Tarragon essential oil is essential for relieving pain linked to the menstrual cycle, thanks to its antispasmodic properties. Its action against spasms, which is conferred by estragole, also makes it useful against hiccups. Finally, Tarragon essential oil is used as an anti-allergic against various allergies (skin, respiratory, etc.). It is mainly used by the skin or orally, but be careful: it is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under 6 years old and people with coagulation or hepatic disorders. Latin name: Artemisia dracunculus L. Distilled part: leaves.
This article was updated on 26/07/2023Precautions for use
This essential oil is contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as children under 6 years old. It is also prohibited for people with liver or coagulation disorders or in the event of anticoagulant treatment. It can be irritating to the skin, and should not be applied pure but preferably diluted in a vegetable oil.
Authorized users
Possible ways of use
Risks of use
Other precautions
Medical advice
People with epilepsy and asthma should seek medical advice before use.
Skin application
- Dilute Tarragon essential oil to at least 20% in a vegetable oil before applying to the skin (1 drop in at least 4 drops of vegetable oil).
- In certain indications (hiccups, food poisoning, appetite), it can be used occasionally in children from 3 years old but always mixed with other essential oils.
Ingestion
- Tarragon essential oil can be hepatotoxic after ingestion in high doses and over a long period of time.
- As a precaution, it is contraindicated orally in heavy smokers, people with a history of cancer or cancerous pathologies.
In broadcast
Pregnant women and babies can use this essential oil in atmospheric diffusion.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in people with hepatic or coagulation disorders, or taking anticoagulant treatments.
Allergenic components
Tarragon essential oil contains three allergenic biochemical components.
- limonene (≤ 5%)
- eugenol (≤ 1%)
- linalool (≤ 0.5%)
Note: It is preferable to test the essential oil before using it (dilute a drop of essential oil in a little vegetable oil and apply it to the crook of the elbow. Wait at least 24 hours to check that it is there is no reaction).
Properties of Tarragon essential oil
Tarragon essential oil is highly concentrated in methylchavicol and beta ocimene. These different molecules give it the following main properties:
-
antispasmodic ++++ (methylchavicol (estragole)):
tarragon essential oil is powerful against spasms thanks to its main component, estragole. This molecule helps inhibit smooth muscle spasms by blocking the transmission of nervous messengers responsible for contraction. As these muscle fibers are present in many digestive organs and in the uterus, this justifies the use of Tarragon in cases of painful periods or digestive disorders.
-
digestive tonic, carminative, aperitif, stomachic ++++ (methylchavicol (estragole)):
tarragon is traditionally used in cooking as a condiment and as a digestive tonic. Thanks to its antispasmodic action induced by the presence of estragole in its composition, Tarragon essential oil is indicated in cases of digestive disorders. Its main molecule, estragole, acts on the contraction of the smooth muscles constituting numerous digestive organs.
-
antiallergic ++ (methylchavicol (estragole)):
tarragon essential oil is used in cases of skin or respiratory allergies or allergic asthma. Although there are currently no scientific studies proving its effectiveness, it is traditionally used against allergic symptoms and experience shows a positive response in certain people with allergies. According to some authors, it is antihistamine but not all agree on this action.
-
antifungal ++ (methylchavicol (estragole)):
tarragon essential oil has antifungal activity on Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Colletotrichum fragariae, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum acutatum. These agricultural parasitic fungi affect various plants, flowers and fruits (rapeseed, sunflower, beans, carrots, strawberries, tomatoes, etc.)
But also these secondary properties:
- anti-inflammatory
- calming
- antibacterial
- soothing
To fight against Hiccups
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
Reserved for adolescents and adults.
- Dermal, dilute 1 drop of Tarragon essential oil in 1 drop of vegetable oil and massage the solar plexus. Repeat if necessary every 15 to 30 minutes, for 2 hours maximum.
- Orally, place 1 drop of Tarragon essential oil on a neutral support (ball of breadcrumbs, honey, sugar, neutral tablet, etc.) as quickly as possible. Let it melt in your mouth. If necessary, take 1 drop every 30 minutes for up to 1 hour. Do not use for prolonged periods.
