Related Terms

• Asteraceae (family), bachelor's buttons, beta-thujone, bitter button, boerenwormkruid, buttons, Chrysanthemum uliginosum, Chrysanthemum vulgare, common tansy, Compositae (family), cow bitter, daisy, garden tansy, ginger plant, gold-buttons, golden button, hindheal, mugwort, parsley fern, ponso, prince of Wales feathers, Pyrethrum tanacetum, scented fern, sesquiterpene lactones, solucanotu, stinking Willie, tanaceto, Tanacetum audiberti, Tanacetum vulgare, tanse-tansy, tansey, yomogi-giku.

Background

• Tansy is not widely used in modern herbalism. The leaves and flower tops of this herb are mainly used as a vermifuge to expel intestinal worms. Less commonly, tansy is used to treat menstrual irregularities and induce menstrual bleeding. There is not enough scientific evidence about the safety and efficacy of tansy to support its traditional uses.

• Aside from medicinal uses, distilled tansy oil repels mosquitoes, though not as well as commercial preparations containing diethytoluamide.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Abortifacient (induces abortion), antibacterial, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, bruises, carminative, colds, convulsions, diaphoretic (promotes sweating), digestive problems, diuretic, dyspepsia (upset stomach), encephalitis (tick-borne), epilepsy, fevers, flatulence, flea control, food preservation, fungicide, gallbladder disorders (increasing appetite and alleviating pain), gout (inflammation of foot), hysteria, inflammation, insect repellant, jaundice, kidney dysfunction, leukorrhea (vaginal discharge), lice, liver disorders (increasing appetite and alleviating pain), migraine, narcotic, nausea, nerve pain, nervous disorders, painful menstruation, parasites and worms, promotion of menstruation, rheumatism, scabies, skin disorders, sores, sprains, stimulant, sunburn, swelling, tonic, toothache, tuberculosis, tumors, ulcers (stomach or duodenal).

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older):

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for tansy in adults.

Children (younger than 18 years):

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for tansy in children, and use is not recommended.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to tansy or members of the Asteraceae/Compositae family (feverfew, dandelion, arnica, marguerite, sunflower, false ragweed, giant ragweed, short ragweed, sagebrush, wild feverfew, yarrow, chrysanthemums, and chamomile). Dahlia species, English ivy and laurel oil may potentially sensitize patients. Contact dermatitis (rash) has been reported.

Side Effects and Warnings

• The most common side effect is skin rash following contact with the fresh plant. The rash is thought to occur from contact with the oleoresins or sesquiterpene lactones found in Compositae plants. Sensitivity to light has been reported.

• Herbal texts allude to cases of toxicity in large doses. Tansy is likely unsafe when the essential oil is ingested. Tansy may induce abortion and uterine bleeding in large doses. Avoid in patients who may be pregnant due to possible abortifacient activity.

• Tansy contains a compound called thujone. Symptoms of thujone toxicity may include rapid breathing, rapid, feeble pulse, irregular heartbeat, severe gastroenteritis, vomiting, abdominal pain, liver damage, seizures, dizziness, or kidney damage. Hallucinations and delirium are also possible.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Herbal texts and ethnobotanical studies have documented that tansy may induce abortion and thus be unsafe for internal use in pregnant women.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Tansy contains a compound called thujone, which may alter the effects of alcohol. Caution is advised when taking large amounts of thujone-containing tansy with alcohol.

• Theoretically, tansy may alter blood sugar. Patients taking diabetes agents by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare provider. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Tansy contains a compound called thujone, which may alter the effects of tinctures containing alcohol. Concomitant use of tansy with other thujone-containing herbs may increase the risk of thujone toxicity. Thujone-containing herbs include oak moss, sage, wormwood, cedar, and tree moss.

• Theoretically, tansy may alter blood sugar. Blood sugar levels may require monitoring, and dosing may need adjustment.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

1. Chandler RF, Hooper SN, Hooper DL, et al. Herbal remedies of the Maritime indians: sterols and triterpenes of Tanacetum vulgare L. (Tansy). Lipids 1982;17(2):102-106. View Abstract

2. Chiasson H, Belanger A, Bostanian N, et al. Acaricidal properties of Artemisia absinthium and Tanacetum vulgare (Asteraceae) essential oils obtained by three methods of extraction. J Econ Entomol 2001;94(1):167-171. View Abstract

3. Conway GA, Slocumb JC. Plants used as abortifacients and emmenagogues by Spanish New Mexicans. J Ethnopharmacol 1979;1(3):241-261. View Abstract

4. Croteau R, Shaskus J. Biosynthesis of monoterpenes: demonstration of a geranyl pyrophosphate:(-)-bornyl pyrophosphate cyclase in soluble enzyme preparations from tansy (Tanacetum vulgare). Arch Biochem Biophys 1985;236(2):535-543. View Abstract

5. Fokina GI, Frolova TV, Roikhel' VM, et al. [Experimental phytotherapy of tick-borne Guin JD, Skidmore G. Compositae dermatitis in childhood. Arch Dermatol 1987;123(4):500-502. View Abstract

6. Hausen BM. A 6-year experience with compositae mix. Am J Contact Dermat 1996;7(2):94-99. View Abstract

7. Jager AK, Gauguin B, Adsersen A, et al. Screening of plants used in Danish folk medicine to treat epilepsy and convulsions. J Ethnopharmacol 2005; View Abstract

8. Jovanovic M, Poljacki M, Duran V, et al. Contact allergy to Compositae plants in patients with atopic dermatitis. Med Pregl 2004;57(5-6):209-218. View Abstract

9. Mark KA, Brancaccio RR, Soter NA, et al. Allergic contact and photoallergic contact dermatitis to plant and pesticide allergens. Arch Dermatol 1999;135(1):67-70. View Abstract

10. Schinella GR, Giner RM, Recio MC, et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of South American Tanacetum vulgare. J Pharm Pharmacol 1998;50(9):1069-1074. View Abstract

11. Williams CA, Harborne JB, Geiger H, et al. The flavonoids of Tanacetum parthenium and T. vulgare and their anti-inflammatory properties. Phytochemistry 1999;51(3):417-423. View Abstract