TARRAGON

                        Tarragon is a culinary and medicinal herb that is rich in vitamins A, C, and B-complex and minerals such as zinc, copper, iron, and magnesium. It is known to help stimulate the appetite, relieve flatulence and colic, balance the body’s acidity, alleviate the pains of arthritis, rheumatism and gout, regulate menstruation, stop hiccups, prevent dyspepsia, and expel worms from the body. Tarragon contains poly-phenolic compounds that are known to help lower blood glucose levels. Tarragon is often used to help prevent strokes and heart attacks due to its ability to prevent clot formation inside narrow blood vessels in the heart and brain. It is also known to help prevent or slow down the oxidative process that forms cataracts and other degenerative diseases. Tarragon tea is an excellent tonic after a heavy meal as it is a mild, natural diuretic that helps the system flush out toxins produced by the digestion of heavy, rich protein based meals. Drinking tarragon tea before bed can also help to overcome insomnia and promote a restful and healing nights sleep. To make a tea, use two teaspoons of fresh or dried herb to two cups of water and add lemon and/or honey if desired. Fresh tarragon leaves act as a local anesthetic and can be applied to aching gums or teeth, cuts, and/or sores to help numb and relieve pain. Tarragon is a wonderful addition to fresh salads, guacamole, soups, stews, steamed or roasted vegetables, rice, and potatoes. Tarragon can be found online or at you local health food store in tincture, extract, capsule, cream, essential oil, or tea form. Fresh tarragon is generally available in the produce section at your local grocery store or farmers market.