Native to Asia, tarragon now grows all over Europe, and is used for a variety of medicinal purposes. Tarragon essential oil is distilled from the leaves of the plant, and is, for the most part, colorless. However, it may have a slight green tint to it. The smell is similar to anise or fennel, and its taste is on the spicy side. The name tarragon comes from Latin word dracunculus, which means “little dragon.”  (1)  Learn more about this curious oil by reading the list below.

Tarragon essential oil plant

Here are 9 health benefits of tarragon essential oil:

1. Treats Arthritis

Tarragon oil treats improper blood circulation, which is one of the causes of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Furthermore, as it improves blood circulation, it helps remove toxins from the body, which is the second cause of rheumatism and arthritis. (2)

2. Increases Appetite

Tarragon essential oil also stimulates the secretion of digestive juices into the stomach, which in turn increases appetite. In fact, it starts right in the mouth, where it stimulates the production of saliva.

When gastric juices and bile are secreted into the stomach, it speeds up digestion of any food present. This helps empty the stomach, allowing for a bigger appetite. (3)

3. Boosts Blood Circulation

As mentioned above, tarragon essential oil improves blood circulation. And, in doing so, it helps in the proper distribution of nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and enzymes throughout the body. Moreover, it inhibits the accumulation of toxins in problematic areas, such as the joints which relieves joint pain. (4)

4. Improves Digestion

Tarragon essential oil promotes digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive juices, which speeds up the process. It helps break down food into nutrients and facilitates the motion of food through the whole digestive system. (5)

5. Eliminates Bad Odor

Tarragon oil’s strong, spicy smell is great for fighting bad odors. In particular, it makes for an effective deodorant, inhibiting the growth of microbes in the skin, which reduces body odor. (6)

Tarragon essential oil bad odor

6. Eases Problematic Menstruation

This oil eases menstruation, clears obstructions from menses, and regulates periods. Moreover, tarragon essential oil offers relief from abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, and annoyance. (7)

7. Stimulates Nervous System

Tarragon essential oil acts as a stimulant for numerous parts of your body, such as the brain, and the nervous, digestive, circulatory, and endocrinal systems. As a result, it also promotes growth and immunity. (8)

8. Kills Intestinal Worms

The toxicity of tarragon essential oil has the ability to kill worms in the body. This includes parasites like roundworms and tapeworms as found in the intestines, as well as hookworms that live anywhere in the body. It can even kill maggots on wounds. While it’s safe to use this oil topically, you should exercise caution when taking it orally, as it is toxic. (9)

9. Other Benefits

Other benefits tarragon essential oil offers include its ability to treat flatulence as well as urinary tract infections. It also is effective in treating anorexia and dyspepsia. (10)

Word of Caution:

Tarragon essential oil contains estragole, which is considered poisonous. As such, children and pregnant women should not take it. (11)