HEALTH BENEFITS OF TARRAGON

TARRAGON

French tarragon herb, also known as dragon wort, is a very popular culinary herb used as flavoring agent, especially in the Mediterranean cuisines. This aromatic perennial growing herb is rich in phytonutrients as well antioxidants that help promote health and prevent diseases.

Botanically, tarragon belongs within the family ofAsteraceae, in the genus: Artemisia, and known scientifically as Artemisia dracunculus sativa. The herb is thought to have originated in the Central Asia region, probably in Siberia.

Health benefits of Tarragon herb

--This exquisite herb is rich in numerous health benefiting phyto-nutrients that are indispensable for optimum health.

--The main essential oils in tarragon are estragole (methyl chavicol), cineol, ocimene and phellandrene.

--Traditionally, tarragon has been employed as a traditional remedy to stimulate appetite and alleviate anorexic symptoms.

--Scientific studies suggest that poly-phenolic compounds in this herb help lower blood-sugar levels.

--Fresh tarragon herb is one of the highest antioxidant value food sources among the common herbs. Its total measured ORAC (Oxygen radical absorbance capacity) value is 15,542 trolex equivalents (TE) per 100 g.

--Laboratory studies on tarragon extract shows certain compounds in them inhibit platelet activation, preventing platelet aggregation and adhesion to the blood vessel wall. It, thus, helps prevent clot formation inside tiny blood vessels of heart and brain protecting from heart attack, and stroke.

--The herb is very rich source of vitamins such as vitamin-C, vitamin-A as well as B-complex group of vitamins such as folates, pyridoxine, niacin, riboflavin, etc., that function as antioxidant as well as co-factors for enzymes in the metabolism.

--Tarragon is a notably excellent source of minerals like calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium, copper, potassium, and zinc. Manganese is utilized by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is essential for cellular respiration (co-factors for cytochrome-oxidase enzyme) and blood cell production.

Medicinal uses of tarragon

--Tarragon herb has been used in various traditional medicines for stimulating the appetite and as a remedy for anorexia, dyspepsia, flatulence, and hiccups.

--The essential oil, eugenol in the herb has been in therapeutic use in dentistry as a local-anesthetic and antiseptic for toothache complaints.

--Tarragon tea may help cure insomnia. 

source:  http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/tarragon-herb.html