TANSY HERB

Also known as- Tanacetum vulgarum, Buttons, Common Tansy, Wild Tansy, Gold Leaf Tansy, Ginger Plant, and Bitter Buttons.

Tansy used as a poultice to treat skin infections. The volatile oil can be toxic even used externally, though, so care should be taken when using tansy for medicinal purposes. Despite these warnings, tansy is also used in cooking, and in small amounts adds a spicy tang to salads akin to cinnamon or nutmeg.

History:

Tansy is a widely grown herb with a number of traditional medicinal uses, though most modern herbalists warn against its use by laymen. The active constituents are toxic in large doses, and it’s difficult to judge the amount of thujone the most toxic of its elements without a chemical analysis. It’s most common medicinal use was to bring on a stalled period, a euphemism for abortifacient. A strong tea made of tansy leaves and flowers can cause miscarriage, and there have been reports of deaths in women attempting to use the tea in this way.
Aside from treating menstrual problems, tansy also is useful as a vermifuge, treating worms in children.

Constituents: Tanacetin, tannic acid, a volatile oil, mainly thujone, waxy, resinous and protein bodies, some sugar and a colouring matter.

Parts Used: Leaves and flowering tops

Typical Preparations:  tea, fresh leaves


Contraindications:

Tansy contains the toxic substance thujone, which may cause death in large enough doses. There have been reports of young women dying after ingesting a strong cup of tansy tea. Not to be used while pregnant and its use is only recommended under the supervision of someone qualified in the administration of this substance. External use only

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Disclaimer: The information presented herein by Organic Herbs Medicine Cabinet is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary.