Terpene Profile: Estragole

Estragole is a colorless liquid that is frequently used in fragrances and flavorings. Its natural scent is oily and sharp, similar to the smell of anise and tarragon. Fittingly, estragole is the primary component of tarragon essential oil but can be found in many other essential oils, including pine and basil oils.

This terpene is frequently added to foods because of the flavor boost it provides. Additionally, estragole is sometimes used in the synthesis of magnolol, an organic compound used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Though some mouse studies have indicated that estragole can be carcinogenic in large quantities, these studies do not indicate that concentrations of estragole in foods or essential oils are dangerous to human health.^1,2

Natural sources of estragole include turpentine, basil, tarragon, fennel, nutmeg, star anise, pimento, dill, cinnamon, and aniseed.

Uses for Estragole

Reduces Fatigue

Aromatherapy with essential oils containing estragole has been shown to significantly reduce fatigue. Whether you’ve been sleeping poorly or are simply feeling tired, the right essential oils may be able to bring you relief. ³

Alleviates Stress

Everyone feels stressed or anxious from time to time. However, constant stress can lead to a range of negative health consequences.

Aromatherapy with estragole-containing essential oils has been shown to significantly alleviate stress. From portable aromatherapy diffusers to cotton balls soaked in your favorite essential oils, this is a remedy that can provide stress relief at any time.

Improves Sleep Quality

While tarragon essential oil can be energizing, it can also be soothing. Because of this, it serves as an effective sleep aid. Aromatherapy involving tarragon oil has been shown to help individuals get a restful night of sleep. Other oils containing estragole can have the same effect.

Studies have shown that aromatherapy with estragole-based essential oils can be particularly helpful for individuals that suffer from sleep disturbances. If you frequently find yourself waking up in the night, try adding a few drops of tarragon, fennel, or cinnamon essential oils into a room diffuser before you go to sleep. With the right blend of essential oils, you might just be able to sleep through the night.⁴

Before bed, try pairing some of the essential oils mentioned above with Sleepy diffuser for double the benefits.

Relieves Headaches

Headaches can be extremely painful, especially if they occur rather frequently.

Essential oils like tarragon and fennel oil have been shown to be highly effective at relieving headaches. These oils can also reduce stress, which frequently causes headaches. In addition to using these essential oils in a diffuser, try blending them with a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or almond oil and applying them directly to the skin.

Boosts Cognitive Function

Our brains make us who we are, so it’s important to keep our minds in good health. Many essential oils have a positive effect on cognitive function. Some forms of aromatherapy can strengthen a person’s memory, while other essential oils allow individuals to think clearly when they are experiencing stress.

Studies have shown that tarragon oil inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that handles information in the brain.⁵ The breakdown of acetylcholine is directly linked to conditions like dementia. Therefore, the right blend of essential oils can improve overall cognitive function and even slow mental decline.

Improves Mood

Stress is an unavoidable part of life. Over the course of the day, it’s likely that you will experience numerous stressors, but it’s important to find a way to perk yourself back up and bounce back when you feel like you’re falling into a bad mood.

Aromatherapy is an excellent way to improve mood, especially if you focus on using scents that you love. For example, many individuals find the smell of tarragon oil to be highly appealing.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to use estragole-based essential oils topically, in a room diffuser, or in a portable essential oil diffuser like Happy, Sexy, Active, Healthy, or Forest MONQ, all of them can prove to be beneficial additions to your essential oil collection.

 

Classification: Phenylpropene

The chemical formula for estragole: C10H12O

Molar Mass: 148.20 g/mol

Boiling point: 216 °C (421 °F; 489 K)