French Tarragon for insomnia
French Tarragon (so-called to distinguish it from the inferior subspecies Russian Tarragon, Artemisia dracunculus dracunculoides) is also sometimes called Estragon, Little Dragon or Dragonwort (a name which is also used by 2 other plants, the Dragon Arum, Dracunculus vulgaris and Bistort, yet another illustration of the importance of using latin names for correct identification). The latin name is Artemisia dracunculus.
There is a similar herb, for which seeds are often sold with the name “Tarragon”, but these are almost always the Russian Tarragon, which is a different plant entirely. French Tarragon is always propagated by means of division or cuttings, because it rarely produces viable seed. French Tarragon produces the best results by being grown in poor, dry soil, which is not unusual with herbs.
French tarragon is well known as a culinary herb, having a liquorice-like flavor. It is often used to make tarragon vinegar and as a constituent of tartare sauce.
Unfortunately, because it can cause miscarriage in early pregnancy, French tarragon is not suitable for pregnant women or anyone trying for a baby.
To make a standard infusion of tarragon, use half a teaspoon of dried herb in half a cup (120ml, 4 fl oz) of water and allow to brew for at least 10 minutes, before straining. This should be used unsweetened at a dosage of up to a cup a day, and can be used to treat digestive problems, to stimulate the appetite, as a diuretic and to promote the onset of menstruation (an emmenagogue). Taken at bedtime, it also helps to overcome insomnia.
With all herbs used for medicinal purposes, it is vital to avoid changing their properties by the use of chemicals of any kind, and it’s therefore important to grow them organically. To find out more about growing organic French tarragon visit the Gardenzone.
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