The use of tarragon in cooking and traditional medicine
In the era of ancient Greece, the use of tarragon and its worship was associated with the cult of the goddess of the hunt. It was believed that the fragrant herb gives strength, increases the vigilance and reaction of a warrior. The ancient aristocracy ate young twigs in order to freshen the breath. The herb has a rich composition and a wide range of useful properties, therefore it is used in many areas of life from homeopathy and official medicine to cooking and cosmetology.
Composition and calorie content of tarragon
The leaves and stems of the plant contain:
- essential oils;
- coumarin;
- alkaloids;
- flavonoids;
- tannins.
Vitamin and mineral composition is presented:
- vitamin A and C;
- vitamins of group B, PP;
- potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, iron, iodine.
Carotene and ascorbic acid in 100 g of fresh herbs is up to 11%. Therefore, even in ancient times, tarragon was used to prevent scurvy. Today it is an essential source of vitamins valuable for immunity.
The calorie content of tarragon greens is 25 kcal per 100 g. Dried herb has 295 kcal per 100 g.
What foods contain tarragon? This is a well-known drink Tarhun - green, aromatic and sweet. The plant extract is found in many homeopathic medicines. There are collections of spices and herbs for salads and meat dishes, which include dried tarragon.
Useful properties of the plant
The main value of the spice plant tarragon is in a high concentration of essential oil, ascorbic acid and carotene. Gruel made from fresh leaves heals well and disinfects shallow wounds and scratches. And with the regular use of greens, the lack of ascorbic acid is replenished and the immune system is strengthened.
How is tarragon good for health? This is thesis:
- normalizes the emotional state, calms the nerves;
- stimulates the stomach, increases appetite;
- has a diuretic effect;
- eases the condition with menopause and PMS;
- pain relieves (with migraine and toothache);
- relieves swelling in case of burns;
- expels parasites.
The stimulating properties of tarragon allow it to be used to increase potency in men and libido in women. The plant has a positive effect on the state of blood vessels: it strengthens the walls, increases blood flow, and is the prevention of strokes and heart attacks.
In homeopathy, the herb is part of the remedies for the treatment of pneumonia and bronchitis, cystitis, tuberculosis, lingering rhinitis and cough. Decoctions and tinctures of the plant are effective during the period of viral epidemics. With the help of tarragon, you can purify the blood and improve its composition.
The use of tarragon for medicinal purposes
In folk medicine, tarragon is used to make decoctions, tinctures, and gruel for compresses. Both individual leaves and whole branches are suitable for their preparation. Tarragon herb can be used for the following diseases:
- dermatitis;
- insomnia, depression;
- varicose veins;
- bronchitis, pneumonia;
- stomatitis;
- neurosis;
- poor digestion.
In the absence of contraindications, tarragon as a spice can be used daily in small quantities.This will improve digestive function, stimulate metabolism and strengthen the immune system.
Healing broth, tea
The broth involves brewing dried herbs with boiling water. For 250-300 ml of boiled water take 1 tbsp. l. raw materials. The broth is infused under a closed lid for 1 hour, filtered and consumed in the evening before bedtime. Such a decoction calms the nerves, relieves insomnia.
For the treatment of neurosis, a decoction is taken in 100 ml 3 times a day between meals. The course of treatment is 14 days.
Tarragon is used in combination with black or green tea to improve digestion and increase appetite. To do this, brew in a teapot for 1 tsp. tea and dried sprigs of tarragon. It is enough to infuse tea for 10 minutes. At one time, they drink 100-150 ml of the drink.
Composition for compresses, lotions, ointments
The regenerating, antiseptic and soothing properties of tarragon make it possible to use its day to treat skin problems. For dermatitis and eczema, a cotton cloth dipped in a decoction of the plant is applied to the irritated areas.
In the presence of varicose veins on the legs, fresh tarragon helps. 2 tbsp. l. chopped herbs are poured into 400-500 ml of kefir, allowed to stand for 15 minutes. The mass is applied to problem areas for 5-6 hours. To fix the healing mixture, use a bandage or gauze.
When treating stomatitis or gum disease at home, a special ointment is prepared. To do this, add 20 g of chopped tarragon together with juice to 100 g of butter. The mass is placed in a water bath and heated for 15 minutes to combine the ingredients. The ointment is cooled to body temperature and the gums are lubricated 2-3 times a day until recovery.
