

If you have stomatitis, you need to rub the oil into your gums at least three times a day. It is better to do this for a month - there will be no harm from tarragon, and the symptoms of the disease will be eliminated reliably and for a long time.

Compress for varicose veins

The healing properties of tarragon are of great benefit for varicose veins - compresses with tarragon improve blood circulation and eliminate heaviness in the legs. To prepare a compress you need:

  • take 100 g of fresh tarragon, wash the leaves thoroughly and grind them to a paste;
  • mix the resulting mass with 500 ml of yogurt;
  • Apply evenly to the problem area of ​​skin on the legs, cover the top with cling film and a towel.

Wash off the useful compress after half an hour. With a moderate course of the disease, it needs to be done once a day; with progressive varicose veins, the procedure is allowed to be carried out three times a day.

It is best to do compresses in the evening, then the legs after the procedure will not have to experience increased stress, which would be harmful.

Recipe for rashes and itching

To get rid of allergic skin rashes and itching due to dermatitis, you can do useful infusion based on tarragon. To prepare it you need:

  • mix 3 teaspoons of dry chamomile with the same amount of burdock root;
  • add 2 teaspoons of motherwort and nettle to the mixture;
  • add 1 teaspoon each of tarragon and thyme;
  • pour a glass of boiling water over the herbal mixture and leave for an hour under the lid.

Drink the remedy twice a day until the symptoms go away. Additionally, the infusion can be used to gently treat affected areas of the skin.

Remedy for swelling

The benefits of tarragon infusion help to get rid of swelling that occurs due to kidney ailments. Healing drink do as follows:

  • 20 g of fresh tarragon pour 500 ml of boiling water;
  • Cover the product with a lid and leave for about 20 minutes;
  • Then wait until the infusion cools down and drink a few sips up to 4 times a day.

Tarragon has diuretic properties, so it helps remove excess fluid from tissues. True, in order to avoid harm to health, you should take this remedy for no longer than a month in a row.

Tarragon in home cosmetology

Treatment with tarragon herb is carried out not only for serious ailments, but also for unsatisfactory hair or skin condition. Tarragon has a very good effect on the epidermis and hair follicles, helping to quickly restore beauty.

Facial skin products

The beneficial plant tarragon is used in homemade masks and refreshing cleansers. For example, plant-based lotion is popular. It is prepared like this:

  • a teaspoon of dried tarragon is poured with a glass of boiling water;
  • insist for about a quarter of an hour;
  • wait until the product cools down and filter it.

The resulting lotion is used to wipe the skin of the face twice a day - after waking up and before going to bed. The properties of the plant fight inflammation, nourish the skin and slightly rejuvenate the face.

You can also make a refreshing tonic based on tarragon. To do this, add 2 more large spoons of fresh cucumber juice to the healthy lotion, the recipe for which is given above. Tarragon toner improves skin tone and makes it more elastic.

Hair strengthening mask

Weakened hair that is prone to loss can be quickly restored if you use the beneficial properties of tarragon. It’s very easy to prepare a homemade mask, for this you need:

  • mix 2 large tablespoons of olive oil with the same amount of jojoba oil;
  • add 4 drops of tarragon essential oil to the mixture;
  • lightly steam the mixture;
  • rub into the roots of the curls with massage movements and distribute along the entire length of the hair.

Cover the hair with cling film and a towel, and then wait the standard 40 minutes and wash off the mask with natural shampoo.

Use of tarragon herb in cooking

Tarragon belongs to the category of herbs, so in cooking it is used mainly in small quantities so that there is no harm to the body. However, the plant is often found in dishes of French, Arabic and Caucasian cuisine. Tarragon is added to salads and drinks, and soups and main courses are flavored with herbs.

Advice! Since tarragon begins to become slightly bitter during prolonged heat treatment, it is necessary to add the herb to food only 2-3 minutes before the dish is fully prepared.

In this case, tarragon will give the food an unusual taste and will not cause harm.

How to make homemade tarragon lemonade

One of the most famous products based on the plant is lemonade called tarragon. You can not only buy it in the store, but also prepare it yourself.

  1. 200 g of fresh tarragon herb is ground in a blender or by hand.
  2. Then, in an enamel bowl, tarragon is mixed with a large spoon of coconut or grape sugar.
  3. Squeeze the juice out of 2 fresh lemons, add tarragon and sugar, and then pour in 1 liter of water.

