Tarragon has been used in natural medicine as an adjuvant to improve sleep quality and reduce some ailments. What other benefits does it provide? Here we detail it.
The benefits of tarragon have been documented for hundreds of years. This medicinal plant, whose scientific name is Artemisia dracunculus L, comes from the same sunflower family and is distinguished by its interesting culinary uses. Specifically, it is usually used to flavor dishes with fish, meat, asparagus, among other foods.
Some people call it mugwort, but it is important not to confuse it with Artemisia vulgaris, as they are completely different. Tarragon, inclusive, is used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries for its interesting properties. Do you want to know more about it?
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Nutritional properties of tarragon
Many of the benefits of tarragon are attributed to its nutritional composition. It is estimated that two tablespoons of fresh raw tarragon contain a meager 5 calories. In its milled version, it has around 14 calories, 1 gram of protein, less than 1 gram of fat, and 2.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Among other things, as compiled by the Food Database of the United States Department of Agriculture, Tarragon provides the following:
- Vitamins A and C: 4% of the recommended daily dose.
- Vitamin B6: 6% of the recommended daily dose.
- Folic acid: 3% of the recommended daily dose.
- Calcium: 54 mg.
- Iron: 1.5 mg.
- Magnesium: 16.5 mg.
- Phosphorus: 14.9 mg.
- Potassium: 143 mg.
- Small amounts of sodium, zinc, manganese, and selenium.
Tarragon main benefits
Tarragon would help regulate glucose levels
Tarragon is often used in the food and drink preparation. However, its extracts are also used for cosmetics and medicinal products. However, there is no solid evidence to support its use as a first-line treatment in the case of the disease.
Therefore, it is essential to bear in mind that, although science endorses many of its uses, it should not replace the treatments prescribed by the doctor. In fact, before taking it, it is best to consult the professional to be sure. What are the principal uses? Below, we detail them.
Helps regulate glucose levels
Scientific studies have determined that tarragon has positive effects on glucose control and the way the body uses insulin. In particular, research published through the journal Phytomedicine found that tarragon extract can help reduce blood glucose concentrations by up to 20%.
In addition, a randomized double-blind study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that 1000 mg of tarragon before breakfast and dinner can help control total insulin secretion, promoting the balance of glucose levels.
Helps improve sleep
Poor sleep quality can cause short, medium, and long-term health problems. During the rest period, the body carries out processes that are decisive for the optimal functioning of all systems. However, there are many factors that can affect you.
Fortunately, supplements like tarragon can help improve. According to a study published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, this plant appears to have a sedative effect that helps regulate sleep patterns. However, more evidence is needed.
Supports pain relief
One of the most prominent benefits of tarragon has to do with pain relief. Although it is not a first-line treatment to calm this symptom, it does seem to help calm it temporarily. A study published in the medical journal Clinical Rheumatology suggests this property.
According to the research, people who took 150 mg of tarragon daily had a significant improvement in pain caused by osteoarthritis compared to those who took 300 mg daily and the placebo group. The researchers determined that the lower dose worked more because it was better tolerated.
Similar findings were made in another study reported in Pharmaceutical Biology. Tarragon showed antinociceptive activity and positive effects against various painful conditions.
Tarragon could help manage pain that is caused by osteoarthritis
What other benefits does tarragon provide?
- Tarragon essential oil is used in the food industry to preserve food without the need for synthetic chemicals. Regarding this, an investigation published in the Iranian Journal of Microbiology determined that this product can be useful against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in foods such as cheese.
- In patients with decreased appetite, tarragon extract may help. A study done in 2011 found that this plant, combined with a high-fat diet, helps increase appetite by reducing levels of leptin, known as the satiety hormone.
- Preliminary studies detail that supplementation with Russian tarragon can have a positive impact on sports performance. However, more evidence is still required to corroborate this.
It’s safe, but you have to take precautions
In most cases, tarragon is safe and does not carry risks of side effects. However, the recommendation is to avoid excessive and prolonged use. Furthermore, possible drug interactions should not be ruled out. Therefore, it is always important to consult the doctor.