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Tanacetum vulgare Tansy (1 Page of 5) The Tanacetum vulgare plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Compositae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Tansy. Some home gardeners know the variety as T. aubiderti. Chrysanthemum vulgare. C. tanacetum. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Tanacetum vulgare Common Name: Tansy Family: Compositae Author: L. 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]. Mature Height: 1 Mature Width: 1.5 Habitat: A common plant of waste ground, hedgerows etc[17].
Medicinal Information: Tansy is a commonly grown domestic remedy, useful in treating a wide range of complaints, though it is little used in modern herbalism[4, 254]. Its main value is as a vermifuge to expel intestinal worms and, to a lesser degree, to help stimulate menstrul bleeding[254]. Tansy should be used with caution, however, it is possibly unsafe for internal use, especially if you are pregnant[238]. The essential oil in the leaves is toxic and as little as ½oz can kill an adult[21, 222].
The leaves and flowering tops are anthelmintic, antispasmodic, bitter, carminative, emmenagogue, stimulant and tonic[4, 7, 9, 21, 46, 165]. An infusion of the leaves or whole plant is used to treat menstrual irregularities and as an anthelmintic, especially for children[4, 213]. It is also valuable in treating hysteria, kidney weaknesses, stomach problems, fevers and also as an emmenagogue[4]. In larger doses the plant can procure an abortion, though these doses can be poisonous[213]. Externally, tansy is used as a poultice on swellings and some eruptive skin diseases[4]. It is also used externally to kill lice, fleas and scabies, though even external use of the plant carries the risk of toxicity[254]. The plant is harvested as it is coming into flower and is dried for later use[4].
The seeds are used as an anthelmintic[207].
For further Tanacetum vulgare gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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