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Herbs and plants

Tarragon — a kitchen herb for appetite and sluggish digestion?

Sources: 7 · Article: 14 283 characters

Henryk Różański also attributes expectorant, antifungal, antiparasitic, and menstrual pain-relieving effects to it.

  • Infusion, vinegar, and tincture are described as being used for catarrh of the digestive and respiratory systems, constipation, swelling, and rheumatic complaints.

What the authors write

Henryk Różański

Tarragon is said to support bile secretion and digestion, and relieve bloating and cramps.

„Effects: clearly choleretic and antispasmodic, carminative, anti-bloating, and digestion-improving. It has a beneficial effect on bile reflux into the stomach and on liver pain (originating from the gallbladder). It has expectorant, fungicidal, protozoacidal, and antibacterial effects, particularly in the form of a tincture or essential oil.”Działanie: niewątpliwie wyraźne żółciopędne i rozkurczowe, wiatropędne, przeciwwzdęciowe, poprawiające trawienie. Korzystnie działa przy cofaniu się żółci do żołądka i przy bólach wątrobowych (od pęcherzyka żółciowego). Wywiera wpływ wykrztuśny, grzybobójczy, pierwotniakobójczy i antybakteryjny, szczególnie w formie nalewki i olejku eterycznego.
Ziele estragonu – Herba Dracunculi
Henryk Różański

Indications include, among other things, bile disorders, liver problems, reflux, candidiasis, intestinal cramps, and motion sickness.

„Indications: biliary dyskinesia, gallstones, liver failure, liver swelling, digestive disorders, reflux, bloating, candidiasis of the digestive tract and throat, intestinal cramps, motion sickness. Taken on an empty stomach, the oil acts against parasites (protozoa and small nematodes): 10–15 drops once daily on an empty stomach for 3 days (take a laxative after 2 hours).”Wskazania: dyskinezy układy żółciowego, kamica żółciowa, niewydolność wątroby, obrzęk wątroby, zaburzenia trawienne, refluks, wzdęcia, kandydoza przewodu pokarmowego i gardła, skurcze jelit, choroba lokomocyjna. Olejek zażywany na czczo działa przeciwpasożytniczo (wobec pierwotniaków i drobnych nicieni) – 10-15 kropli 1 raz dziennie, na czczo przez 3 dni (po 2 godzinach zażyć środek przeczyszczający).
Ziele estragonu – Herba Dracunculi
Henryk Różański

Tarragon is said to have an expectorant effect and support the respiratory tract, including in bronchitis.

„It has expectorant, fungicidal, protozoacidal, and antibacterial effects, particularly in the form of a tincture or essential oil. Applied to the skin, it reduces pain. It stimulates menstruation, while also reducing menstrual pain and easing the nervous symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.”Wywiera wpływ wykrztuśny, grzybobójczy, pierwotniakobójczy i antybakteryjny, szczególnie w formie nalewki i olejku eterycznego. Wcierany miejscowo zmniejsza dolegliwości bólowe. Pobudza miesiączkowanie, ale jednocześnie zmniejsza bóle miesiączkowe i łagodzi objawy nerwowe zespołu przedmiesiączkowego.
Ziele estragonu – Herba Dracunculi
Henryk Różański

Tarragon is said to stimulate menstruation while also reducing menstrual pain and easing premenstrual symptoms.

„It stimulates menstruation, while also reducing menstrual pain and easing the nervous symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Tarragon has antineurotic and diuretic properties. It increases the ciliary movement of the respiratory tract lining, which can be beneficial for catarrh of the respiratory system, including bronchitis.”Pobudza miesiączkowanie, ale jednocześnie zmniejsza bóle miesiączkowe i łagodzi objawy nerwowe zespołu przedmiesiączkowego. Estragon posiada właściwości antynerwicowe i diuretyczne. Wzmaga ruch migawkowy nabłonka dróg oddechowych, co przynosi korzyści przy nieżycie układu oddechowego, w tym w zapaleniu oskrzeli.
Ziele estragonu – Herba Dracunculi
Henryk Różański

Tarragon is also said to have antineurotic and diuretic effects.

„It stimulates menstruation, while also reducing menstrual pain and easing the nervous symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Tarragon has antineurotic and diuretic properties. It increases the ciliary movement of the respiratory tract lining, which can be beneficial for catarrh of the respiratory system, including bronchitis.”Pobudza miesiączkowanie, ale jednocześnie zmniejsza bóle miesiączkowe i łagodzi objawy nerwowe zespołu przedmiesiączkowego. Estragon posiada właściwości antynerwicowe i diuretyczne. Wzmaga ruch migawkowy nabłonka dróg oddechowych, co przynosi korzyści przy nieżycie układu oddechowego, w tym w zapaleniu oskrzeli.
Ziele estragonu – Herba Dracunculi
Henryk Różański

Tarragon oil is said to act against parasites, including protozoa and small nematodes.

„Taken on an empty stomach, the oil acts against parasites (protozoa and small nematodes): 10–15 drops once daily on an empty stomach for 3 days (take a laxative after 2 hours). Rubbed into the skin, the oil protects against fungal infections and repels insects and mites.”Olejek zażywany na czczo działa przeciwpasożytniczo (wobec pierwotniaków i drobnych nicieni) – 10-15 kropli 1 raz dziennie, na czczo przez 3 dni (po 2 godzinach zażyć środek przeczyszczający). Olejek wcierany w skórę chroni przed zakażeniem grzybami i odpędza owady oraz roztocze.
Ziele estragonu – Herba Dracunculi
Henryk Różański

Rubbed into the skin, the oil is said to protect against fungi and repel insects and mites.

„Rubbed into the skin, the oil protects against fungal infections and repels insects and mites. A preventive antifungal and disinfectant balm can even be made from tarragon oil and tincture and applied after bathing. For this, it is best to use a neutral balm and add the oil (1 ml/100 ml) and tarragon tincture (5–10 ml/100 ml).”Olejek wcierany w skórę chroni przed zakażeniem grzybami i odpędza owady oraz roztocze. Z olejku i nalewki estragonowej można sporządzić nawet balsam profilaktyczny przeciwgrzybiczy i odkażający, stosowany po kąpieli. W tym celu najlepiej użyć balsam obojętny, do którego dodajemy olejek (1 ml/100 ml) i nalewkę estragonową (5-10 ml/100 ml).
Ziele estragonu – Herba Dracunculi
Henryk Różański

Tarragon vinegar can be taken for candidiasis of the digestive tract, indigestion, disorders of bile secretion, and constipation.

„Tarragon vinegar can be taken orally for candidiasis of the digestive tract, poor digestion, and disorders of bile secretion (1 teaspoon once daily), as well as for constipation. Tarragon infusion – Infusum Dracunculi: Pour 1 cup of boiling water or milk over 1 tablespoon of fresh or dried, chopped herb or leaves. Steep covered for 20 minutes, then strain.”Ocet estragonowy można zażywać doustnie przy kandydozie przewodu pokarmowego, nieprawidłowym trawieniu i zaburzeniach w wydzielaniu żółci (1 łyżeczka 1 raz dziennie), ponadto przy zaparciach. Napar z estragonu – Infusum Dracunculi: 1 łyżkę świeżego lub suchego, rozdrobnionego ziela lub samych listków zalać 1 szklanką wrzącej wody lub mleka, parzyć 20 minut pod przykryciem, przecedzić.
Ziele estragonu – Herba Dracunculi
Henryk Różański

The infusion is described as being used for catarrh of the digestive and respiratory systems.

„For catarrh of the digestive system, drink 100 ml every 2 hours (water infusion). For catarrh of the respiratory system, drink 100–200 ml every 3–4 hours, with honey and garlic (milk infusion). Tarragon tincture – Tinctura Dracunculi: Pour 5 parts of 40–60% alcohol over 1 part fresh or dried plant material. Leave for at least 7 days, then filter.”Przy nieżytach układu pokarmowego pić co 2 godziny po 100 ml (napar wodny). Przy nieżytach układu oddechowego 100-200 ml co 3-4 godziny, z miodem i czosnkiem (napar mleczny). Nalewka z estragonu – Tinctura Dracunculi: 1 część świeżego lub suchego surowca zalać 5 częściami alkoholu 40-60%, pozostawić na co najmniej 7 dni, przefiltrować.
Ziele estragonu – Herba Dracunculi
Henryk Różański

Tarragon tincture or vinegar can be rubbed on bruised, swollen, and rheumatically affected areas to reduce swelling and improve local circulation.

„Tarragon tincture or vinegar can be rubbed on injured, swollen, and rheumatically affected areas to reduce swelling and improve local circulation. Tarragon is recommended as a seasoning when pickling cabbage and cucumbers and marinating mushrooms.”Nalewką i octem estragonowym można nacierać miejsca uderzone, opuchnięte i zmienione reumatycznie, dla zmniejszenia obrzęku i poprawienia miejscowego krążenia. Estragon jako przyprawa jest polecana przy kiszeniu kapusty i ogórków, przy marynowaniu grzybów.
Ziele estragonu – Herba Dracunculi

Research from PubMed · Europe PMC

We selected 6 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.

Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 300.

A review indicates that tarragon may have anti-inflammatory, liver-protective, and blood sugar-lowering effects, mainly in animal studies.

Aim of the study: Artemisia dracunculus L. (tarragon) has a long history of use as a spice and remedy.

Results: Despite concerns about the toxic effects of two of its main constituents, estragole (up to 82%) and methyleugenol (up to 39%), no acute toxicity or mutagenic activity has been reported at doses relevant for human consumption. Water extracts of A. dracunculus contain very low amounts of estragole and methyleugenol and, therefore, are considered to pose a very limited risk. Overall, a stronger focus on clinical studies and precise taxonomic and phytochemical definition of the source material will be essential for future research efforts.

Artemisia dracunculus L. (tarragon): a critical review of its traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology, and safety. · J Agric Food Chem 2011
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

Tarragon infusion inhibited selected markers of inflammation and showed antibacterial activity in laboratory studies.

Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to characterize phytochemicals in an infusion of the aerial parts of tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.) using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography diode array detector electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS method, as well as an evaluation of its effects on mediators of the inflammation in an in vitro model of human neutrophils, and antimicrobial activity on selected pathogens.

Results: The infusion was able to inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS), interleukin 8 (IL-8), and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) production. The antimicrobial assay was performed with the use of nine strains of bacteria, both Gram-negative and Gram-positive. Three human pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC14990, and Staphylococcus aureus MRSA (methicyllin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) ATCC43300, proved to be the most sensitive to tarragon infusion. Our study demonstrated the antiinflammatory and antimicrobial properties of tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.), meaning the common spice may be a prospective source of health-promoting constituents.

Inhibition of Neutrophil Functions and Antibacterial Effects of Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.) Infusion-Phytochemical Characterization. · Front Pharmacol 2020
Money for the studycompany together with others · European Union’s European Regional Development Fund, Medical University of Warsaw
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studylaboratory study (on cells)

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A review indicates that tarragon may have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, as well as antioxidant and liver-protective properties.

Aim of the study: Artemisia dracunculus L. (tarragon), Asteraceae, is a species that has long been used in traditional Asian medicine, mainly in Iran, Pakistan, Azerbaijan and India.

Results: A. dracunculus has long-held an established position in the food industry as a spice. And its use is growing in the cosmetics industry. Moreover, it is the subject of biotechnological research focused mainly on the development of micro-propagation protocols.

Artemisia dracunculus (Tarragon): A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology. · Front Pharmacol 2021
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studydiscussion of other studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A review describes preliminary data suggesting that Russian tarragon extract may improve insulin sensitivity in mice, depending on their genotype.

Aim of the study: Published reports of botanical action are often hampered by the lack of generalized systematic approaches or by the failure to explore mechanisms that could confirm and extend the reported observations. Choice of mouse or rat housing conditions (singly or group housed) and imposed stress during handling procedures are often variable and can contribute significantly to differences in baseline phenotypes measured across studies.

Results: This minireview highlights the strategies being pursued by the Botanical Research Center Animal Research Core to evaluate the in vivo phenotypes of several botanical extracts during long-term feeding studies. We describe a phenotyping strategy that promotes a more rigorous interpretation of botanical action and can suggest or eliminate possible mechanisms that may be involved. We discuss the importance of selecting the mouse model, as background strain can significantly alter the underlying susceptibilities to the various components of metabolic syndrome. Finally, we present data suggesting that one of the major botanical extracts being studied, an extract of Russian tarragon, may manifest a mouse strain genotype-specific insulin-sensitizing phenotype.

Strategies for assessment of botanical action on metabolic syndrome in the mouse and evidence for a genotype-specific effect of Russian tarragon in the regulation of insulin sensitivity. · Metabolism 2008
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · NCCIH NIH HHS, NIDDK NIH HHS
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A review indicates that extracts from Artemisia species, including tarragon, may support digestion and have effects including liver protection.

Aim of the study: Artemisia species play a vital role in traditional and contemporary medicine. Among them, Artemisia abrotanum, Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia annua, Artemisia dracunculus, and Artemisia vulgaris are the most popular.

Results: have been characterized by antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities. Products with Artemisia extracts, essential oils, or individual compounds can be used on skin, hair, and nails. Artemisia products are also used as ingredients in skincare cosmetics, such as creams, shampoos, essences, serums, masks, lotions, and tonics. This review focuses especially on elucidating the importance of the most popular/important species of the Artemisia genus in the cosmetic industry.

Artemisia Species with High Biological Values as a Potential Source of Medicinal and Cosmetic Raw Materials. · Molecules 2022
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studydiscussion of other studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

In rats, Russian tarragon extract lowered blood glucose levels after a glucose challenge.

Aim of the study: Recent concerns about the potential carcinogenicity of estragole and methyleugenol led a number of regulatory bodies to call for restrictions on the use of herbs that contain these constituents. A number of medicinal plants produce essential oils that contain estragole and methyleugenol, including Artemisia dracunculus L.

Results: In order to address the safety concerns of estragole containing tarragon extracts, an extraction procedure was developed to minimize the estragole and methyleugenol content in tarragon extracts and the ethanol versus aqueous extracts from two Artemisia dracunculus cultivars (French and Russian tarragon) were tested for blood glucose lowering effects in rats. It could be demonstrated that aqueous extracts of both Artemisia cultivars did not contain detectable amounts of estragole and methyleugenol, whereas ethanol extracts (60% v/v) of the French cultivar contained higher levels of the aforementioned compounds than those of the Russian cultivar. Further testing revealed that Russian tarragon lowered blood glucose levels in rats after glucose challenge, with the ethanol extract being as active as the aqueous extract.

Comparative evaluation of two different Artemisia dracunculus L. cultivars for blood sugar lowering effects in rats. · Phytother Res 2012
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyanimal study

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

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