Healing bath
Dried tarragon is used to prepare a concentrated bath broth. On average, a bath needs 1 liter of broth made from a liter of boiling water and 4 tbsp. l. tarragon. The broth is infused for 30 minutes, filtered and added to the bath.
Effect of tarragon bath:
- soothes;
- normalizes sleep;
- cleanses the skin;
- stimulates metabolic processes;
- relieves headache;
- heals small wounds.
The bath is taken in the evening before going to bed. The procedure can be repeated 2-3 times a week.
For problem skin prone to inflammation and acne, ice cubes are prepared from fresh juice or tarragon decoction to wipe the face.
Fresh juice is diluted in a 1: 3 ratio with boiled water. The broth is frozen in pure form. Ice is used to wipe the face in the evening after removing makeup and in the morning after waking up.
Toning tincture
This is a delicious drink that refreshes, invigorates, quenches thirst in the heat. It is especially useful for hypertension. Tarragon tincture recipe:
- 1 l. pour water into an enamel pan;
- add 50 g of fresh tarragon sprigs, chopped with a knife;
- add juice 1 lemon and zest, bring to a boil;
- cool to room temperature, add honey or sugar to taste (3-4 tsp)
The tincture is stored in the refrigerator and drunk for 2 days, then a new portion is prepared.
Cooking use
In Europe, the use of tarragon in cooking began in the 17th century. The French were the first to add spicy herb to the main dishes. Today tarragon is part of the world famous dijon mustard... The use of the plant has two characteristics. Dried tarragon is suitable for hot dishes, and fresh for cold ones. This is due to the special behavior of greens during heat treatment. Tarragon becomes bitter and can ruin the dish.
Most often, the plant is used in cooking:
- sauces and salad dressings;
- marinades for lamb, beef, fish;
- flavored wine vinegar;
- drink "Tarhun".
The use of dried tarragon is important for meat dishes and soups. The Georgians believe that tarragon perfectly sets off the taste of lamb barbecue, while the Greeks - the taste of fish. When preparing the soup, the chopped sprigs are placed directly into the serving plate.If making a salad dressing, the ideal combination would be salt, fresh tarragon, lemon juice, and olive oil. If wine vinegar is used for dressing, its taste is ennobled with a bunch of tarragon thrown directly into the bottle for several days.
Fresh and dried herbs are used as a salt substitute, which is important for a salt-free diet or hypertension.
The widespread use of tarragon in cooking is due to its antimicrobial action. Therefore, when salting and pickling cucumbers and other vegetables, 1-2 branches of grass are used. Tarragon also gives an unusual flavor to pickled mushrooms. And to obtain a fragrant tincture, a bunch of fresh plant twigs is placed in a bottle of vodka. Vodka should be infused for 3-4 weeks in a dark place.
In cooking, tarragon is used fresh, dried and prepared for future use. Young greens are cut coarsely with a knife, mixed with salt, placed in jars, rolled and stored in the refrigerator. In this form, in winter, it is added to ready-made soups, salads or sauces.
Refreshing drink
At home, you can also make Tarhun drink. What is it made of? You will need 1 liter of mineral water (with or without gases to choose from), 1 lemon and 50 g of fresh tarragon. Cooking instructions:
- chop tarragon with a knife;
- squeeze juice from lemon;
- pour the ingredients with mineral water, leave for 2 hours;
- add sugar to taste.
The drink is served in glasses with ice. For a richer and more interesting taste, lime, mint or lemon balm, kiwi, sugar syrup are added to the classic ingredients. The longer the drink is infused, the more aromatic and rich in taste it will be. You can leave Tarragon in the refrigerator overnight, and in the morning strain and add sugar or sugar syrup.
Tarragon contraindications
Any medicines containing tarragon should not be taken for more than 1 month. There is a cumulative effect here, which can give not an improvement, but a deterioration in well-being. The beneficial properties and contraindications of tarragon are largely due to its composition and individual tolerance of the body.
Tarragon is contraindicated:
- pregnant women;
- people with gastritis and stomach ulcers;
- with increased acidity of the stomach;
- taking antidepressants.
In the presence of chronic diseases of internal organs and the constant intake of medications, a consultation with a doctor is needed.
The benefits and uses of herbs, including tarragon, generally have a positive effect on health and well-being. This is the prevention of diseases of the digestive tract, cardiovascular system, support for the work of nervous activity. A pinch of dried spice with a great aroma can prolong life and make it tastier!