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Tarragon, also known as dragon’s wart, is a perennial herb found in the Northern Hemisphere from easternmost Europe across central and eastern Asia to India, western North America, and from southern to northern Mexico. It grows to a height of 120-150 cm and bears 2-8 cm long and 2-10 mm broad lanceolate leaves. The herb is well-known for providing flavor to different types of dishes, especially the French cuisine where it is called the ‘King of Herbs’. There are two varieties of tarragon available - the French type and the Russian type, both high in certain curing properties that makes tarragon famous in the medicinal sector. So, why not stock up few strains of fresh or dried tarragon in your refrigerator to use for curing different health issues that come your way. This article ponders over the nutritional value and the health and nutrition benefits of using and consuming tarragon.

Nutritional Value Of Tarragon

Amount of Tarragon (dried): 1 large cup

Total Weight of Tarragon (dried): 100 g

Nutrients

Amount

Basic Components

Protein

22.8 g

Phytosterols

81 mg

Water

7.7 g

Ash

12 g

Calories

Total Calories

295

Calories From Carbohydrate

179

Calories From Fat

60.6

Calories From Protein

55.6

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrate

50.2 g

Dietary Fiber

7.4 g

Fats & Fatty Acids

Total Fat

7.2 g

Saturated Fat

1.9 g

Monounsaturated Fat

0.5 g

Polyunsaturated Fat

3.7 g

Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids

2955 mg

Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids

742 mg

Vitamins

Vitamin A

4200 IU

Vitamin C

50 mg

Thiamin

0.3 mg

Riboflavin

1.3 mg

Niacin

9 mg

Vitamin B6

2.4 mg

Folate

274 mcg

Minerals

Calcium

1139 mg

Iron

32.3 mg

Magnesium

347 mg

Phosphorus

313 mg

Potassium

3020 mg

Sodium

62 mg

Zinc

3.9 mg

Copper

0.7 mg

Manganese

8 mg

Selenium

4.4 mcg

Nutrition Benefits Of Eating Tarragon

Anti-Rheumatic

Due to the improper circulation of blood and lymph, especially in the limbs, and the accumulation of toxins, like uric acid, in the body, the problem of rheumatism and arthritis aggravates. Tarragon is one such herb that helps in proper circulation of blood and other fluids in the body, providing warmth to the affected parts. It does not allow the toxins to get stagnated at a particular place, rather helps in the process of detoxification by stimulating urination and excretion.

Appetite Booster

Tarragon serves the purpose of an appetite booster. Consuming tarragon helps in the secretion of digestive juices in the stomach that helps in quick digestion and increase in appetite. Right from the saliva in the mouth till the gastric juices and bile get released into the stomach after having tarragon, it speeds up the digestion process and prepares the stomach for the next meal.

Deodorant

Tarragon is used to keep away the foul body odor through its spicy smell. It also curbs the growth of microbes on the skin. Tarragon is also used in different deodorants as a major ingredient.

Stimulant

Tarragon is an excellent stimulant that helps in stimulating the brain, nervous system, digestive system, circulatory system and the endocrinal system and increasing the efficiency of their functions. The proper functioning of all these functioning units of the body due to the consumption of tarragon, in turn stimulates the whole metabolic system, resulting in strong immunity of the body.

Cure For Tooth Ache

Tarragon can also relieve you from toothaches, because it is capable of benumbing the mouth. Chew a couple of fresh or dry leaves of this herbal plant till it turns to a paste. Then, hold it against your tooth with the help of your tongue. It will numb the painful area.

Sedative

Tarragon contains sedative properties and hence, is used to fight sleeplessness or insomnia. Drink at least a cup of tarragon tea every day to benefit its calming benefits.

Emmenagogue

Tarragon acts as an agent that helps in the menstrual secretion. It eases menstruation and clears any obstructions in menses and regular periods. It relieves the person from problems of abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue and annoyance.

Cooking Tips

Freeze whole sprig of tarragon in an airtight bag for 3-5 months in order to retain the fresh flavor of tarragon.

Dried tarragon should be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dark place and should be used within a year of its storage.

You can also make tarragon vinegar by using tarragon sprigs. Put fresh sprigs into a sterilized bottle of distilled white vinegar to get the taste of tarragon in the vinegar.

Heat up the tarragon to derive the most intensive flavor from both the fresh and dried tarragon leaves.

Fresh tarragon has a more intense flavor than a dried one, because when dry, the oils dissipate out of it. Therefore, tarragon should be carefully and sparingly used.