Tanacetum Vulgare Uses, Benefits, And Remedies

tanacetum vulgare

Tanacetum vulgare, commonly known as tansy, is a flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, noted for its strong, aromatic scent and yellowish-green flowers.

This herb has been traditionally used for its digestive and antiparasitic properties, offering benefits such as aiding digestion, reducing bloating, and expelling intestinal worms.

The therapeutic actions of tansy are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including thujone, camphor, and flavonoids, which contribute to its medicinal effects.

Herbal preparations such as infusions, tinctures, and poultices can be made from tansy to harness its therapeutic properties.

This page analize the most important medicinal aspects of Tanacetum vulgare.

The 13 best health benefits of Tanacetum vulgare are shown in the image below.

The list below give a brief description of the 13 best health benefits of Tanacetum vulgare.

  1. Treats Fever: Tanacetum vulgare helps reduce fever by promoting sweating and supporting the body's natural cooling mechanisms.
  2. Eases Arthritis: The anti-inflammatory properties of Tanacetum vulgare can help reduce joint pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.
  3. Reduces Inflammation: Tanacetum vulgare contains compounds that help decrease inflammation in the body, supporting overall health.
  4. Soothes Burns: The cooling and antiseptic properties of Tanacetum vulgare can help soothe minor burns and reduce irritation.
  5. Eases Headaches: Tanacetum vulgare may help alleviate headaches by reducing tension and promoting relaxation of the muscles.
  6. Relieves Sinusitis: It can help relieve symptoms of sinusitis by reducing congestion and inflammation in the nasal passages.
  7. Heals Wounds: Tanacetum vulgare promotes wound healing by reducing infection risk and encouraging tissue regeneration.
  8. Eases Muscle Spasms: The herb's calming effects can help ease muscle spasms by reducing tension and promoting relaxation.
  9. Cures Bronchitis: Tanacetum vulgare may help alleviate bronchitis symptoms by reducing inflammation and clearing respiratory passages.
  10. Treats Fungal: The antifungal properties of Tanacetum vulgare make it effective in treating fungal infections.
  11. Treats Eczema: Tanacetum vulgare can help treat eczema by reducing skin irritation and inflammation.
  12. Heals Skin: The herb is known to promote skin healing and improve the overall condition of the skin.
  13. Soothes Insect Bites: Tanacetum vulgare can soothe insect bites by reducing swelling, itching, and irritation.

Bioactive Constituents

Tanacetum vulgare camphene, a monoterpene compound found in the herb commonly known as tansy, contributes to its characteristic medicinal properties.

Camphene is known for its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, making it beneficial in treating respiratory and digestive ailments. Alongside camphene, α-pinene, another major constituent, provides analgesic and bronchodilatory effects, further enhancing the herb’s therapeutic value.

The herb also contains sesquiterpene lactones, which are responsible for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, making it effective against various pathogens. Notably, parthenolide, a unique sesquiterpene lactone found in Tanacetum vulgare, is renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities, particularly in modulating immune responses and inhibiting tumor cell growth.

These bioactive compounds collectively make Tanacetum vulgare a valuable herb in traditional and modern pharmacology, offering a range of health benefits.

The 9 best bioactive constituents of Tanacetum vulgare are shown in the image below.

The list below give a brief description of the 13 best bioactive constituents of Tanacetum vulgare.

  1. Camphene: A monoterpene with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, contributing to the herb's therapeutic effects.
  2. Α-Pinene: A terpene with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties, commonly found in essential oils.
  3. Sesquiterpene Lactones: A class of compounds with anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and immunomodulatory effects.
  4. Parthenolide: A sesquiterpene lactone with potent anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and immunomodulatory properties.
  5. Volatile Oils: Essential oils containing various terpenes and other compounds that contribute to the herb's aromatic and therapeutic properties.
  6. Camphor: A compound with antiseptic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, used in topical applications.
  7. Bornyl Acetate: A terpene ester with sedative, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory effects.
  8. Β-Pinene: A monoterpene with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and bronchodilatory properties.
  9. Flavonoids: Natural compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties that support overall health.

Medicinal Parts

Tanacetum vulgare flower, commonly known as tansy, is widely used in traditional medicine for its aromatic and therapeutic properties.

The flower contains volatile oils, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds that contribute to its medicinal value. It is often utilized for its antispasmodic, antifungal, and insecticidal effects, making it useful in treating digestive disorders and skin infections. The essential oil extracted from the flower is also employed in aromatherapy to alleviate stress and promote relaxation.

