Tarragon has a distinct, anise-like flavor and is commonly used to season chicken, fish, and egg dishes. Since there’s some concern around some herbs, is it safe to consume during pregnancy?
Tarragon is not safe for pregnant women to consume in large, medicinal amounts due to its potential side effects. Consuming a large amount of tarragon can result in miscarriage, so it’s best to stick with smaller culinary amounts if you’re pregnant.
So what amount of tarragon is considered safe? Can you drink tarragon tea while pregnant? Here’s what you need to know about tarragon and pregnancy.
Is Tarragon Safe to Eat When Pregnant?
Taking large, medicinal amounts of tarragon like those found in teas, pills, or supplements can result in miscarriage. This is because tarragon can act as an emmenagogue (source: Nature Public Health Emergency Collection Journal).
Emmenagogues are substances that promote or stimulate blood flow in the uterus, which can lead to miscarriage (source: Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health Journal). So it’s best to limit your intake of this herb during pregnancy.
Since it is okay to consume small amounts of tarragon, you can safely eat most dishes that contain this ingredient in low amounts. You can find fresh tarragon near the other fresh herbs in the grocery store. You can also purchase dried tarragon in the spice aisle.
If you enjoy the taste of tarragon and are wondering how to incorporate a safe amount into your pregnancy diet, here are a few ideas:
- Add a bit of tarragon to scrambled eggs or omelets for a flavorful twist.
- Make a simple vinaigrette by mixing tarragon, vinegar, and olive oil together. Season with salt and pepper to taste and drizzle over a salad or grilled chicken.
- Add tarragon to mayonnaise or sour cream for a delicious dip or sandwich spread.
- Make a batch of tarragon chicken by marinating chicken breasts in a mixture of tarragon, vinegar, olive oil, and garlic.
Enjoy tarragon in moderation while pregnant, and always consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
Can I Drink Tarragon Tea When Pregnant?
You should avoid drinking tarragon tea when pregnant as it may contain large amounts of tarragon, and cause unwanted side effects in pregnancy, which can promote blood flow in the uterus and increase your risk of miscarriage.
If you’ve already had a cup – try not to panic, and avoid tarragon tea for the rest of your pregnancy. Because you can’t know how much tarragon is in tea, or how strongly it’s brewed, it’s best avoided.
Tarragon is fine to use in small amounts to flavor your food, but stick with pregnancy-safe teas. If you have any questions or concerns about tarragon and pregnancy, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider.
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