Tansy Herb Profile
Also known as
Tanacetum vulgarum, Buttons, Common Tansy, Wild Tansy, Gold Leaf Tansy, Ginger Plant, and Bitter Buttons.
Introduction
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. Its 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, and 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.
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
Summary
Tansy was once a widely used herb in home remedies, but modern herbalists are wary and concerned about its current use. The volatile oils contain the toxic substance thujone, which may cause miscarriage in pregnant women, and death if taken in too great a dose.
Precautions
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.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