All ingredients are thoroughly mixed and then filtered through cheesecloth. The lemonade should then be cooled in the refrigerator and ice cubes added to it before serving.

Tarragon jam recipe

You can make tasty and healthy jam from the tarragon plant. This takes quite a lot of time, but tarragon jam retains maximum benefits.

  1. Fresh tarragon leaves are thoroughly washed, the leaves are allowed to dry and finely chopped using scissors. The resulting raw material is thoroughly kneaded by hand or with a special masher in an enamel bowl so that the tarragon releases the juice.
  2. Then pour 1 liter of boiling water over the grass and cover with a lid. It is necessary to infuse tarragon in a warm place for 10 hours - during this time the herb will give off maximum beneficial properties.
  3. After this time, the green mass is filtered, poured into a small saucepan and 1 kg of granulated sugar is added to the infusion.
  4. Place the workpiece in a water bath for 2 hours and wait until the jam thickens properly.

When the delicacy is completely ready, it will need to be cooled. Then the jam can be put into jars and covered with lids - in the refrigerator it will retain its beneficial properties for months.

Harm of tarragon and contraindications for use

The benefits and harms of tarragon greens are closely related to each other. Contraindications for this herb are:

  • allergy;
  • pregnancy and lactation;
  • acute gastritis or ulcer - tarragon produces an irritating effect on the stomach;
  • cholelithiasis - the properties of tarragon can provoke the movement of stones.

The body can also be harmed by an overdose of tarragon. It is necessary to take plant-based products in small volumes, and, in addition, tarragon is generally not recommended for use for more than a month at a time. Characteristic symptoms Overdose causes nausea, abdominal pain, and dizziness.

Conclusion

The beneficial properties and contraindications of tarragon are inseparable from each other - for some people the plant is very valuable, but for others it can cause severe harm. However, if the plant is well tolerated and there are no contraindications, tarragon can effectively help with a number of ailments.

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Tarragon grass is a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family. Its other names are tarragon, dragoon grass, wormwood-dragon, dracunculus. Tarragon gained its fame and popularity throughout the world as a seasoning; this spicy herb has a specific aroma with notes of anise; Central Asian and European cuisines cannot do without it. However, the plant is used not only as a spice, it contains a large amount of medicinal substances, has beneficial properties and is used traditional medicine as a remedy.

Tarragon. Kinds. Habitat

photo of a plant in its natural habitat

Where it grows:

Tarragon grass grows wild in Southeastern Europe, India, Pakistan, Mongolia, China, and Central Asia. In Russian territories, the plant can be seen from the Middle Zone, Siberia and the Far East. The tarragon plant prefers dry soils, slopes, and well-ventilated places. In many countries it is grown as a cultivated plant.

What does tarragon look like:

The plant belongs to the genus wormwood; the second name for tarragon is “tarragon wormwood.” It grows up to half a meter in height, has a long straight stem with narrow oblong leaves without petioles. It blooms towards the end of summer with yellow small flowers collected in panicles. The fruit ripens in early October in the form of an oblong achene without a tuft.

Plant types:

There are two types of plants: fragrant and non-fragrant tarragon.

Odorous or French - common in Central Asia, southern Russia, England and France. It has good taste and is used as a seasoning in cooking.

Odorless or Russian - less common in cooking, as it has a sharper taste and is less aromatic.

Chemical composition. pharmachologic effect

Tarragon is rich in biologically beneficial substances for the body, which allows it to be used in the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

What are the benefits of tarragon:

The beneficial properties and contraindications of tarragon are determined by its chemical composition and medicinal effects. The plant contains a lot of biologically active substances:

  • Essential oils;
  • Phenylpropanoids;
  • Vitamins A, groups B, C and PP;
  • Alkaloids;
  • Minerals (calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, iodine);
  • Coumarins;
  • Bitterness, resin;
  • Proteins, carbohydrates.

Medicinal properties of tarragon:

  • Secretory;
  • Antibacterial;
  • Sedatives;
  • Diuretic;
  • Antispasmodic;
  • Vascular strengthening;
  • Anti-inflammatory;
  • General strengthening;
  • Sedatives;
  • Blood purifiers;
  • Antihelminthic;
  • Tonic;
  • Wound healing.

How to choose and where to buy tarragon

photo of blooming tarragon

Plant preparation:

The plant is consumed fresh, frozen and dry.

It is recommended to harvest young plants - they contain the largest amount of healing substances. Tarragon is collected at the beginning of flowering along with the buds, the upper part of the plant is cut off, departing from the root at least 15 cm. Tied in bunches and dried in a suspended state, protected from the sun and in a well-ventilated room. During the drying process, the herb acquires a more pronounced aroma and taste.

The roots are dug up in the fall, they are cleared of soil, washed, allowed to dry a little and crushed. They are dried, like seeds, in the shade in the open air.

Store raw materials in airtight containers or fabric bags for up to 3 years.

Fresh tarragon can be stored in the refrigerator for 7 days, after which it loses its quality.

For longer storage, fresh greens are frozen in small batches; such raw materials retain useful substances until the next harvest.

How to choose:

When buying fresh tarragon, you should pay attention to its appearance

Fresh tarragon can be found in large stores or at the market. When choosing, you should pay attention to the appearance, avoid old, lethargic plants that have changed color; the aroma and taste should be rich.

Dry tarragon is sold in packages that must be intact and not expire.

Growing. Seeds

the plant can be grown in a personal plot without much hassle

The grass is not fancy, it can be easily grown in the garden or at the dacha, for this you need to follow certain rules:

  • It is better to plant tarragon in an open sunny area;
  • enrich the land with humus, sand and peat;
  • the plant does not tolerate acidic soils, so you need to add ash to the soil before planting;
  • plant seeds in sufficiently warm soil;
  • after the seeds germinate, the sprouts need to be thinned out (the distance between them should be at least 30 cm);
  • tarragon can be planted as seedlings, then the harvest is obtained earlier;
  • during growth, you should not water frequently, the plant does not tolerate waterlogging;
  • it is necessary to periodically remove weeds and loosen the soil;
  • To prevent the roots from freezing in winter, they are insulated with sawdust, straw or dry grass.

The plant is grown from seeds in two ways:

  • sown in early spring in the ground.
  • sown in winter at home to obtain seedlings, which are subsequently planted in the ground.

Health Benefits of Tarragon

the plant has a wide range of medicinal effects on the body

Medicinal properties of tarragon

The rich chemical composition of tarragon has the following beneficial effects on the body:

Nutritional value and calorie content

The calorie content of tarragon is 296 Kcal per 100 g. product, including:

  • up to 23 gr. squirrel;
  • up to 7.3 g. fats;
  • up to 50.2 gr. carbohydrates.

What does it help with?

Tarragon is used in complex therapy to treat the following diseases:

  • Flu and ARVI;
  • Pneumonia, bronchitis, cough;
  • Tuberculosis;
  • Depression, neurosis, insomnia;
  • Failure of the menstrual cycle;
  • Headache and toothache;
  • Digestive disorders;
  • Vascular diseases;
  • Thrombophlebitis and varicose veins;
  • Overwork;
  • Impotence;
  • Obesity.

Contraindications, harm of tarragon

  • Diseases of the central nervous system, epilepsy;
  • Hypotension;
  • Chronic stomach diseases;
  • Pregnancy and lactation;
  • Individual intolerance.

In case of overdose, side effects may occur in the form of dizziness, convulsions, nausea, vomiting, and allergic rashes.

Use of tarragon herb in home cooking. Recipes

The plant has gained popularity all over the world as a spice. Tarragon is used in cooking in fresh and dried form:

  • Tarragon seasoning is added to pickles, marinades when canning cucumbers, tomatoes, mushrooms, eggplants, but you need to know when to stop and not add too much, as the plant will overwhelm the taste of the main product.
  • Fresh tarragon is added to salads to enrich the dish with vitamins.
  • dry spice is added to meat broths and main hot dishes with vegetables, eggs, as well as cheeses and curdled milk.
  • The plant is used in preparing sauces for lamb, poultry and game.

Tarragon is added to fish dishes, giving them an original spicy aroma

  • Tarragon goes well with fish - boiled, baked, salted.
  • Tarragon extract is used in the preparation of liqueurs and vodka - it gives the drink a pleasant spicy aroma and taste.
  • It is not recommended to heat fresh tarragon for a long time; it can add bitterness to the dish. It is better to add it at the end of cooking or to enrich already prepared dishes.

Tea and decoction

You can brew tea with fresh tarragon; it will have a restorative and calming effect.

