Herb & supplement monograph

Tarragon Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Tarragon interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Tarragon is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Tarragon is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Tarragon Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Tarragon drug interaction appears low for most people, since none of the listed interactions are well documented in humans. No interaction is rated major, and every one rests on lab or animal findings rather than proven effects in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The theoretical concerns that deserve the most care involve medicines where even a small added effect could matter. Lab research suggests tarragon may reduce how well platelets clump, so people taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs such as warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin should watch for unusual bruising or bleeding. Animal studies hint that tarragon oil may add to drowsiness from CNS depressants like benzodiazepines or sedating antihistamines. Tarragon may also affect enzymes targeted by MAOI antidepressants, which could strengthen their effects.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications reflects how many drugs fall into these three broad categories, not hundreds of separate proven problems. All of these interactions are theoretical, drawn from test-tube or animal research, and none has been confirmed to cause meaningful changes in people. We see this pattern often with herbs, where predicted effects frequently do not translate into real-world harm.

Check your medications against Tarragon

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Tarragon interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Tarragon

359 medications have a known interaction with Tarragon, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Tarragon using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Tarragon interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Tarragon combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Tarragon affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Tarragon is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 3 drug categories Tarragon interacts with

Anticoagulant/antiplatelet DrugsCns DepressantsMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois)

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Evidence from in vitro research suggests that tarragon extract inhibits platelet aggregation and adhesion. Theoretically, tarragon might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs. Some anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cns Depressants

Evidence from animal research suggests that tarragon essential oil can cause sedation and motor impairment when administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 1 mL/kg. Theoretically, concomitant use of tarragon with CNS depressants, including antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and tricyclic antidepressants, may increase sedative and other adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

In vitro research suggests that tarragon extract inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A and MAO-B enzymes. Theoretically, concomitant use with MAOIs might increase the effects and adverse effects associated with MAOIs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Tarragon: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Tarragon is a flavorful culinary herb that has been used in traditional medicine for digestion, sleep, and other complaints, but solid human evidence for any health benefit is lacking. Amounts used in cooking are generally considered safe, while concentrated extracts and the essential oil should be used cautiously because tarragon contains estragole, a compound studied for possible safety concerns. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using tarragon as a supplement.

Scientific name: Artemisia dracunculus
Family: Asteraceae
Part used: Leaves and essential oil
Common forms: Fresh or dried herb (culinary), tea, essential oil, extracts, capsules

People commonly use it for

Digestive upset
Appetite stimulation
Sleep and mild restlessness
Toothache and oral discomfort
Blood sugar support (preliminary)
Culinary flavoring

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Food amounts are generally safe, but concentrated extracts and essential oil should be used cautiously due to estragole content.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

Insufficient reliable information is available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingLikely Unsafe

Insufficient reliable information is available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a leafy perennial herb in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). It is native to parts of Europe and Asia and is now grown around the world. The plant has slender, pointed green leaves and a strong, slightly sweet flavor that many people compare to licorice or anise.

Tarragon is best known as a cooking herb. "French tarragon" is prized in the kitchen and is a key ingredient in sauces like béarnaise and in herb blends. A related type, "Russian tarragon," has a milder taste. Beyond cooking, tarragon has a long history in traditional medicine, where it has been used for digestive complaints, poor appetite, sleep problems, and toothache.

How it works

Tarragon contains a mix of plant compounds, including estragole (also called methyl chavicol), which gives much of its scent and flavor. It also contains other essential-oil components, flavonoids, and antioxidant compounds.

In laboratory and animal studies, tarragon extracts have shown possible antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity, and some extracts have affected blood sugar and insulin signaling. These are early findings, and effects seen in a test tube or in animals do not always carry over to people.

Effectiveness

Does Tarragon work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD.

Evidence overview · 1 use evaluated

1 Insufficient evidence

How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.

2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.

3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.

4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.

5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.

6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.

7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Tarragon, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 1 condition — evidence insufficient to rate

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research shows that applying a mixture of essential oils from ginger, cardamom, and tarragon to the neck at the first sign of PONV and inhaling as aromatherapy can inhibit nausea and/or vomiting for 30 minutes in 50% to 88% of postoperative patients. The treatment effect appears to vary depending on the number of emetic drugs administered and whether the drugs were given during or after the operation. It is not clear if this effect is due to tarragon, the other ingredients, or the combination. Also, the validity of this finding is limited by the lack of a comparator group.

Sources Ref 77054

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Tarragon used in normal cooking amounts is generally considered safe for most people. The bigger questions involve concentrated extracts and the essential oil, which deliver much higher amounts of active compounds.

One compound in tarragon, estragole, has raised safety concerns in animal studies at high doses, including possible effects on the liver and a theoretical cancer risk. Because of this, it is wise to avoid taking large or long-term medicinal doses of tarragon.

People with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae (daisy/ragweed) family—such as ragweed, marigolds, or chamomile—may react to tarragon. If you have diabetes, monitor closely, since some extracts may affect blood sugar. During pregnancy, avoid medicinal amounts of tarragon, as it has traditionally been thought to affect the uterus and its safety is not established. The same caution applies while breastfeeding. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before using tarragon supplements, especially the essential oil, which should never be swallowed undiluted.

Side effects

When used as a food, tarragon rarely causes problems. Possible side effects, mostly with larger or concentrated amounts, include allergic reactions (especially in people sensitive to ragweed and related plants), skin irritation from the essential oil, and stomach upset.

The essential oil is highly concentrated and can be toxic if swallowed in large amounts. Keep concentrated tarragon products away from children. Stop using tarragon and seek medical care if you develop a rash, swelling, trouble breathing, or other signs of an allergic reaction.