Use in synergy
From 3 years old. Ingest 2 drops of this mixture on a neutral support (sugar, honey, neutral tablet) every 15 minutes for 1 hour. Combine this use with a skin application of 1 drop diluted in 4 drops of vegetable oil on the solar plexus every 30 minutes:
- 60 drops of Tarragon essential oil
- 40 drops of Cardamom essential oil
- 20 drops of True Lavender essential oil
More details or other users: essential oils against hiccups.
In case of Painful periods
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
Reserved for adolescents and adults. Dermal, prepare a 20% mixture (60 drops of Tarragon essential oil in 8 mL of vegetable oil) and apply 5 to 6 drops of the mixture every hour.
Use in synergy
Reserved for teenagers and adults. Massage the lower abdomen in a circular manner with 6 drops of this mixture. Repeat up to 4 times a day during your period until improvement.
- 60 drops of Petit Grain Bigarade essential oil
- 30 drops of Tarragon essential oil
- 30 drops of Clary Sage essential oil
- Complete in a 10 mL bottle with Borage vegetable oil
More details : essential oils against painful periods.
In case of' Aerophagia, bloating, flatulence
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For teenagers and adults.
- Orally, place 2 drops of Tarragon essential oil on a neutral tablet, after the meal. Do not use for a prolonged period, keep this use occasional.
- Dermal, dilute 1 drop of Tarragon in 4 drops of vegetable oil by massaging on the abdomen after meals, for a few days only.
Tarragon or Cardamom?
Tarragon essential oil is known for its digestive benefits. Antispasmodic, it will reduce certain disorders, but the most suitable essential oil remains that of Cardamom : orally, 1 drop in a teaspoon of olive oil or honey 3 times a day; or through the skin, dilute to 20% in a vegetable oil to apply to the abdomen 3 times a day.
In case of' Respiratory allergy, Hay fever, Pollen allergy
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
Reserved for adolescents and adults. In broadcast, add the number of drops of Tarragon essential oil indicated in the diffuser instructions. Broadcast for 15 minutes per hour maximum.
Tarragon or Annual Tansy?
Very antispasmodic, and also antiallergic, Tarragon essential oil is suitable for respiratory allergies. However, theannual Tansy essential oil remains the reference: from 6 years old, 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil applied to the forearms, twice a day for 7 to 10 days maximum.
Use in synergy
Reserved for adolescents and adults. Massage the sides of the nose, the sinuses (paying attention to the eyes) and the thorax with a few drops of this mixture, 2 to 4 times a day for the duration of the symptoms, a maximum of 2 to 5 days:
- 60 drops of Tarragon essential oil
- 30 drops of Roman Chamomile essential oil
- 30 drops of shelled marjoram essential oil
- Supplement up to 50 mL with Calophyll Inophyl vegetable oil
Source: Couic-Marinier, F., & Touboul, A. (2017). The Living Earth guide to essential oils.
In case of Nausea, Vomiting, Motion sickness
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
Reserved for adolescents and adults. Inhaled, place 1 drop of Tarragon essential oil on a tissue. Breathe before each meal or in case of nausea, up to 3 times a day, 4 days maximum.
Tarragon or Peppermint?
Tarragon essential oil is effective against nausea and vomiting, but for adults and adolescents, itpeppermint essential oil remains the reference: 1 drop on a neutral tablet to put under the tongue occasionally, or 1 drop on a tissue or inhaler stick, to inhale deeply 3-4 times and repeat if necessary. For children, favor l'lemon essential oil.
In case of' Skin allergy, Urticaria
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
For teenagers and adults. Dermal, dilute 1 drop of Tarragon in 4 drops of vegetable oil by massaging on the inflamed areas, for a few days only.
Use in synergy
Reserved for adolescents and adults. Massage the inflamed areas with a few drops of the mixture, 3 times a day:
- 2 mL of Tarragon essential oil
- 2 mL of Noble Chamomile essential oil
- 1 mL of Annual Tansy essential oil
- 5 mL of Sweet Almond vegetable oil
Zahalka, JP. (2020). Complete Dictionary of Aromatherapy, Editions du Dauphin
Tarragon or Annual Tansy?
