These are the everyday prep instructions for Tarragon — covered once here so each use case below can focus on what's specific to that purpose.
Tarragon offers a gentle digestive herb with a sweet anise note. It's been the signature herb of French Béarnaise and fines herbes.
1 tsp dried; 1 tbsp fresh
What to look for when buying: Fresh and dried.
The general prep above applies to every use below. These cards explain what Tarragon supports, why it works for each purpose, and what to notice.
Brew a cup of tea and sip slowly after meals.
Digestive herbs gently relax the muscles of your gut and stimulate the digestive juices that break food down. The classic European post-meal tea ritual — chamomile, peppermint, fennel — exists for a reason.
Tarragon is best known for digestion. Brew a cup of tea and sip slowly after meals.
Tarragon can be prepared as tea, infusion, and culinary. For leaves and flowers, an infusion (steep in just-boiled water, covered) is best. For roots, barks, and seeds, a decoction (simmer for 20–30 minutes) is needed to extract the actives. Tinctures and capsules are convenient when you don't want to brew.
1 tsp dried; 1 tbsp fresh
Tarragon is sold as fresh and dried. Whole dried herb is the most economical and lets you brew tea; tincture is convenient for daily use and travel; capsules are easiest if you don't like the taste.
Fresh: refrigerate; dried 1 yr
Tarragon has pregnancy cautions. Avoid medicinal doses in pregnancy If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your midwife, doctor, or a certified herbalist before using.
Tarragon is generally safe around pets. Small amounts safe As always, larger medicinal doses should be cleared with your vet.
Leaves; France, Russia
Leaves; France, Russia
Tradition: the signature herb of French Béarnaise and fines herbes.
Energetics: Warm, dry.
Common forms: Fresh, dried.
Preparation methods: Tea, Infusion, Culinary.
Dosage: 1 tsp dried; 1 tbsp fresh
Fresh: refrigerate; dried 1 yr
Avoid medicinal doses in pregnancy
Small amounts safe
