Tarragon

🌿 What is Tarragon?
Tarragon is a fragrant leafy herb with a slightly sweet, licorice-like flavor. Common in French and Mediterranean cooking, it is often used to season poultry, fish, sauces, and dressings. Tarragon contains antioxidants, vitamins, and essential oils such as estragole.

🤔 Why Might a Sensitivity to Tarragon Occur?

Sensitivity to tarragon may occur due to:

• Estragole: A natural compound in tarragon’s essential oils that may irritate sensitive systems.

• Histamines: Tarragon can trigger histamine release in some individuals.

• Salicylates: Naturally present in tarragon and may cause reactions in sensitive people.

🛠️ What can I do about it?

• Avoid tarragon and tarragon-containing products for 8 weeks.

• Slowly reintroduce tarragon afterward to determine tolerance.

• Track symptoms before and after reintroduction to identify changes.

💊 Supportive General Supplements

Consider:

• Digestive Enzymes: Support the breakdown of essential oils and plant compounds.

• Probiotics: Promote healthy digestion and gut balance.

• Quercetin: Helps support a calm, balanced inflammatory response.

🌟 Why Might I Have a Sensitivity to Tarragon but Not Other Herbs?

Key differences include:

• High Estragole Content: Tarragon contains more estragole than herbs such as parsley or thyme.

• Histamine Release: Tarragon may stimulate histamine release, unlike lower-histamine herbs like chives.

• Salicylate Levels: Tarragon has higher salicylate content than herbs such as cilantro or dill.

🍽️ Popular Uses for Tarragon

• Seasoning for poultry and fish

• Flavoring creamy sauces like Béarnaise

• Herbal vinegars, dressings, or marinades

🍽️ Alternatives (if tolerated)

• Dill

• Basil

• Oregano

• Parsley