  • put a handful of crushed St. into the teapot. tarragon and add boiled water. Wrap up and let sit for 15-20 minutes. You can drink up to two cups of strained tarragon tea per day. It’s a good idea to add fresh leaves of the plant when brewing black or green tea - this will increase its taste and healing qualities.

drinks with tarragon will boost your immunity and mood

  • Art. l. hold dry tarragon and a glass of boiling water over low heat for 5 minutes, leave, strain. Take a tarragon drink up to 3 times a day, half a glass.

Ointment

Used for external use for dermatitis, eczema, radiculitis; the ointment is used to treat the oral cavity for stomatitis, ulcers and cracks.

  • butter in the amount of 100 g. melt, add tarragon powder (20 g) and keep on low heat for a couple of minutes. The cooled mass is stored in the refrigerator.

Pickled gherkins

  • put a sprig of tarragon, prepared gherkins, chopped onion and garlic into a 3-liter sterilized jar;
  • top with another sprig of tarragon, black peppercorns, cloves and bay leaf to taste;
  • put two tbsp into water. spoons of salt, a spoonful of vinegar, you can add a little sugar, bring to a boil and pour the contents of the jar with hot brine;
  • roll up and store in a cool place.

Homemade tarragon lemonade

homemade lemonade with tarragon will help quench your thirst and have a tonic effect on the body

Tarragon can be used to make the famous lemonade, it is easy to make at home:

  • half a liter of water and 100 gr. Boil sugar over low heat for several minutes;
  • add crushed St. tarragon (150 gr.) and freshly squeezed lemon juice;
  • let it brew for an hour;
  • strain and take cold.

The tarragon recipe can be adjusted - instead of sugar, add honey and a sprig of mint. This will increase the healing properties and improve the taste; the tarragon drink is used as a refreshing, soothing and tonic.

Tarragon herb - medicinal uses

the plant is recognized by medicine and is used in the complex treatment of many diseases

The use of tarragon has a positive effect in the following areas:

For colds and viral infections - as a general tonic, tarragon is useful to take for influenza, ARVI, it treats cough and inflammation of the respiratory system, helps to cope with the disease faster.

For hypertension - tarragon has a diuretic and vasodilator effect that can lower blood pressure.

For worms - tarragon and wormwood belong to the same genus and have a pronounced anthelmintic effect, helping to get rid of giardia, pinworms, and roundworms.

For digestion – the bitterness contained in the plant activates the formation of gastric juice, normalizes intestinal motility, eliminates flatulence and bloating, and improves appetite.

For the nervous system - tarragon has a calming, sedative and tonic effect in cases of nervous excitability, stress and increased anxiety.

External use - the plant has a wound-healing property, which helps with skin diseases - dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, poorly healing wounds, as well as lesions of the oral mucosa and stomatitis. For varicose veins, it is good to make compresses with a water infusion of tarragon. For cosmetic purposes, the plant is used to care for skin and hair.

when tarragon is infused, all the beneficial components of the plant are transferred into a drink that has a therapeutic and preventive effect on the body

When losing weight

Tarragon improves the digestion process and digestion of food, activates metabolic processes, metabolism, removes waste products from the body, has a cleansing and diuretic effect, removing excess fluid, which helps get rid of extra pounds.

For women

The herb helps relieve symptoms of menopause - increased irritability, nervousness, tension, improve mood and sleep. Tarragon is able to improve the functioning of the hormonal system, metabolism, improves blood circulation in the genitourinary system, regulates the menstrual cycle, and improves reproductive health. Used for cosmetic purposes to maintain health and beauty.

For men

The plant has a beneficial effect on men's health - it calms the nervous system, eliminating the causes of sexual dysfunction, restores the function of the gonads and male strength. For these purposes, it is recommended to take tarragon with other medicinal herbs over a long course. The herb relieves alcohol poisoning, cleanses the body of harmful foods and toxins, normalizes digestion, and relieves headaches.

Tarragon Recipes for Health

Juice – juice freshly squeezed through a juicer is used for medicinal purposes as an antipyretic and laxative.

Vinegar is a product that does not lose its taste and aroma for a long time; it is used in cooking.

  • St. the tarragon stalk is placed in a bottle;
  • pour vinegar;
  • insist in a dark place for two weeks;
  • filter and store in a hermetically sealed container.

Tarragon essential oil is used in medicine, cosmetology and aromatherapy as a means of relieving nervous tension and improving emotional mood.

