Tarragon Tea Known to Be Effective For Calming and Detoxification!

By Edwin Bartolome  |   Submitted On July 21, 2009

The fresh-tasting tea known as tarragon tea has often been included as part of a calming, relaxing and detoxifying regimen in many spas and healing resorts. In many healthy-menu restaurants, tarragon tea is offered as a final drink to cap off a rich and satisfying meal.

The herb is also a fixture in many culinary delights, often included to play its role as a sharp flavoring agent to salads, soups, stews and sauces. And why not? Tarragon possesses a clean, refreshing taste reminiscent of a combination of anise, licorice and mint.

But just what is tarragon, and what are the benefits imparted by this dainty, bright green herb?

Tarragon is an aromatic perennial shrub that is commonly found in the dry, warm and sunny areas of Europe, Asia and North America. This herb is primarily cultivated for its culinary roles mentioned above. Tarragon typically grows up to 2 feet in height. Its leaves are long and narrow and its flowers bloom in August. It has long and fibrous roots.

Though long associated with serenity and calm, its name 'tarragon' seems to present a bit of paradox to its perceived nature. Its name is actually a play on the French term esdragon, which means 'little dragon'. Its official name artemisia dracunculus also contains the Latin term for 'dragon'.

Tarragon's distinctively refreshing taste and its relative popularity as an herbal tisane have led many to study the calming and detoxifying benefits of the herb.

As early as the 13th century, tarragon tea has already been used as a sleep inducer by herbal practitioners in Europe. Throughout the centuries, many people with insomnia combine tarragon with chamomile herbs in a tea that purportedly helps promote restful sleep. These practices may have led modern-day spas to prescribe the use of tarragon tea to help relax the nerves.

But tarragon is more on solid ground when it comes to the area of detoxification. Tarragon promotes the production of bile by the liver, which helps in digestion and in speeding up the process of eliminating toxic waste from the body.

These benefits are made possible by the main constituents of tarragon, which are the compounds estragole and ocimene. Along with the other antioxidant components of tannins, bitters, terpenes and flavonoids, these are what imbue the tarragon herb with its healing properties for the liver and the stomach.

In addition to calming and detoxification, tarragon is also said to be effective in inducing appetite, inducing menstruation in women and preventing certain forms of aches and pains. It is also said to be an excellent anti-bacterial agent and a potent shield against heart ailments.

To derive the calming and detoxifying properties of tarragon, make tarragon tea by infusing a tablespoon of the herbs into a cup of near-boiling water. Let the mix steep for ten minutes, strain and drink.

Indeed, the green tarragon herb is replete with healing benefits that help our bodies gain a serene balance from the daily assault from various environmental factors. The famous 17th century English writer and garden enthusiast John Evelyn may have said it best when he proclaimed that tarragon is 'highly cordial and friend to the head, heart and liver.' And it looks like he was as right today as he was back then.

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The Best Antioxidant Foods - Herbs and Spices

By Madeleine Innocent  

Herbs and many spices are some of the best antioxidant foods there are. Their concentrations can be much richer than is common in fresh fruit and vegetables. They also contain a variety of different antioxidants, making their potential to cure more powerful.

Antioxidants are essential nutrients that are found in all fresh produce, or plant food. Some are manufactured by your body. All are essential in keeping your body clean of the toxins that are the result of living.

Just as breathing rids your body of the spent parts of air, so antioxidants are instrumental in ridding your body of the spent waste of living. Without a plentiful supply of them in your diet, you become toxic. This not only leads to health problems, it is also instrumental in weight gain, weight that becomes impossible to shift until you get rid of the toxins.

A diet high in antioxidants slows down the aging process. Health problems considered inevitable in aging, don't appear. Your skin looks more youthful. You remain active, energetic and supple far longer.

Each antioxidant has its own role to play, but they all work best when in harmony. This means their best source is real food, which contain all the vital components to search out and eliminate the toxins.

Each different plant has their own speciality of antioxidant combination, as well as concentration. This means a variety of food is going to be more healthy for you.

Some of the best antioxidant foods, with the highest concentrations are to be found in herbs and spices. Along with the increase in flavouring your dishes, these versatile plants offer you superior healing benefits.

For example, oregano has 42 times more antioxidants than do apples. Its levels are 12 times higher than in oranges and four times higher than in blueberries. Oregano is also rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre and omega 3 fatty acid.

Cilantro (coriander) and parsley are richly aromatic herbs that contain a wealth of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and omega 3 fatty acid.

Other common herbs include basil, dill, rosemary, fennel, marjoram, thyme, sage, lemon balm, tarragon, chives, the list is endless.

Herbs are mostly small, succulent plants that originate from the temperate regions of the world. For optimal health benefits it is best to grow your own or buy certified organic. The agricultural chemicals found in commercially grown herbs will limit the benefit of consuming them.

They are at their best flavour, with the highest concentrations of nutrients, when picked young and used just after picking. Experiment with various additions, in varying amounts, to suit your palate. If you are unused to the flavour of herbs, start with small amounts.

Spices have their own health promoting specialities, as well as their unique flavour.

For example, one tablespoonful of ground cinnamon has the same antioxidant levels as has one cupful of fresh pomegranate juice. This is more than the same amount of red wine, green tea, blueberries or asparagus, all known for their high levels.

Cinnamon's other healing properties include cleansing the blood, unloading the liver, supporting a healthy immune system and more.

Ginger is a strong aromatic spice which supports a healthy immune system. As with all healthy food, it will prevent a variety of disease and ensure you remain healthy and energetic. A piece of fresh ginger in a daily, freshly squeezed fruit and/or vegetable juice can support your body's ability to remain free of colds and flu during the winter months.

Spices come from the bark of trees, roots, stems, leaves, buds, fruit or seeds of plants mostly from tropical regions. Common spices include pepper, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, mace, saffron, turmeric, cumin and others.

Most spices are only available in a ground and dried form and most are commercially grown with agricultural chemicals. Both the growing with chemicals and the processing can make the spice detrimental to your health,. Try to grow your own if you can, or buy certified organic. If these options are not available, then aim to buy the whole spice and grind it up yourself.

Growing and using the plants that provide the best antioxidant food increases your culinary experience as well as improving your health.

For more information of healthy tips, which support weight loss, click on the link below.

Healthy Eating and Weight Loss

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