Derived from a “perennial herb” known as “estragon” is an essential oil referred to as Tarragon Oil. This oil is extracted from a plant belonging to the “sunflower family” and the “Artemisia dracunculus” species in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil is obtained from the flowering tops of the plant using the process of “steam distillation”. In addition, this oil is commonly used as a flavouring agent in the manufacturing of soft drinks in countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan.
A. Chemical constituents of Tarragon Oil:
This oil is extracted from a small plant called “estragon” belonging to the “Artemisia dracunculus” species in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil comprises of organic compounds such as cineol, estragole, ocimene, and phellandrene.
B. The uses and benefits of Tarragon Oil:
There are a number of benefits that an individual can gain by using this oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:
1. Digestive:
This oil when used helps in maintaining normal digestion by enabling the release of gastric juices, bile etc into the stomach, and thereby serves as a digestive.
2. Anti-arthritic:
This oil possesses an “anti-arthritic” property, and so when used helps in resolving symptoms and pain caused by arthritis.
3. Deodorant:
This oil when used helps in masking bad body odour, and thereby serves as a deodorant.
4. Antiparasite:
This oil also possesses an “antiparasitic” property, and thereby helps in inhibiting the growth of parasites such as hookworm, roundworm, tapeworm etc within the body.
5. Emenagogue:
This oil when used helps in maintaining normal periods, clears obstruction faced by women during menses etc, and thereby serves as an emenagogue.
C. The adverse effects of Tarragon Oil:
There are a couple of adverse effects that may occur on using this oil. It is as follows:
- This oil when used can severely affect pregnancy, and hence pregnant women must avoid using it.
- This oil when used in excess can prove toxic, and hence it should not be used on children.
