Tansy in Herbalist: Properties of the Tanaceto

Scientific name

Tanacetum vulgare, sin. Chrysanthemum vulgare

Family

Asteraceae (Compositae)

Origin

Europe

Used Parts

Drug consisting of the flowering tops and the root

Chemical constituents

Essential oil (thunder, pinene);
Flavonoids;
Sesquiterpene lactones (bitter principle tanacetin);
Tannins;
Resins;
Polysaccharides.

Tansy in Herbalist: Properties of the Tanaceto

Of the tansy the dried root was used in decoction due to the anthelmintic action, while the flowers were used in infusion as wormers and emmenagogues.

Biological activity

The use of tansy has not obtained official approval for any type of therapeutic indication, probably due to the toxicity that characterizes the essential oil (since it is rich in tujone) present inside the same plant.

In any case, antimicrobial, anthelmintic and insect repellent activities are ascribed to this oil, but since it is rather toxic, it is strongly advised against both internal use and external use.

On the other hand, anti-edematous properties are ascribed to the extract of tansy leaves, whereas the sesquiterpenes contained in the plant have antibacterial properties.

Tansy in folk medicine and homeopathy

In folk medicine, the flowering tops of tansy are used as an anthelmintic remedy and are also used in preparations with indications for the treatment of neuralgia, migraine, rheumatic pain, meteorism and loss of appetite.

Tansy oil, on the other hand, was used in traditional medicine to treat disorders such as gout, joint pain, gastrointestinal cramps, gastrointestinal infections, dysmenorrhoea, vertigo and intermittent fever. Externally - in addition to using it against gout and rheumatism - folk medicine used tansy oil to treat bruises, sprains and wounds.

Tansy is also used in homeopathic medicine, where it can be found in the form of oral drops, granules and mother tincture.

In this context the plant is used in case of spasms, tiredness and nervousness.

The dose of homeopathic remedy to be taken can vary from one patient to another, also depending on the type of disorder that must be treated and according to the type of preparation and homeopathic dilution that you want to use.