The word "tarragon" is familiar to many; a sweet drink with the same name immediately comes to mind. At the same time, few people know that it is made from a perennial tarragon plant. You should familiarize yourself with the information about what tarragon is remarkable for, what it is and how to use it, because if used correctly, this amazing plant will be able to replace half of a home medicine cabinet.
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Tarragon - what is it?
Tarragon is a perennial plant that externally bears a striking resemblance to ordinary wormwood. Tarragon has a specific taste and smell, which is why it is widely used in cooking as a seasoning. The shrub is also called tarragon and dragoon grass.
The plant is widespread throughout Europe and Asia. Tarragon is distinguished by elongated bifurcated leaves and a large ligneous rhizome. He loves sunlight, reluctantly grows in the shade. Tarragon has a lifespan of up to ten years. Nevertheless, the healing properties of the leaves are preserved only in young shrubs in the first three years of growth.
Tarragon grass: useful and medicinal properties
Tarragon is used in cooking, traditional medicine and home cosmetology. The use of tarragon in medicine is due to the composition of the leaves of this plant.
They contain:
- carotene;
- vitamin C;
- essential oil;
- alkaloids;
- coumarins.
The plant contains a small amount of phosphorus, potassium and iron. Vitamins of group B were also found in the leaves, but in small doses.About a quarter of the plant consists of proteins, half of carbohydrates, the rest are flavonoids and essential oil. Spice is used in folk medicine as a valuable source of vitamins A and C, used as a medicine for scurvy and decongestant.
Tarragon essential oil has a specific aroma, which is why it is used in perfumes. In cosmetology, leaves are used as a means to combat inflammation on the skin, due to their antiseptic properties. Tarragon masks and lotions help increase skin turgor, therefore they are used in the fight against age-related changes.
The healing properties of the plant:
- calming effect on the nervous system;
- healing of wounds and abrasions;
- anti-inflammatory effect;
- general strengthening effect;
- increase immunity;
- antispasmodic effect;
- antiparasitic effect;
- diuretic effect.
Due to these properties, tarragon grass is widely used in folk medicine to combat various ailments. The remedy is also indicated as a vitamin food supplement for reducing immunity or impaired nervous activity due to stress.
People's advice:Apple vinegar
Indications tarragon
First of all, tarragon herb is a fragrant spice that adds a note of piquancy to any meat dishes. Grass is also added to pickles and home preservation.
In folk medicine, a plant is used to treat:
- menstrual irregularities;
- vitamin deficiency;
- scurvy;
- insomnia
- digestive disorders;
- wounds and abrasions on the skin;
- hypertension.
The plant contains special compounds that positively affect the functioning of the female genitourinary system. The use of leaves allows you to normalize the menstrual cycle, get rid of the specific symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Regular use of tarragon is an effective prevention of inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs.
Due to the general strengthening effect, the leaves of the plant can be used to reduce potency in men. Tarragon is indicated for the weakening of sexual desire against a background of prolonged stress or chronic fatigue.
The plant positively affects the nervous system, eliminates the harmful effects of stress, normalizes sleep. In this regard, tarragon is indicated during periods of strong mental stress, with neurosis and neurasthenia, and also as part of a comprehensive treatment for depression.
Due to the large amount of vitamins, tarragon leaves help with scurvy and seasonal vitamin deficiency. Regular intake of tarragon drink will be an excellent prevention of acute respiratory viral infections.
Tarragon leaves normalize digestive processes, improve the production of gastric juice and increase appetite. This property of the plant should be considered for people who monitor weight or adhere to a strict diet for medical reasons.
Decoctions and infusions of tarragon have a pronounced diuretic effect. This helps with edema and high blood pressure, and therefore, taking medicine based on tarragon is recommended for hypertensive patients and people with mild renal impairment.
Leaves have an antispasmodic effect. They can be used to relieve pain with prostatitis. Decoctions of this plant are also used to relieve toothache and migraines.
Harvesting and storage
Raw materials are procured in the summer. In medicine, only the leaves of this plant are used. They can be cut up to three times per season, leaving about 15 cm for further growth.
Cut leaves must be bundled and dried in a draft. This is best done under a canopy to prevent sun and moisture from entering the leaf bundles. Leaves can be stored in any containers with sufficient oxygen access. Useful properties last up to two years.
Homemade Tarragon Herb Recipes
Tarragon herb is used as a medicinal drink - tea or decoction.To heal wounds and abrasions, you can prepare a special ointment with the addition of dry raw materials.
The simplest recipe is tarragon tea. To prepare it, pour 2 small spoons of any tea into a teapot and add one spoon of dried spice. The product is poured into 600 ml of boiling water and insisted for 15 minutes. Then drink the drink like regular tea.
The course of taking tarragon should not exceed three weeks.
To prepare the broth, you need to take two large tablespoons of the plant and two glasses of water. The product is cooked on low heat for 15 minutes, then insist hour and filter.
The use of tea and decoctions
Tea from tarragon is allowed to drink one glass up to three times a day.
Indications for use:
- stress;
- restless sleep;
- avitaminosis;
- poor appetite;
- chronic fatigue.
To increase the vitamin value of the drink, you can add pomegranate peel (one teaspoon) to it. This increases the concentration of vitamin C and helps strengthen immunity.
A decoction is recommended in the following cases:
- neurosis;
- depression;
- neurasthenia;
- deterioration in potency;
- menstrual irregularities.
The broth should be taken three times a day, 100 ml. To treat insomnia, it is recommended to moisten a towel in the broth, and put a compress on the forehead for 20 minutes before bedtime.
Essential oil and ointment
Tarragon essential oil is used in aromatherapy. It is indicated for the treatment of insomnia, stress management, normalization of sexual function in men. You can buy essential oil at any pharmacy or specialty store.
Tarragon ointments are prepared at home and used for various dermatological diseases. To do this, crush the dry leaves of the plant in a mortar and mix with honey. Three parts of honey are taken on one part of tarragon. The resulting product is applied to the skin twice a day.
Tarragon ointment is effective for dermatitis and abrasions, but it cannot be applied to purulent wounds.
Tarragon and gum disease can be treated with tarragon. To do this, prepare the ointment according to the following recipe: 2 large tablespoons of chopped leaves in a mortar mixed with 6 tablespoons of melted butter. The cooled ointment is applied to the gums and inflamed areas of the oral mucosa.
Application in cosmetology, cooking
In cosmetology, tarragon is used to increase the tone of the skin of the face and neck. To this end, ice is used from the decoction of this plant. Ice cubes must be rubbed on the massage lines every morning.
Lotion is used to treat problem skin. To prepare it, you must mix equal proportions of cucumber juice and tarragon decoction, and add vodka (half of the resulting volume). With this lotion, you should wipe the skin twice a day.
In cooking, the leaves and stems of the plant are used. Leaves are used in the preparation of meat dishes and pickles, the stalks are perfectly combined with sour berries, lemon juice and vinegar, and are used for dressing salads.
Contraindications and possible harm
Tarragon must be used with caution.
Treatment with this plant is prohibited in the presence of the following diseases:
- epilepsy;
- arterial hypotension;
- stomach ulcer;
- bile duct obstruction;
- cholelithiasis;
- gastritis with high acidity.
The plant is contraindicated in pregnant women, as it increases the tone of the uterus, which can lead to miscarriage in the early stages.
Taking a large amount of spice can provoke a convulsive seizure, cause severe nausea with vomiting and a decrease in blood pressure.
Tarragon, whose beneficial properties and contraindications have been well studied, requires careful use, therefore, when treating this plant, the recommended dosages should not be exceeded.
