ID - Tansy - Tanacetum vulgare
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].
Edible Uses:
Young leaflets - raw or cooked[5, 7, 13, 52, 53]. They can be added in small quantities to salads[183]. The plant is also used as a flavouring, it is a substitute for nutmeg and cinnamon[12, 27, 37, 55, 115]. This plant is not recommended for internal use[200]. The flowers have a unique flavour and are eaten or used as a garnish[183]. A bitter, somewhat lemon-flavoured tea is made from the leaves and flowering stems[183].
Medical Uses:
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 menstrual 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].
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