Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a member of the Asteraceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and resin have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its bitter, carminative, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, native american herbal medicine, and mediterranean herbal traditions.

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Tarragon
Scientific Name	Artemisia dracunculus
Plant Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Artemisia
Species	dracunculus
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North America
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Resin
Primary Medicinal Actions	Bitter, Carminative, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Native American Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Artemisia dracunculus
Common Name: Tarragon
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Wormwood, Herb Of Grace, Dragon'S Wort
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Artemisia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface gray-green and lower surface whitish, bearing prominent stomatal bands.
Flowers: Inflorescence composed of dense clusters of small, yellowish flower heads arranged in a compound umbel, each head consisting of numerous tiny, actinomorphic florets with pale yellow corollas and pale green bracts.
Stems: Artemisia dracunculus has erect, branching stems with opposite, ascending phyllotaxis, covered in dense, white, glandular hairs.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Native American Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Oil Infusion

Medicinal Actions

Bitter: In herbal texts, considered a gentle bitter, in taste-driven classifications.
Carminative: As described in traditional systems, a cooling carminative, in relation to gastrointestinal comfort.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a soothing anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Antispasmodic: Commonly referenced as a moderate antispasmodic, in spasm-related situations.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: A collective term for aromatic compounds extracted from plant material.
Terpenoid: Naturally occurring metabolites widely distributed in leaves, flowers, and roots.
Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: Reported information suggests that this herb may be contraindicated in specific circumstances.
Allergies: This herb may cause allergic responses in some individuals, especially those with known plant sensitivities.
Drug Interactions: Potential interactions with prescription medications have been reported in available sources.
Toxicity: Toxic effects have been reported in association with the use of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: Plant material is simmered in water to extract compounds from tougher parts.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Tincture: This method preserves plant compounds using an alcohol-based solution.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.