Tarragon vs Nutmeg

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Tarragon

Artemisia dracunculus

Digestive

Myristica fragrans

Digestive

Tarragon

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Nutmeg

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

A culinary herb prized in French cuisine with documented digestive and sleep-promoting properties.

A prized spice with a dark side — culinary doses are medicinal but larger amounts are dangerously psychoactive.

Active Compounds

Estragole, Coumarins, Flavonoids, Ocimene

Myristicin, Elemicin, Safrole, Eugenol

Traditional Uses

Digestive aid, Insomnia, Toothache, Menstrual regulation

Digestive aid, Insomnia, Pain relief, Diarrhea

Modern Uses

Carminative, Antioxidant, Anti-diabetic potential, Mild sedative

Carminative, Mild sedative, Anti-diarrheal (TCM), Hepatoprotective

Adult Dosage

1-2g dried herb as tea 2x daily

0.5-1g powder as spice; do NOT exceed 2g

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Hormone-sensitive conditions, Bleeding disorders

Pregnancy, Psychiatric conditions, MAOI medications, Epilepsy

Side Effects

GI upset, Allergic reactions (mugwort family)

Nausea, Hallucinations (high dose), Tachycardia, Liver damage (high dose)

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E