Tarragon which is known scientifically as Artemisia dracunculus is a perennial herb belonging to the same family as the sunflower. It grows wild in many parts of North America, Europe and Central Asia but is cultivated as a popular culinary and medicinal herb in many other parts of the world. Other common names for the herb are estragon and dragon wort.
Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa, a sub-species of tarragon is widely cultivated for its leaves which are used primarily as an aromatic cooking herb. Other sub-species lack the familiar, strong aroma.
The various sub-species also go by less formal names. French tarragon is considered to be the best for cooking while Russian tarragon is regarded as superior to wild tarragon.
It is believed that dates back to 3500 years before Christ the use of this type of herbs in its most concentrated form, that is, in essential oils, in whose content infinite properties can be achieved, given by more than 100 aromatic molecules found in their pure state and in various proportions which generates beneficial effects for health.
