ENGLISH NAME: Tansy
LATIN NAME: Tanacetum vulgare
LOCAL NAMES:
Bulgaria: Вратига
Czechia: vratič obecný
Turkey: solucan otu
Georgia: ასფურცელა
COUNTRY: Bulgaria;
Czechia; Turkey; Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Meadows, roadsides, waste areas
Elevation: Sea level up to 1 600 m
Terrain: Well-drained soils; tolerates disturbed ground
DESCRIPTION:
A perennial herb 50–150 cm tall with erect, branched stems bearing finely
divided, fern-like leaves that emit a pungent aroma when crushed. Summer brings
dense, flat-topped clusters of button-like, bright yellow flower heads.
USABLE PARTS: Leaves; flowers
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Antimicrobial: Contains camphor
and thujone, traditionally used against bacteria and fungi.
Digestive Aid:
Carminative—relieves gas and stimulates appetite.
Menstrual
Regulation:
Emmenagogue effects, used cautiously to support menstrual flow.
Diuretic &
Anti-Inflammatory: Promotes urine output and may reduce
inflammation.
Insect Repellent: Strong aroma
deters pests; used historically to repel flies, ants, and mosquitoes.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Contains thujone—a neurotoxin at high doses. May cause nausea, dizziness,
seizures, or skin irritation. Photosensitizing; contraindicated in pregnancy
and in those with Asteraceae allergies.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Use with caution alongside other thujone-containing or emmenagogue herbs; avoid
concurrent use with medications lowering seizure threshold.
PREPARATION:
Tea/Infusion: Steep 1 tsp
dried leaves/flowers in hot water for 5–10 min.
Tincture: Macerate dried
herb in 5 parts alcohol for 4–6 weeks; strain.
Poultice: Crush fresh
leaves to a paste; apply externally.
Oil Infusion: Steep dried herb
in carrier oil for 2–4 weeks; strain and use topically.
HARVEST TIME:
Leaves & flowers: summer (full bloom)
HARVEST METHOD:
On a dry day, snip flower clusters and healthy leaves with clean shears, taking
no more than one-third of each plant.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Air-dry in a single layer in shade until brittle. Store in airtight, labeled
glass jars in a cool, dark place; check periodically for mold.