Tarragon essential oil is suitable for skin allergies and hives butannual Tansy essential oil remains the reference: from 6 years old, 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil applied to the affected areas, 3 times a day for 7 to 10 days maximum.
Other famous applications of Tarragon
Tarragon essential oil is used on many occasions, particularly linked to its antispasmodic, carminative and antiallergic properties. For the majority ofthe following uses it will be effective, but without necessarily being the best essential oil. We therefore indicate to you the best replacement for Estragon for the following different problems.
Muscle cramp
Tarragon effective, but.... it is better to use thewintergreen essential oil : for adults and adolescents, gently massage the affected area with 1 drop diluted in 9 drops of vegetable oil.
Neuralgia, Sciatica
Tarragon effective, but... it is better to use thelemon Eucalyptus essential oil : via the skin, 1 drop of Lemon Eucalyptus in 4 drops of vegetable oil, 3 to 4 times a day on the painful area, until improvement.
Stress
Tarragon sometimes indicated, but... l'essential oil of Petit Grain Bigarade is better in cases of anxiety and stress: in inhalation, breathe directly above the bottle 2 to 3 times a day or place a few drops on the wick of an inhaler. When diffusing, pour the number of drops indicated on the diffuser instructions and diffuse in intervals of 5 to 10 minutes.
How to recognize a good Tarragon essential oil?
Botanical characteristics
- Latin Name: Artemisia dracunculus L.
- Botanical family: Asteraceae
- Part used: leaves
- Country of origin: Metropolitan France.
Physical characteristics
- Density at 20°C: 0.918 to 0.950
- Refractive index at 20°C: 1.508 to 1.518
- Rotary power at 20°C: 2 to 6
- Flash point: 70
Organoleptic characteristics
- Appearance: liquid
- Color: colorless to light yellow
- Odor: aniseed, characteristic.
Biochemical characteristics
- methylchavicol (estragole): 68 to 84%
- cis-β-ocimene: 5 to 13%
- trans-β-ocimene: 6 to 12%
- limonene: 2 to 7%
- α-pinene: 0.5 to 2%
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Bibliography
Publication: Meepagala, K.M., Sturtz, G., & Wedge, DE (2002). Antifungal Constituents of the Essential Oil Fraction ofArtemisia dracunculusL. Var.dracunculus. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 50(24), 6989–6992. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf020466w
Publication: Bedini, S., Flamini, G., Cosci, F., Ascrizzi, R., Echeverria, MC, Guidi, L., . . . Conti, B. (2017). Artemisia spp. essential oils against the disease-carrying blowfly Calliphora vomitoria. Parasites & Vectors, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-017-2006-y
Publication: Pandey, A.K., & Singh, P. (2017). The Genus Artemisia: a 2012–2017 Literature Review on Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial, Insecticidal and Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oils. Medicines, 4(3), 68. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines4030068
Publication: Maham, M., Moslemzadeh, H., & Jalilzadeh-Amin, G. (2013). Antinociceptive effect of the essential oil of tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus). Pharmaceutical Biology, 52(2), 208–212. https://doi.org/10.3109/13880209.2013.824007
Work : Festy, D. (2018). My bible of essential oils: Complete guide to aromatherapy. Leduc.s éditions.
Work : de la Charie, T. (2019). Treat yourself with essential oils. Why and how does it work? Editions du Rocher.
Work : Couic Marinier, F., & Touboul, A. (2017). The Living Earth guide to essential oils. Terre Vivante Editions.
Website : PFAF, Plants For A Future. Artemisia dracunculus Tarragon, French Tarragon PFAF Plant Database. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Artemisia+dracunculus
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About these tips
This aromatherapy article was written by Théophane de la Charie, author of the book “Treat yourself with essential oils”, accompanied by a multidisciplinary team made up of pharmacists, biochemists and agronomists.
La Compagnie des Sens and its teams do not encourage self-medication. The information and advice provided comes from a reference bibliographic database (books, scientific publications, etc.). They are given for information purposes, or to suggest avenues for reflection: they should in no case replace a diagnosis, consultation or medical follow-up, and cannot engage the liability of the Compagnie des Sens.