Like basil, you can brew a similar tea using dried TARRAGON leaves, that can be almost guaranteed to quickly carry you off to dreamland.(For purposes of this article, we will be using French tarragon, NOT the Russian variety.)
Simply steep 1-1/2 teaspoons of dried, cut tarragon in 1-3/4 cups boiling water by covering it and letting it sit for 40 minutes(away from the heat). You’ll get the best results, if you prepare the tea about an hour before bedtime, and drink it while still lukewarm. Don’t forget to strain it before drinking!
But.
Let’s not stop there! Are you experiencing any digestive-related problems? Perhaps you need a mild stimulant to get your bowels working? Or, maybe your appetite could use a boost? According to French herbalist, Maurice Messegue, tarragon also helps to’fight indigestion, air-swallowing and gassy distension, and is also useful in cases of gout, rheumatism, retention of urine, sluggish kidneys, and bladder. It can regulate women’s periods, too.’ Whew! Tarragon sounds like one serious herb to me!
The easiest way to use tarragon for digestive-related problems is by preparing tarragon vinegar; one teaspoon to be taken before each meal. Sounds almost too easy, doesn’t it?
Pick enough tarragon leaves(dry, and just before it flowers) to fill a wide-mouthed container. Take the leaves off the stems, place leaves on a cookie sheet, and bake in the oven at 225F until noticeably dry. Remove from oven and place in container. Add 1/2 teaspoon each, freshly-squeezed lemon and lime juices, then fill the jar with apple cider vinegar. Cover tightly and allow to stand for about 7 hours. Strain through cheesecloth or other similar material into another jar with a tight-fitting ring lid. Store your vinegar in a cool, dry area.
Also, as a gentle reminder, here are other foods that can be enhanced with tarragon - use it when seasoning salads, sauces, soups, stews, eggs, meat, fish and pickles. Pickles? Yeah, pickles.