Little with tarragon can be purchased ready-made, and if desired, you can cook it yourself

Indications for the medical use of tarragon oil are: neuroses, insomnia, diseases of the respiratory system, bladder and kidneys, digestive disorders, neuralgia, arthritis, radiculitis.

Healing tea - to prepare it, take a sprig of tarragon, ginger root, a couple of lemon slices, thyme and mint. Place everything in a teapot, add boiled water and leave for up to half an hour. The strained drink is drunk warm with sugar or honey.

Tarragon tincture with vodka - to prepare the product, fill the container 1/3 of the volume with dry raw materials, fill it with vodka and put it in a dark place to infuse. After two weeks, filter and use to treat colds, coughs, and strengthen the immune system.

Application in cosmetology

Tarragon has a softening, moisturizing, disinfecting, toning and rejuvenating effect on the skin. Infusions with the plant are used independently or added to regular skin and hair care products. Tarragon is used in the preparation of various masks in combination with other ingredients - olive oil, green tea, honey, rolled oats, milk or yogurt.

For daily skin care, it is good to use cosmetic ice with tarragon as a lotion. To do this, the infusion with the plant is poured into molds and frozen.

Tarragon is a herb also known as tarragon. In our country, this plant is known, first of all, as the main component of a once popular soft drink. Tarragon belongs to the wormwood species, so its scientific name is “tarragon wormwood.”

Other names for the plant are:

  • Artemisia dracunculus (lat.)
  • Dragon, Bertram (German)
  • tarragon, dragon on sagewort (English)
  • estragon, dragan, herbe dragonne (French)

Appearance

Externally, tarragon is a little reminiscent of the familiar wormwood: it has a straight, long stem and characteristic elongated, narrow leaves without stems.

The height of the plant can reach one and a half meters. Tarragon blooms in late summer - early autumn. Its flowers are small, pale yellow, collected in small panicles.

Kinds

The following types of tarragon are distinguished:

  • Russian– the flowers of this species are soft green, and the stem and leaves are more massive. Has a strong, rich aroma. It is consumed mainly fresh.
  • French- a plant with a thin stem and small leaves. It has a light, piquant aroma, and therefore is valued by chefs more than other types.
  • Ordinary is a large plant with irregularly shaped leaves. It is distinguished by a rather weak odor and bitter taste.

Where does it grow?

Tarragon is widespread in Europe, Asia and North America. This herb grows in large quantities in the following countries:

  • Mongolia;
  • China;
  • Pakistan;
  • India;
  • Mexico;
  • Canada;
  • Russia.

Preparation method

Tarragon begins to be harvested for the winter in August or September, after the first buds appear. The grass is cut at a distance of 10-12 cm from the ground. Cut grass can be tied into bunches, hung on hooks or ropes and left to dry in a dry, well-ventilated area.

True, many chefs claim that dried herbs quickly lose their taste and aroma, so they prefer to make vinegar based on it.

In order to prepare this unusual seasoning, you need:

  • Place the collected herbs into bottles (one stem per container),
  • Fill it with vinegar
  • Place in a dark place.
  • After two weeks, strain the vinegar and pour it into a clean container.

Characteristics

  • hot-spicy taste;
  • spicy, tart aroma;
  • dark green color.

Nutritional value and calorie content

The nutritional value and calorie content of 100 grams of dry product

Chemical composition

Chemical composition of 100 grams of dry product

Beneficial features

  • strengthens the immune system;
  • is a source of vitamin C and antioxidants;
  • normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • improves metabolism;
  • enhances potency;
  • normalizes the menstrual cycle;
  • relieves stress and calms the nervous system;
  • has an anthelmintic effect;
  • relieves inflammation.

Contraindications

  • taking excessively large doses may cause symptoms acute poisoning: nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness and convulsions;
  • Tarragon is strictly forbidden to be consumed by pregnant women, as it can cause miscarriage;
  • people with peptic ulcer and gastritis, it is strictly recommended to refrain from using it.

Oil

The essential oil obtained from tarragon preserves unique aroma, as well as all the beneficial properties of this plant. It is not recommended to use the oil in its pure form; it is better to dilute it with water or add it to other healing products.

Tarragon oil can be taken orally, inhaled, or applied to the skin for massage or to relieve inflammation. It helps fight muscle and joint pain, some types of allergies, constipation and slow metabolism.

