TARRAGON ALLERGY
Key Allergens
Tarragon is a herb in the Asteraceae family of plants which includes artichokes, camomile, marigolds and daisies. The most allergenic plants in this family are lettuce and sunflowers.
Tarragon contains a flavour compound called estragole, an essential oil which was found to be carcinogenic in mice. There is no evidence that it causes harm to humans or that it has any effect in the tiny doses in which tarragon is often used.
Other plants in this family contain sesquiterpene lactones which can cause contact allergic reactions. There are currently no case studies showing similar allergic reactions to tarragon plants.
Tarragon contains a flavour compound called estragole, an essential oil which was found to be carcinogenic in mice. There is no evidence that it causes harm to humans or that it has any effect in the tiny doses in which tarragon is often used.
Other plants in this family contain sesquiterpene lactones which can cause contact allergic reactions. There are currently no case studies showing similar allergic reactions to tarragon plants.
Food Intolerances
Tarragon is a low FODMAP food. FODMAP stands for Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. Foods high in FODMAPs can cause symptoms of food intolerance, affecting the gastro intestinal system which can be mistaken for a true IgE food allergy.
Tarragon is a food high in salicylates. Salicylates have the potential to cause worsening of asthma, swelling, itching and hives as well as food intolerance symptoms in people who are sensitive to salicylates.
You can read more about Food Intolerances on the dedicated Food Intolerance Page.
Associated Syndromes
Allergy to tarragon is not currently associated with any allergic syndromes.
Cross Reactivity
Other plants in the Asteraceae family of plants include sunflower, daisies, artichoke, lettuce and camomile. If you are allergic to other plants in this family then you may also be allergic to tarragon.
Resources
Websites
Science Direct - Sesquiterpene lactones
AAAAI - Can Spices Cause Allergic Reactions?
Allergen Encyclopedia - Tarragon
ATP Science - Salicylate Foods
Articles and Journals
Asteraceae species as potential environmental factors of allergy, 2019
Systemic allergic dermatitis caused by sesquiterpene lactones, 2016
Contact allergy to herbal teas derived from Asteraceae plants, 2006
Let me know if you found any of these interesting or useful.
If you spot an article or research that you think is interesting you can message me or tag me on Facebook or Twitter - links at the bottom of the page.