Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment  Tea

The leaves are dried and ground into a powder then used as a tarragon substitute for flavouring soups, sauces etc[2, 27, 160, 183]. They have an anise-like flavour[238, K]. The leaves were an important flavouring of 'chocolatl', the foaming cocoa-based drink of the Aztecs[238]. The dried leaves and flowering tops are brewed into a pleasant anise-flavoured tea[183]. This is a very popular drink in Latin America[238]. The petals are used as a condiment[61].

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Anaesthetic  Digestive  Diuretic  Febrifuge  Hallucinogenic  Hypotensive  Malaria  Narcotic  
Sedative

The leaves and whole plant are digestive, diuretic, febrifuge, hypotensive, narcotic, sedative and stimulant[160, 192, 200, 238]. Use of the plant depresses the central nervous system, whilst it is also reputedly anaesthetic and hallucinogenic[238]. It is used internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, nausea, indigestion, colic, hiccups, malaria and feverish illnesses[238]. Externally, it is used to treat scorpion bites and to remove ticks[238]. The leaves can be harvested and used as required, whilst the whole plant is harvested when in flower and dried for later use[238].

Companion  Dye  Herbicide  Incense  Insecticide  Repellent

Agroforestry uses: It can be used as a companion plant to attract pollinators and beneficial insects, as well as to deter pests. Secretions from the roots of growing plants have an insecticidal effect on the soil, effective against nematodes and to some extent against keeled slugs[200], they also have an effect against some persistent weeds such as couch grass[14]. These secretions are produced about 3 - 4 months after sowing[200]. The growing plant also has a repellent effect on various insect pests such as the asparagus beetle and bean weevils[14, 20]. A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers[169]. The dried plant is burnt as an incense and to repel insects[238]. Dynamic accumulator. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Yes – Mexican Tarragon produces flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen, making it attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. 2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): Yes – While the plant itself is primarily valued for culinary use, its leaves can be consumed by some herbivores. The dense foliage can provide shelter, and the flowers may attract various insects, contributing to local wildlife. 3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): Yes – The plant can provide some habitat for invertebrates. Its foliage may serve as a shelter for insects, and leaf litter can support beneficial organisms. 4. Pest Confuser (Smell): Yes – Mexican Tarragon has a strong aroma that can help confuse or deter some pests, making it a beneficial addition to pest management strategies in gardens.

Special Uses

Dynamic accumulator  Scented Plants