Have you suffered from a dragon bite? If so, you may like to know that French Tarragon (Artemesia dracunculus) is alleged to have the power to heal their bites.

On a more mundane level, it was traditionally also used to cure stings and bites from venomous creatures such as snakes.

In some parts of the world it was believed that the scent of tarragon, when worn, would attract love and affection - however, be warned, it was also worn by hunters to attract wild beasts and ensure a successful hunt!

Tarragon is a much valued herb in the kitchen, although Gerard's Herbal (1597) cautions: "Tarragon is not to be eaten alone in sallades, but joyned with other herbs, as Lettuce, Purslaine, and such like, that it may also temper the coldnesse of them, like as Rocket doth, neither do we know what other use this herbe hath."

The latin name dracunculus was given by the Romans because the roots apparently look like little dragons. Pilgrims would put tarragon leaves into their shoes before setting off on their journey as they were thought to relieve fatigue.

The plant is perfect in the herb garden, or in a pot handily placed near the kitchen door.

View the plant in the shop here.