Tansy, Common tansy, Golden Buttons, Curly Leaf Tansy

Tanacetum vulgare

Physical Characteristics

Tanacetum vulgare is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1.5 m (5ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Most of Europe, including Britain, to the Caucasus, Armenia and Siberia.

Habitats

Meadow; Hedgerow; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Edible Uses: Condiment Tea Young leaflets - raw or cooked[5, 7, 13, 52, 53]. They can be added in small quantities to salads[183]. The plant is also used as a flavouring, it is a substitute for nutmeg and cinnamon[12, 27, 37, 55, 115]. This plant is not recommended for internal use[200]. The flowers have a unique flavour and are eaten or used as a garnish[183]. A bitter, somewhat lemon-flavoured tea is made from the leaves and flowering stems[183].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antirheumatic Antispasmodic Appetizer Bitter Carminative Emmenagogue Poultice Stimulant Tonic Tansy is a commonly grown domestic remedy, useful in treating a wide range of complaints, though it is little used in modern herbalism. Its main value is as a vermifuge to expel intestinal worms and, to a lesser degree, to help stimulate menstrual bleeding. Tansy should be used with caution, however, it is possibly unsafe for internal use, especially if you are pregnant. The essential oil in the leaves is toxic and as little as ½oz can kill an adult. The leaves and flowering tops are anthelmintic, antispasmodic, bitter, carminative, emmenagogue, stimulant and tonic. An infusion of the leaves or whole plant is used to treat menstrual irregularities and as an anthelmintic, especially for children. It is also valuable in treating hysteria, kidney weaknesses, stomach problems, fevers and also as an emmenagogue. In larger doses the plant can procure an abortion, though these doses can be poisonous. Externally, tansy is used as a poultice on swellings and some eruptive skin diseases. It is also used externally to kill lice, fleas and scabies, though even external use of the plant carries the risk of toxicity. The plant is harvested as it is coming into flower and is dried for later use. The seeds are used as an anthelmintic.

Known Hazards

The plant is poisonous if large quantities are ingested[20, 21, 76]. There have been cases of death in N. America from drinking strong brews of the tea, presumably as an abortifacient[207].