Little dragon, Big flavor | Why tarragon deserves a spot in your kitchen

Written By Brittan Peterson

Tarragon: A Herb with History, Healing, and Heart

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) may be known for its subtle, anise-like flavor—but don’t let this delicacy fool you. This slender-leaved herb is a spiritual and medicinal powerhouse, quietly threading its way through centuries of healing, flavor, and faith.

At ThatBrainyB (a Christian-owned educational platform)' we believe in restoring reverence for God's creation. Every herb has a purpose, and tarragon is no exception. Let’s rediscover this sacred plant—rooted in ritual, confirmed by research, and ready to take it’s place in your home, garden, and/or kitchen.

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), often praised for it’s subtle anise-like flavor, but don’t let this delicacy fool you! Rooted in ancient tradition and backed by modern science, this unassuming herb offers a remarkable case study in how plants have served both physical and spiritual wellness through the centuries.Tarragon tells it’s story through the slender leaves, quietly threading it’s way through centuries of healing and flavor.

Historical Significance of Tarragon: From Empires to Monasteries

~ Tarragon's story weaves through the fabric of many cultures, from the ritualistic practices of the Aztecs to the healing gardens of European monasteries.

  • Aztec Tradition: Mexican tarragon (Tagetes lucida), a close botanical cousin, was revered by the Aztecs not only as a culinary delight but as a sacred plant. It was burned as incense in ceremonies. It also had medicinal uses for treating hiccups and digestive ailments (Florida Heritage Foods).

  • Greek and Roman Influence: While not central in classical Mediterranean herbology, tarragon belongs to the Artemisia genus, which includes many plants used medicinally in Greco-Roman tradition. Greek physicians such as Dioscorides wrote of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) as a remedy for digestive distress and as a symbolic purifier—a theme consistent with Christian metaphors of cleansing and renewal.

  • Mongol and Middle Eastern Spread: Tarragon's journey into Europe was catalyzed by Mongol and Persian traders. Historical records suggest Mongolian horsemen chewed on tarragon to stimulate appetite and relieve fatigue—a traditional practice now being revisited through ethnobotanical study (The Botanist in the Kitchen, 2013).

  • Christian Monastic Use: By the medieval period, tarragon had found its place in Christian monastic herb gardens. Although references are sparse, monastics valued it as a warming herb to "revive the spirits" and as part of holistic healing regimens that echoed Biblical themes of anointing and restoration (American Herbal Products Association).

Modern Science: What We Know About Tarragon Today

Modern research is catching up to what traditional medicine has long known. Tarragon’s health benefits are increasingly being validated through scientific study:

  • Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic: A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that Artemisia dracunculus extract significantly reduced markers of inflammation and pain in osteoarthritis models (NCBI, PMC8076785).

  • Blood Sugar and Insulin Sensitivity: Tarragon has shown promise in reducing insulin resistance in animal models, suggesting a role in metabolic support (PubMed: 27097076).

  • Digestive Health: Its traditional use as a carminative (gas-reliever) has been confirmed in phytotherapy reviews, supporting its role in gut regulation (ScienceDirect).

  • Antimicrobial Effects: Research confirms tarragon essential oil can inhibit growth of several bacterial strains, including some that are antibiotic-resistant (PMC7438555).

These findings reinforce what traditional medicine already suspected; that tarragon is a therapeutic herb deserving of further study and integration into holistic care practices.To deepen your understanding, check out our Tarragon Botanical Infographic, a beautifully crafted 3-page guide that brings together history, health benefits, recipes, and science in one handy PDF. Get the PDF here.

Types of Tarragon: Choosing the Right One

  • French Tarragon: The most flavorful and known to be medicinally active. Best used fresh due to its delicate oil profile.

  • Russian Tarragon: Easier to grow but more bitter and course flavor.

  • Mexican Tarragon: While botanically distinct (Tagetes lucida), it serves as an excellent substitute in warm climates and is widely used in Mesoamerican traditions. It grew wonderfully in my garden here in central MN!

If you’re excited to learn even more, don’t miss out on the Tarragon Workshop Replay where we dive deep into the spiritual and practical uses of Tarragon. Watch at your own pace and experience the full herbal journey. Access the replay here.

OR purchase a bundle of the infographic + recording for the price of one: here!

Get Involved: Learn, Taste, and Grow with Us

Find Your Flavor | Monthly Herbal LIVE Event: Explore the vast possibilities of common kitchen herbs and learn how to discern the flavors God placed in creation. {[Join our next session <—- Here]}.

Tarragon is more than a seasoning: it’s a bridge between history, science, and spirit. As you engage with this herb, may you be reminded of the intricacies of creation and the healing ministry we are all called to. Let tarragon inspire reverence, curiosity, and action.

Ready to deepen your journey? Check out the high-quality botanical overview on the shop, or sign up for our next Find Your Flavor workshop above.

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References

Brittan Peterson https://ThatBrainyB.com
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