Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is a member of the Compositae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Traditionally, its flowers, leaves, and resin have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

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

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Tansy
Scientific Name	Tanacetum vulgare
Plant Family	Compositae
Genus	Tanacetum
Species	vulgare
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North America
Plant Parts Used	Flowers, Leaves, Resin
Primary Medicinal Actions	Carminative, Bitter, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Native American Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Tanacetum vulgare
Common Name: Tansy
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Common Tansy, Common Tansy, Yellow Button
Plant Family: Compositae
Genus: Tanacetum

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface dark green and lower surface lighter green, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescence of clustered flower heads with yellow ray florets and yellow disk florets, actinomorphic symmetry, with 5 ray florets per head and a central disk of tubular florets.
Stems: Cylindrical, herbaceous, hollow, terete, with opposite, leafy nodes, ascending growth habit, smooth surface, and ring-like nodes.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Oil Infusion

Medicinal Actions

Carminative: In herbal literature, noted as a warming carminative, within digestive system contexts.
Bitter: Historically regarded as a calming bitter, in appetite-focused contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a mild anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.
Antispasmodic: As described in traditional systems, a moderate antispasmodic, in muscle-related contexts.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: Volatile plant-derived substances commonly present in leaves and flowers.
Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Coumarin: A group of secondary metabolites present in seeds, roots, and leaves.
Terpenoid: Naturally occurring metabolites widely distributed in leaves, flowers, and roots.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: There is limited information regarding general precautions related to the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Specific contraindications associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: The potential for interactions with prescription medications has not been extensively studied.
Toxicity: Reports of toxicity related to this herb are not well documented in available literature.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: Plant material is simmered in water to extract compounds from tougher parts.
Poultice: A topical preparation made by applying softened plant material externally.
Capsule: Powdered plant material is enclosed in a capsule for oral consumption.
Tincture: This method preserves plant compounds using an alcohol-based solution.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

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