Additionally, the leaves of Tanacetum vulgare are valued for their similar chemical composition, offering similar therapeutic benefits, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be harnessed in herbal remedies.

The 2 best medicinal parts of Tanacetum vulgare are shown in the image below.

The list below give a brief description of the 2 best medicinal parts of Tanacetum vulgare.

Herbal Preparations

Tanacetum vulgare teas are a popular and accessible way to harness the herb's beneficial properties, often made by steeping dried leaves or flowers in hot water.

These teas are known for their calming effects and can help alleviate digestive issues, reduce inflammation, and promote respiratory health. They are typically consumed warm and may be enhanced with other herbs for specific therapeutic purposes.

In addition to teas, Tanacetum vulgare can be prepared as decoctions, where the herb is boiled for a longer period to extract more potent compounds. Tinctures, essential oils, and capsules offer more concentrated forms of the herb, suitable for targeted applications such as aromatherapy or supplementation. The versatility of Tanacetum vulgare allows it to be incorporated into various formulations, including creams, syrups, and lozenges, making it a valuable component in both traditional and modern herbal medicine.

Whether used internally or externally, this herb's diverse preparations cater to a wide range of health needs and preferences.

The 12 best herbal preparations of Tanacetum vulgare are shown in the image below.

The list below give a brief description of the 12 best herbal preparations of Tanacetum vulgare.

  1. Teas: Used to support digestion, reduce inflammation, and alleviate respiratory issues due to its antispasmodic and expectorant properties.
  2. Decoctions: Used for digestive support, to relieve menstrual cramps, and to treat skin conditions due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
  3. Tinctures: Used to treat digestive issues, respiratory infections, and skin conditions due to its antimicrobial and carminative effects.
  4. Essential Oils: Used for respiratory support, to relieve headaches, and for aromatherapy due to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and calming properties.
  5. Capsules: Used to support digestion, reduce inflammation, and improve immune function due to its carminative and antispasmodic properties.
  6. Oils: Used topically to relieve muscle pain, reduce inflammation, and treat skin conditions due to its analgesic and antiseptic properties.
  7. Creams: Used to soothe skin irritations, reduce inflammation, and treat minor wounds due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects.
  8. Syrups: Used to alleviate coughs, soothe sore throats, and support respiratory health due to its expectorant and antitussive properties.
  9. Mucillages: Used to soothe the digestive tract, reduce inflammation, and support overall gut health due to its demulcent properties.
  10. Lozenges: Used to relieve sore throats, reduce coughing, and soothe mucous membranes due to its antiseptic and demulcent properties.
  11. Oinments: Used topically to treat skin conditions, reduce inflammation, and provide soothing relief due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
  12. Liniments: Used to relieve muscle pain, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation due to its analgesic and antiseptic properties.

Side Effects of tanacetum vulgare

Tanacetum vulgare skin rash is commonly experienced due to its sesquiterpene lactones, which can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Tanacetum vulgare allergy trigger is prevalent because these compounds can activate the immune system, leading to allergic reactions in those with sensitivities. Tanacetum vulgare eyes irritate due to the release of volatile oils that can cause redness, itching, and burning upon contact.

Tanacetum vulgare mouth burn occurs when ingested, as the compounds can irritate oral mucosa, leading to painful sensations and inflammation.

The 9 most common side effects of Tanacetum vulgare are shown in the image below.

The list below give a brief description of the 9 most common side effects of Tanacetum vulgare.

  1. Skin Rash: Tanacetum vulgare may cause skin rash due to its irritant compounds that can trigger an allergic or inflammatory response in sensitive individuals.
  2. Allergy Trigger: The herb can act as an allergen, triggering symptoms like sneezing, itching, or hives in people with existing allergies or sensitivities.
  3. Eyes Irritate: Inhalation or contact with Tanacetum vulgare can irritate the eyes, leading to redness, itching, or excessive tearing.
  4. Mouth Burn: Consuming Tanacetum vulgare may cause a burning sensation in the mouth due to its strong, bitter compounds that can irritate mucous membranes.
  5. Skin Dry: The herb's compounds may strip natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness and potential irritation in some individuals.
  6. Stomach Upset: Tanacetum vulgare may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or cramping, due to its potent chemical composition.
  7. Headache Occur: The herb's strong aroma and chemical components may trigger headaches in sensitive individuals, possibly due to its effect on the nervous system.
  8. Lung Irritate: Inhaling Tanacetum vulgare can irritate the respiratory tract, causing coughing, shortness of breath, or other respiratory discomfort.
  9. Nervousness: Tanacetum vulgare may have stimulating effects that can lead to feelings of nervousness or anxiety in some individuals.