Where does tarragon come from?
Tarragon or, from its Latin name Artemisia dracunculusis a perennial herbaceous plant of the family of Asteraceae, which is native to Central Asia and southern Russia. Tarragon arrived in Europe in the 16th century.
The tarragon is in the form of a foot measuring about 80 cm in height, and from which many branched stems depart on which grow long narrow, smooth, shiny and very green leaves measuring between 2 and 10 cm. “Tarragon has a light and subtle aniseed scent evoking the fennel »informs Didier Pesoni, pharmacist specializing in aromatherapy and author of Essential oils, the magEditions Terres d’Essences.
Tarragon essential oil
Tarragon essential oil comes from the distillation complete by steam distillation of flowering aerial parts. It’s necessary 100 kg of plants to obtain 1 kg of tarragon essential oil.
The properties of tarragon essential oil
Tarragon essential oil contains molecules of methylchavicol (damage), d’ocimènes and of limonene. These substances mainly have antispasmodic properties.“The essential oil of tarragon has properties similar to those oftropical basil essential oil, explains the pharmacist. However, the digestive action is more marked for tarragon essential oil and the sedative action is lighter. »
What are the benefits of tarragon essential oil?
They are numerous ! Didier Pesoni, pharmacist, details them: “Tarragon essential oil is a digestive tonic indicated against digestive heavinessTHE stomach cramps, hiccups, gastroesophageal reflux. It is also an antispasmodic essential oil useful in case of colitis, colic, intestinal cramps, of abdominal pain and menstrual pain. And finally, tarragon essential oil has beneficial sedative properties in case of sleep disorders or nocturnal awakenings. »
Tarragon essential oil and hiccups
The hiccups is due to involuntary contractions of the respiratory muscles (diaphragm and intercostal muscles) as well as the closure of the glottis, causing this little ‘hiccup’. Most often benign, hiccups have a digestive origin: bloating, alcohol consumption… and do not last more than a minute.
To pass it quickly and avoid any recurrence, the pharmacist recommends “2 drops of tarragon essential oil on a neutral tablet, 3 to 4 times a day for adults. In children over 7 years old, 1 drop on a neutral tablet 1 to 2 times a day. »
If the hiccups persist or recur regularly, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Tarragon essential oil and abdominal cramps (painful periods, constipation)
Abdominal cramps can have several causes: functional colopathy, constipation, menstruation in women, stress… They are manifested by painful contractions in the stomach.
In these cases, we will use thedermal tarragon essential oil. “Dilute 5 drops of tarragon essential oil in 5 to 10 pumps of macadamia vegetable oiladvises the pharmacist. And apply in massages on the painful areas, 3 to 4 times a day. »
If it is a child over 7 years old, to relieve constipation for example, the amount of essential oil must be reduced. “Dilute 1 to 2 drops of tarragon essential oil in 1 to 2 pumps of vegetable oil per drop of essential oil and massage the painful area 3 to 4 times a day.recommends Didier Pesoni. The use must be punctual, less than a week. » Without improvement of the situation, a doctor should be consulted.
Tarragon essential oil and gastric reflux
The gastric reflux is characterized by a ascent of stomach contents into the esophagus. It leads to regurgitationof the epigastric painfeelings of stomach burn. Several things promote gastric reflux: obesity, the presence of a hiatal hernia, pregnancy, tobacco, alcohol…
L’tarragon essential oil can relieve gastric reflux. Pharmacist’s advice: “Pour a drop of tarragon essential oil and a drop of black spruce essential oil on a neutral tablet, and take 3 to 4 times a day. »
Black spruce is a conifer native to Canada and Alaska. “Its essential oil softens the mucous membrane in case of gastric reflux, esophagitis”says the pharmacist.
Tarragon essential oil and stress
Stress, and the ‘rumination’ it often entails, can lead to sleep problemsdelaying sleep or causing nocturnal awakenings in adults. “15 minutes before bedtime, pour 2 drops of tarragon essential oil on a neutral tablet. If necessary, take 2 drops in the middle of the night in case of nocturnal awakening. »
Tarragon essential oil: contraindications
Tarragon essential oil should be used with certain precautions.
Attention, “it can cause drowsiness when taken during the daysays Didier Pesoni. Especially when taken orally. » More generally, tarragon essential oil should not be used continuously in adults.
“Occasional use for less than a week is recommended for children over 7 years old,” advises the pharmacist.
Tarragon essential oil should not be used “in pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants under 30 months, epileptic patients, asthmatic patients”, notify the pharmacist.
And as a precautionary measure, before its use it is recommended to do a test in the bend of the elbow, especially in people with reactive skin.
Good to know : tarragon essential oil is not used for diffusion.