Juice

Tarragon juice is less popular than the spice or essential oil, primarily because it cannot be stored for a long time. Since ancient times, the fresh juice of this plant has been added to strengthening and tonic drinks. Today it is used in the production of the carbonated soft drink Tarragon.

The juice of this medicinal herb can also be used for medicinal purposes, for example, to relieve inflammation of the gums, and also as a laxative and antipyretic.

Application

In cooking

  • It is customary to add fresh leaves and stems to jars when canning vegetables, fruits, mushrooms and berries;
  • using this spicy herb you can prepare savory sauces for meat and fish dishes and salad dressings;
  • freshly picked tarragon can be added to vegetable salads;
  • dried tarragon is used as a seasoning for meat, poultry, fish and a variety of soups;
  • dried and crushed tarragon can be added to baked goods to give it a spicy aroma;
  • Tarragon is often used to make homemade alcoholic drinks.

Recipes

  • Add 0.5 kg of gherkins with 2 tbsp. salt and stir.
  • Place the vegetables on a towel and hang over a deep container or sink for a couple of hours.
  • Place a tarragon branch in a sterilized 3-liter jar, add gherkins as the next layer, then half a glass of cocktail onions and a clove of garlic, cut into 4 parts. Then add a little more tarragon, a few black peppercorns, a bay leaf and 3 cloves.
  • Boil 3 cups of vinegar and pour it into the jar, leaving 1 cm to the lid. Roll up the jar and leave in a cool place for 3 weeks.

Homemade lemonade "Tarragon"

  • Wash 200 g of fresh tarragon and tear into large pieces.
  • Pour half a glass of chilled boiled water, add fresh juice of 1 lemon and 1 lime.
  • Add 1 tbsp. sugar and mash with a rolling pin, pestle or mojito muddler (you can beat all the ingredients in a blender).
  • Strain the juice and add 4 parts of water.
  • Add sugar if necessary. Before serving, pour ice into glasses and add 1 tsp. honey and garnish with mint leaves.

In medicine

Tarragon can be used as an aid to combat the following types of ailments:

  • acute respiratory diseases;
  • pneumonia;
  • tuberculosis;
  • bronchitis;
  • insomnia;
  • menstrual irregularities;
  • loss of appetite;
  • toothache;
  • headache;
  • indigestion;
  • vascular diseases;
  • depression;
  • overwork;
  • impotence.

Tarragon essential oil, fresh plant juice, and various decoctions based on dried herbs are used for medicinal purposes.

When losing weight

Nutritionists often recommend using tarragon instead of salt for people suffering from various diseases kidneys and urinary tract. In addition to the fact that it adds piquant, spicy notes to food, tarragon is able to remove excess fluid from the body.

Growing

Before planting, the soil should be fertilized, loosened and well moistened. Sprouts or seeds are placed in holes at a distance of no less than 0.5 m from each other. The seeds are lightly sprinkled with soil, and the seedlings are deepened by about 8 cm.

Tarragon should be watered approximately 2 times a week. Every 3 months it is necessary to feed the plant with fertilizer containing superphosphate, potassium sulfate and urea. When the grass reaches 20 cm in height, you can start cutting it and storing it for the winter.

Before cold weather, the stem is cut off, leaving 5-6 cm above the ground. You can dig the plant out of the ground, plant it in a pot and grow it at home as a houseplant.

Seeds

In your garden, tarragon can be grown directly from seeds. Seeds can be sown in the fall “under the snow” or in the spring.” Seedlings are planted after the snow melts and the ground begins to thaw.

In the Non-Black Earth Region, tarragon does not sprout from seeds, so you must first grow seedlings. To do this, the seeds are planted in containers at a distance of 5 centimeters from each other. The seedlings will be ready for planting in the ground in two months.

In markets and stores you can find seeds of various varieties.

  • The Latin name for tarragon is Artemísia dracuncúlus. According to legend, the first word is associated with the name of the Greek goddess Artemis, and the second with the dragon. In Russia this plant is called “dragoon grass”, and in Poland “dragon wormwood”. Associations with a mythical creature arise due to the shape of the leaf, which resembles a forked dragon tongue.
  • In ancient times, people chewed fresh tarragon leaves to freshen breath and relieve toothache.
  • Leading perfumers use tarragon to create fragrances.
  • Grilled meat lovers can use a tarragon brush to glaze the meat.

Watch the video of the TV show “Live Healthy!” - you will learn a lot of interesting things about the benefits and use of tarragon.

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