TANSY

Tanacetum vulgare

Family: Asteraceae

Other names: Golden buttons, Stinking Willie,Fr. Tanaisie commune

Parts used: Aerial

Characteristics: Bitter

Systems affected: Circulatory, digestive, reproductive

Actions: Anthelmintic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, insecticide, carminative, vermifuge

Tansy is an aromatic perennial that is rarely used any more as a medicinal herb due to its thujone content, which can be toxic in large doses—although in small amounts it can be quite effective to remove parasites. It has a hardy, erect stem about 75 cm. high, which is grooved and angular, with fern-like, feathery, alternate leaves. It is distinguished by its round, yellow, composite flowers that grow in clusters and look like small buttons, with an odour much like a mixture of Camphor and Rosemary. It blooms from July to September, and is found in fields and along roadsides. Harvest as it is coming into flower and dry for later use.

MEDICINAL USES:

Expels worms, brings on menstruation

• Fresh leaves crushed and applied to skin can relieve swelling, bruises, varicose veins, scabies, and lice.
• When heated in a fomentation, it will relieve rheumatism, gout, neuralgia, and muscle pain.
• A weak infusion stimulates digestion, aids in dyspepsia, and relieves flatulence.
• Promotes menstruation. Not for use during pregnancy.
• Seeds and aerial parts once used in infusions to expel worms, particularly in children.
• Strengthens the heart and reduces blood pressure.

other uses: As a strewing herb it was scattered on floors as a disinfectant and to repel insects. Used as a companion herb in gardens to repel many destructive insects. When dried, the flowers last a long time in bouquets. Flowers were once used as a dye.

folklore: Leaves once used in Tansy cakes throughout England during Easter; its bitter taste helped cleanse the body after Lent and symbolized the suffering of the Jews at Passover. Irish folklore claimed bathing in Tansy and salt would cure joint pain.

infusion: Mix ½–1 tsp. dried herb and 1 cup of boiling water. Infuse 10–15 minutes; drink no more than 2 times daily.

important: Can be toxic in large quantities. Do not use over long periods of time or in large doses. Use only under supervision of a certified herbalist. Do not take during pregnancy, as it can cause miscarriage.

TURTLEHEAD (White)

Chelone glabra

Family: Plantaginaceae

Other names: Balmony, Snakehead, Fr: Galane glabre, Tête de tortue

Parts used: Aerial

Characteristics: Bitter, pungent

Systems affected: Digestive

Actions: Anthelmintic, antibilious, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, aperient, cholagogue, tonic

Turtlehead or Balmony is a native perennial that has been used in North American folk medicine for centuries. Its name comes from Greek mythology, which tells of a nymph named Chelone who insulted the gods and was subsequently turned into a turtle. The plant is found in wetlands, ditches, and woodlands across eastern Canada, and can grow up to 1 metre tall. Its erect stems end in clusters of white or pinkish, tubular, 2-lipped flowers shaped like a turtle’s head. The lance-shaped leaves are notched, and grow opposite to each other along the smooth, square stem. Gather when in full bloom, from August to October, and dry for later use.

MEDICINAL USES:

Sluggish liver, gallstones, nausea, hemorrhoids, anorexia

• Very bitter herb that acts as a tonic for the liver and digestive system by increasing digestive fluids to stimulate the appetite and aid in the treatment of liver disease, gallbladder problems and stones. Also relieves nausea and vomiting, cramps, worms, and constipation. Tonifies the digestive tract and helps in the treatment of anorexia nervosa.
• Used in ointments to treat hemorrhoids, herpes, inflamed breasts, eczema, sores, and wounds. Relieves itching and inflammation.
• Remedy has been used by Indigenous peoples as a liver tonic, to expel worms, to treat jaundice, malaria, and fever, and in various salves for skin problems.

infusion: 2 tsp. dried herb in 1 cup of boiling water; steep 10–15 minutes. Drink 1–3 times a day.

oil infusion: Use fresh leaves, pack into a Mason jar up to two-thirds full. Fill with olive oil and let sit about 6 weeks, shaking often. Use in salves.

important: Avoid during pregnancy. May decrease sexual drive in men.