Tarragon: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Tarragon from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

No adverse effects have been reported. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted. There is concern that long-term consumption of estragole, a constituent of tarragon, increases the risk for cancer. However, this risk has only been shown in animals.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no well-established medicinal dose for tarragon. As a food, it is used freely as a seasoning. As a tea, it is usually made by steeping a small amount of dried or fresh leaves in hot water.

For capsules, extracts, or essential oil, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed them. Because product strengths vary and estragole content can differ, it is best to use these products only with guidance from a pharmacist or doctor. Never take the essential oil internally unless specifically directed by a qualified healthcare professional.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Tarragon & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

Insufficient reliable information is available; avoid using.

Tarragon & Breastfeeding

Likely Unsafe

Insufficient reliable information is available; avoid using.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 9 references that drive our Tarragon monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Tognolini, M., Barocelli, E., Ballabeni, V., Bruni, R., Bianchi, A., Chiavarini, M., and Impicciatore, M. Comparative screening of plant essential oils: phenylpropanoid moiety as basic core for antiplatelet activity. Life Sci. 2-23-2006;78(13):1419-1432. PubMed
Yazdanparast, R. and Shahriyary, L. Comparative effects of Artemisia dracunculus, Satureja hortensis and Origanum majorana on inhibition of blood platelet adhesion, aggregation and secretion. Vascul.Pharmacol 2008;48(1):32-37. PubMed
Sayyah, M., Nadjafnia, L., and Kamalinejad, M. Anticonvulsant activity and chemical composition of Artemisia dracunculus L. essential oil. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004;94(2-3):283-287. PubMed
Vasil'ev, E. D., Il'nitskaia, S. I., Nikitenko, E. V., and Kaledin, V. I. [Age- and sex-related differences in sensitivity to hepatotoxic action of estragole in mice]. Ross.Fiziol.Zh.Im I.M.Sechenova 2005;91(9):1066-1070.
Shahriyary, L. and Yazdanparast, R. Inhibition of blood platelet adhesion, aggregation and secretion by Artemisia dracunculus leaves extracts. J Ethnopharmacol. 11-1-2007;114(2):194-198. PubMed
Drinkwater, N. R., Miller, E. C., Miller, J. A., and Pitot, H. C. Hepatocarcinogenicity of estragole (1-allyl-4-methoxybenzene) and 1'-hydroxyestragole in the mouse and mutagenicity of 1'-acetoxyestragole in bacteria. J Natl.Cancer Inst. 1976;57(6):1323-
Kaledin, V. I., Pakharukova, M. Y., Pivovarova, E. N., Kropachev, K. Y., Baginskaya, N. V., Vasilieva, E. D., Ilnitskaya, S. I., Nikitenko, E. V., Kobzev, V. F., and Merkulova, T. I. Correlation between hepatocarcinogenic effect of estragole and its infl
de Pradier E. A trial of a mixture of three essential oils in the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting. International Journal of Aromatherapy 2006;16(1):15-20. DOI
Aydin T, Akincioglu H, Gumustas M, Gulcin I, Kazaz C, Cakir A. Human monoamine oxidase (hMAO) A and hMAO B inhibitors from Artemisia dracunculus L. herniarin and skimmin: human mononamine oxidase A and B inhibitors from A. dracunculus L. Z Naturforsch C J

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Tarragon

19 brands in our database make a supplement containing Tarragon.

Athletic Edge Nutrition 8 products Biotics Research Corporation 250 products doTERRA 208 products doTERRA DigestZen 14 products Drucker Labs 11 products Evlution Nutrition 171 products FitStrong Supplements 2 products GNC Accelerator 6 products Hawaii Pharm 4,726 products Herbal Terra 3,138 products Housey 1 product Insane Labz 96 products Jarrow Formulas 2,258 products Purus Labs 52 products Reaction Nutrition 34 products Revive 71 products TerraVita 2,475 products TerraVita Premium Collection 4,019 products Young Living Essential Oils 16 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Tarragon

58 products in our database contain Tarragon. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Tarragon: Common Questions

What is Tarragon used for, and does it work?

People use Tarragon for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.

Does Tarragon interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 359 medications with a known interaction with Tarragon. Use the checker above to see how Tarragon interacts with a specific drug.

How are Tarragon interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Tarragon with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Tarragon interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What is Tarragon used for?

Tarragon is mainly a culinary herb used to flavor food. In traditional medicine it has been used for digestion, appetite, sleep, and toothache, but strong human evidence supporting these uses is lacking.

Is Tarragon safe to eat?

Yes, Tarragon used in normal cooking amounts is generally considered safe for most people. Concentrated extracts and the essential oil should be used more cautiously because they contain higher levels of estragole.

Can I use Tarragon while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Food amounts are likely fine, but you should avoid medicinal or concentrated amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding because the safety is not well studied. Check with your doctor first.

What is estragole and why does it matter?

Estragole is a natural compound in Tarragon that gives much of its flavor. In high doses in animal studies it has raised liver and cancer concerns, which is why concentrated Tarragon products should not be taken in large or long-term amounts.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Tarragon

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Tarragon — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 58 products with Tarragon →

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Tarragon Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Your Choice:

Tarragon Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with Tarragon

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs Tarragon affects

Tarragon: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

How it works

Does Tarragon work?

Safety & precautions

Side effects

Tarragon: Reported Adverse Effects

Dosing

Tarragon & Pregnancy

Tarragon & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with Tarragon

Supplement products with Tarragon

Tarragon: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain Tarragon

Have a question about Tarragon?