Botanical Name Artimisia dracunculus
Plant Part Leaves
Extraction Method Steam
Origin Hungary
Description Tarragon is a perennial herb that thrives near water. It has a woody stem that reaches to about 1 meter (3 feet) high. The leaves are silver-green and covered with fine silky hairs and pale yellow flowers.
Color Pale to light yellow
Common Uses The therapeutic properties of Tarragon oil, as claimed by aromatherapists, are as an anti-rheumatic, aperitif, digestive, deodorant, emmenagogue, stimulant and vermifuge. There is also documentation indicating that it may be a menstrual regulator.
Strength of Aroma Medium
Blends well with Tarragon blends well with Lavender, Pine and Basil. Success blending may also take place with spice oils, though this may require some trial and error to preference.
Aromatic Scent Tarragon has a richly sweet, anise-like (black licorice), green scent with spicy tones.
History The name is derived from the Arabic word #8216;Tharkhoum#8217; and the Latin word #8216;Dracunculus#8217; meaning #8216;little dragon#8217; - probably because of the way the root seems to coil up like a dragon.
Cautions Tarragon oil is a non-irritant and non-sensitizing essential oil. Nonetheless, it can be moderately toxic due to the methyl chavicol in the oil. Therefore, it should be used in dilution and avoided completely during pregnancy.