Tarragon is a perennial plant with long, light green leaves. It is not a plant that is normally found in the American garden as it is used sparsely for culinary purposed here. However, tarragon, our herb of the month, is a must have for every magickal herb cabinet.
Plant: Tarragon, French Tarragon
Latin Name: Artemisia dracunculus, Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa
Folk Names: Estragon, Little Dragon, Dragon’s Herb, Dragon’s Mugwort,Wyrmwort
Ready for Harvest
Gender: Feminine
Elements: Fire
Planet: Mars
Astrological Signs: Aries
Deities: Artemis, Venus
Magickal Uses of Tarragon:
Parts Used: Leaves – fresh or dried
- Detoxification
- Protection
- Banish Negative Energies
- Exorcism
- Confidence
- Courage
- Keeping secrets
- Sprinkling tarragon upon the windowsills and doorways is said to protect the home from thieves.
- Often used by Hedge Witches for its soothing and calming effects.
- Cultivates warmth and feelings of comfort
- Used as a “fixing herb” in hoodoo and voodoo.
- Attract Love
- Luck
- Aids in personal growth
- To Elicit desire
Substitutions: Anise can be substituted for tarragon in most spells and vise versa.
Growing Tarragon
https://www.facebook.com/triunemoonproductions
Tarragon, our herb of the month, cannot be started from seeds, only cuttings. Transplant Tarragon in the early spring. Plant your cuttings in well-drained soil about 2 – 3 feet apart in a sunny area. Tarragon does not care for wet conditions as this may cause the plant to become straggly and die off.
Plants may grow to 2 or 3 feet in height. Prune your plant regularly to prevent flowers and to keep at a height of about 2 feet as any taller and the plant tends to droop. Every 3 or 4 years divide up your plant in the spring or fall, freeing up space to keep the plant healthy.
In the fall remove any leaves and debris that falls on the plant as it will kill the foliage. Tarragon will die back to the ground during the winter months but will reemerge quickly in the spring.
Culinary Uses
The French Tarragon variety is the plant most used in cooking. Tarragon adds flavor to eggs, fish, cheese and poultry. It is a main ingredient in French Bernaise sauce for Eggs Benedict. Tarragon butter can be used over green beans, asparagus, peas, carrots. Add tarragon to mayonnaise to serve with cold seafood or fish.
Create a Tarragon infused vinegar for use on salads by adding tarragon to white wine vinegar and infuse for 2 weeks.
Medicinal Uses
The information provided below is for educational purposes only and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Additional information
- Antiseptic
- Mild anesthetic
- Emmenagogue
- Laxative (in large amounts)
- Cardioprotective
- Anti-hyperglycaemic
- Tarragon stimulates the digestive system and also enhances appetite. It helps regulate metabolism by promoting the secretion of digestive juices and activates the co-enzymes that assist digestion.
- Tarragon herb helps relieve flatulence, constipation, hiccups and dyspepsia.
- Tarragon is a rich source of Vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system of the body. It helps prevent strain on the immune system, preventing a variety of infections and ailments.
- Another health benefit of tarragon is its ability to cure oral problems like loosening of teeth, cavities and fragility of gums.
- Chew Tarragon to relieve the pain of toothache and sore gums.
- A fine paste made of fresh Tarragon leaves placed on abrasions, ulcers, boils and cuts will assist in preventing infection and facilitate the quick healing of the wound.
- A handful of fresh tarragon leaves placed into a pot of boiling water will create a fragrant and healing vapor. Place your face carefully over the pot and inhale the fumes to clear sinuses, relieve headaches and migraine pain.
- Warnings: Do not consume Tarragon while pregnant as it may be harmful in large quantities and to avoid risk of complications and accidental abortions.
Notes: Tarragon is a member of the Asteraceae family. If you are sensitive or allergic to other plants in this family such as ragweed, daisy or marigold you should take caution when adding tarragon to your diet either as a culinary herb or medicinally.
