Alecost, Costmary

Tanacetum balsamita

Physical Characteristics

Tanacetum balsamita is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Europe to W. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Condiment Tea Leaves - raw or used as a flavouring in soups, beer etc[2, 4, 14, 27, 52, 177, 183]. They can be chopped and added sparingly to salads[183]. They have a very pleasant aroma, but can be overpowering in the food if you are not careful[K]. The leaves were at one time widely used in brewing beer, before being superseded by hops (Humulus lupulus)[238]. The whole leaves can be laid in cake trays to flavour the cake whilst it is baking[183]. The flower petals are used for conserves[183]. A delicious tea is made from the dried leaves[14, 21, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Antiseptic Astringent Digestive Dysentery Laxative Alecost is seldom used in herbal medicine, though it does have a beneficial effect upon the digestive system[268]. The leaves are antiseptic, astringent, digestive and laxative[4, 14, 238]. They have been used internally as an aperient in the treatment of dysentery, and as a remedy for liver and gall bladder complaints[238]. Externally, they have been used as a salve to treat burns and insect stings[238, 268]. They are considered to be virtually obsolete in modern herbalism[4, 238].

Known Hazards

None known