What is tarragon?
Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a plant in the Asteraceae family, also known as serpentine, snake grass, or wormwood. This inconspicuous plant is widely cultivated in many countries: in Spain, Italy, Bulgaria and France, as well as in Asia and America. Usually used in the kitchen as a condiment, but it also has medicinal properties.
Tarragon is a perennial plant, reaching up to 150 cm in height. It has a ribbed straight stem. Leaves of a lanceolate form are located alternately in the middle and upper parts of the stem.
The plant prefers alkaline, moist, sandy soils. It can be found in meadows, near rivers, in birch groves, on mountain slopes and in steppe regions.
Artemisia grass begins flowering in August and ends in late autumn, the flowers are light yellow or white. The fruits are seeds.
There are mainly two varieties of tarragon grown: French and German. The grass is not resistant to frost, but it can be successfully grown even at home in a pot or in your own garden.
Tarragon: application
The leaves are the most valuable part of this plant. They are used as a seasoning for various dishes and as a medicine. However, its use in the kitchen requires certain knowledge so as not to spoil the cooked dishes. Some people appreciate only its medicinal qualities.
Dried tarragon
The addition of tarragon in the form of a spice will help eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of eating fatty foods, relieve heartburn and bloating of the liver. It has been noted to help reduce motion sickness.
Wormwood contains many natural antioxidants that can help neutralize the effects of free radicals throughout the body and thus reduce and minimize the risk of serious chronic diseases, including cancer.
Snake grass contains a lot of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and is an excellent antioxidant. Being a source of vitamin A, it has a beneficial effect on vision and skin.
Tarragon has a positive effect on digestion. In herbal medicine, it is used for intestinal colic, constipation, digestive problems and lack of appetite, it has a choleretic and antispasmodic effect that improves liver function.
Note! Tarragon herbal extracts have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Rheumatism and arthritis can cause severe pain and discomfort. The anti-inflammatory properties of tarragon make it an excellent pain reliever. It relieves swelling, pain and redness around the joints.
Flavonoid compounds and phenolic acids contained in tarragon have an antidepressant effect, stimulate the nervous system and improve well-being and energy. Tea made from fresh tarragon leaves before bed will help calm the nervous system and promote restful sleep.
How to make estrogan tea?
1 st. l dried or fresh tarragon pour 200 ml. boiling water. Cook covered for about 15 minutes. Strain and drink the infusion twice a day. Tea improves digestion, helps with flatulence and acts as a diuretic.
The tincture is prepared in a ratio of 1:5: 1 part of dried or fresh raw material is poured into 5 parts of alcohol. Leave for a week and then filter.
Infusion : 1 tbsp. l chopped tarragon grass pour 200 ml of boiling water or milk, cook all this under the lid for 20 minutes. Ready infusion should be filtered and drunk immediately after preparation 1-2 times a day in a glass.
Tarragon vinegar is made by placing sprigs of tarragon in alcohol, wine or apple cider vinegar.
A valuable component of the herb is the essential oil. Tarragon oil is primarily a powerful antibacterial agent, has a strong antirheumatic effect, stimulates blood circulation, improves digestion and much more.
Tarragon oil to eliminate parasites: 10-15 drops on an empty stomach 1 time per day for 3 days.
Inhaling wormwood essential oil is an excellent remedy for fatigue and stress. Nowadays, due to its unique aroma, it is used in cosmetics for the production of high-end perfumes, cosmetic care products and aromatherapy.
Tarragon Vinegar: Recipe
Tarragon vinegar deserves attention. Properly prepared, it can be useful for many diseases, as well as safely used in the kitchen. Making such a mixture is not difficult.
Tarragon vinegar is valuable for health. To prepare it, simply put tarragon sprigs in wine or apple cider vinegar. Close tightly and set aside for 10 days, shaking daily. Strain after 10 days.
Tarragon perfectly flavors vinegar, which is popular in traditional medicine recipes:
- externally rub inflamed areas to improve blood circulation;
- for rinsing hair: – 1 tbsp. spoon per 1 liter of water;
- for wiping the skin: 1 teaspoon per glass of water;
- for rinsing the throat and mouth: 1 tablespoon of estrogen vinegar in 0.5 cups of water.
Like the spice, tarragon vinegar improves digestion and is used as an antifungal mouthwash for sore throats, candidiasis, gum disease, and thrush.
Additional Information! Outwardly, compresses are made from it on swollen places with bruises, sprains, and arthritis.
Tarragon vinegar has anti-acne and anti-seborrheic properties. Its cosmetic properties can be used for hair care, rinsing them after washing with a solution at the rate of 1 tbsp per 1 liter of water. This will give the hair splendor and shine, acidify the scalp, which is effective against fungi and dandruff. The same solution is great for washing acne, seborrheic skin prone to fungal infections and bacterial infections.
Contraindications to the use of tarragon
Tarragon in the quantities used in the kitchen is completely safe for health and even brings many benefits. At the same time, it should be remembered that in very large quantities it can be poisonous. There may also be individual hypersensitivity to this plant, but this is rare.
How to store tarragon?
The preferred period for collecting tarragon is the beginning of budding and flowering of the plant. Grass should be dried at room temperature, in a dark and ventilated place. Dried tarragon should be stored in a dry, cool, dark place. The container must be tightly closed.
