| The fresh-tasting tea known as tarragon tea has | | | | tea that purportedly helps promote restful sleep. |
| often been included as part of a calming, relaxing and | | | | These practices may have led modern-day spas to |
| detoxifying regimen in many spas and healing resorts. | | | | prescribe the use of tarragon tea to help relax the |
| In many healthy-menu restaurants, tarragon tea is | | | | nerves. |
| offered as a final drink to cap off a rich and satisfying | | | | But tarragon is more on solid ground when it comes to |
| meal. | | | | the area of detoxification. Tarragon promotes the |
| The herb is also a fixture in many culinary delights, | | | | production of bile by the liver, which helps in digestion |
| often included to play its role as a sharp flavoring | | | | and in speeding up the process of eliminating toxic |
| agent to salads, soups, stews and sauces. And why | | | | waste from the body. |
| not? Tarragon possesses a clean, refreshing taste | | | | These benefits are made possible by the main |
| reminiscent of a combination of anise, licorice and mint. | | | | constituents of tarragon, which are the compounds |
| But just what is tarragon, and what are the benefits | | | | estragole and ocimene. Along with the other |
| imparted by this dainty, bright green herb? | | | | antioxidant components of tannins, bitters, terpenes |
| Tarragon is an aromatic perennial shrub that is | | | | and flavonoids, these are what imbue the tarragon |
| commonly found in the dry, warm and sunny areas of | | | | herb with its healing properties for the liver and the |
| Europe, Asia and North America. This herb is | | | | stomach. |
| primarily cultivated for its culinary roles mentioned | | | | In addition to calming and detoxification, tarragon is also |
| above. Tarragon typically grows up to 2 feet in | | | | said to be effective in inducing appetite, inducing |
| height. Its leaves are long and narrow and its flowers | | | | menstruation in women and preventing certain forms |
| bloom in August. It has long and fibrous roots. | | | | of aches and pains. It is also said to be an excellent |
| Though long associated with serenity and calm, its | | | | anti-bacterial agent and a potent shield against heart |
| name ‘tarragon’ seems to present a bit of | | | | ailments. |
| paradox to its perceived nature. Its name is actually | | | | To derive the calming and detoxifying properties of |
| a play on the French term esdragon, which means | | | | tarragon, make tarragon tea by infusing a tablespoon |
| ‘little dragon’. Its official name artemisia | | | | of the herbs into a cup of near-boiling water. Let the |
| dracunculus also contains the Latin term for | | | | mix steep for ten minutes, strain and drink. |
| ‘dragon’. | | | | Indeed, the green tarragon herb is replete with healing |
| Tarragon’s distinctively refreshing taste and its | | | | benefits that help our bodies gain a serene balance |
| relative popularity as an herbal tisane have led many | | | | from the daily assault from various environmental |
| to study the calming and detoxifying benefits of the | | | | factors. The famous 17th century English writer and |
| herb. | | | | garden enthusiast John Evelyn may have said it best |
| As early as the 13th century, tarragon tea has already | | | | when he proclaimed that tarragon is ‘highly cordial |
| been used as a sleep inducer by herbal practitioners in | | | | and friend to the head, heart and liver.' And it looks |
| Europe. Throughout the centuries, many people with | | | | like he was as right today as he was back then. |
| insomnia combine tarragon with chamomile herbs in a | | | | |