COMMON NAME: Tarragon, Estragon, French Tarragon

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Artemisia dracunculus

FAMILY NAME: Asteraceae (Composite,Daisy)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Russia

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Eastern Europe, France, Hungary, Netherlands, USA

HISTORY INFORMATION: Tarragon tea was used to stimulate the appetite, as a digestive, and a general tonic. The herb is a famous ingredient in French cuisine. Chewing the leaves numbs the taste buds so that one can take bitter medicine more easily. The root reduces toothache. In Europe, this oil is called Estragon or dragon.

GENERAL INFORMATION: There are two tarragons. One is Russian and the other is French. They have the same scientific name, but there are differences. The Russian Tarragon is hardier and seeds more readily lacking the anise quality of French Tarragon. I believe that the Tarragon most used in aromatherapy is the French Tarragon which is famous as one of the herbs used in "fines herbes" in French cuisine. I also believe there is a chemical difference and this could make all the difference. Russian is high in estragole up to 70% and no anethole while the French is high in methyl chaviol up to 75% and has anethole. Julia Lawless in her book, Essential Oils, describes Russian Tarragon. The one sited here is French.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: A perennial herb growing up to 3ft high with narrow leaves and greenish flowers. This herb is sterile and unable to reproduce itself from seed. Aromatic oil glands on the underside of the leaves.

PARTS PROCESSED: Whole plant.

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled.

COLOR RANGE: Clear to light yellow.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Ether. Methyl chavicol (75%), anethole, mono- and sesquiterpenes.

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Anthelminitic, anti-infectious, antibacterial, antirheumatic, antiallergenic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, hypnotic, stimulant(mental, digestive), uterine. Used for coughs, rheumatism, muscular aches and pains, stimulating the circulation, anorexia (stimulates appetite), gas, upset stomach, colitis, intestinal worms, inducing menstruation or abortion, PMS, balancing autonomic nervous system.

MENTAL USES: My male and feminine side are balanced. I am secure in my bitch and my nurturer. I am able to be aggressive without being harmful. I am quietly powerful.

EMOTIONAL USES: Feminine and masculine sides of self out of balance, afraid to own power, people pleaser, afraid of doing harm or hurting someone, self-sabotaging TO consciously owns power, quiet strength, centered within self, know your limits and strengths, responsible - especially with your power.

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that you are afraid to own your power and could be denying your shadow which would allow for dark forces and evil doings to surround you. It is time for you to get who you are. You aren't going to hurt anyone. You are a force for good in the world. It is only when you deny your power that the dark side is empowered. Tarragon is a very powerful oil. Do not use without spiritual guidance or supervision. As one comes into their power, fears and past abuse of power come up to be healed and cleared. You may own your power without being destructive. As powerful as this oil is, it is also very gentle, showing you in its very essence the right use of power. Tarragon is good for working with Goddess energy which can be symbolized by the dragon - Estragon.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath (with proper supervision), compress, diffusor, inhaler, light bulb ring, massage, mist spray.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Nontoxic at low dosages, moderately toxic, possible carcinogenic, avoid in pregnancy with infants and children.