Pyrethrum (Anthemis nobilis)

Pyrethrum (Anthemis nobilis) is a member of the Compositae family, native to Mediterranean Region, Southern Europe, and Western Asia. Traditionally, its flowers, leaves, and resin have been used for infusions, decoctions, and oil infusions.

This herb is particularly valued for its sedative, anti-inflammatory, and bitter actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and ayurvedic medicine.

Pyrethrum (Anthemis nobilis) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Pyrethrum (Anthemis nobilis) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Pyrethrum
Scientific Name	Anthemis nobilis
Plant Family	Compositae
Genus	Anthemis
Species	nobilis
Native Range	Mediterranean Region, Southern Europe, Western Asia
Plant Parts Used	Flowers, Leaves, Resin
Primary Medicinal Actions	Sedative, Anti-Inflammatory, Bitter
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Ayurvedic Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Oil Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Anthemis nobilis
Common Name: Pyrethrum
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Common Tansy, Tansy, Golden Button
Plant Family: Compositae
Genus: Anthemis

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 80 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface gray-green and lower surface whitish, featuring distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescence consists of solitary flower heads with actinomorphic flowers, each having 4-5 white to pale yellow ray florets and 10-12 yellow disk florets arranged in a flat, disc-like structure.
Stems: Cylindrical, hairy, branched, with opposite leaf scars and a pith that is white and spongy.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Oil Infusion
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Sedative: As described in traditional systems, a soothing sedative, for relaxation-oriented uses.
Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally described as a moderate anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Bitter: Historically regarded as a cooling bitter, in taste-driven classifications.
Carminative: In herbal texts, considered a warming carminative, within digestive system contexts.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: A mixture of naturally occurring compounds responsible for plant aroma.
Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Terpenoid: A large class of naturally occurring compounds derived from isoprene units.
Phenolic Acid: Naturally occurring phenolic compounds present in many plant species.

Modern Research Overview

Modern scientific investigation of this plant has focused on identifying its chemical constituents and examining their properties in controlled research settings. Comprehensive study summaries will be incorporated into this section as additional sources are reviewed.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: Reported information suggests that this herb may be contraindicated in specific circumstances.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: Toxicity related to this herb has been documented in available sources.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Capsule: Capsules contain measured amounts of dried, ground plant material.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in high organic matter soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.