Introduction
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare Linn.), also known as Tansy, is a herbaceous plant native to Europe. It belongs to the Compositae family, also known as Asteraceae. Tansy has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and is known for its therapeutic effects on various health conditions, including migraine, rheumatoid arthritis, and nausea.
Traditional Uses and Folklore
In traditional medicine, Tansy is used as an anthelmintic, bitter tonic, and emmenagogue. It has been used to treat conditions such as migraine, neuralgia, and nausea. In Kashmir, it is known as “Peilmundi” and is used as a lotion for scabies. Tansy oil is also used topically as a liniment for gout and rheumatism.
Chemical Composition
Tansy contains various bioactive compounds, including terpenoids, germacanolides, stearic acid, and flavonoids. The terpenoids found in Tansy include tanacetin, vulgarones A and B, tamirin, tanacin, and tanavulgarol. Tansy also contains parthenolide, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, iso-chlorogenic acid, and vibernitol. It is important to note that the chemical composition may vary depending on the location and species of Tansy.
Tansy and Migraine
Tansy has gained popularity as a natural remedy for migraine headaches. Parthenolide, a germacanolide found in Tansy, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It inhibits prostaglandin production and arachidonic acid release, which are involved in the development of migraines. The European Scientific Cooperative On Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recommends the use of Tansy for the management of migraines for at least a few months. However, further research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety in treating migraines.
Tansy and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Tansy has also been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, a double-blind placebo-controlled trial on 40 women with rheumatoid arthritis did not show any significant beneficial effects. More research is needed to determine the potential role of Tansy in the management of this condition.
Other Therapeutic Uses
Apart from migraine and rheumatoid arthritis, Tansy has been traditionally used for its anthelmintic and bitter tonic properties. It has been used to treat intestinal worms and as a general tonic to improve digestion. Additionally, Tansy has been used as an emmenagogue, stimulating menstrual flow, and as a natural remedy for menstrual disorders. It is important to note that Tansy should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered without proper knowledge and dosage information.
Safety and Side Effects
Tansy contains thujone, a potentially toxic compound. The toxicity of Tansy depends on the thujone content of the part used. High doses of Tansy or long-term use may lead to adverse effects, including liver damage and seizures. It is important to use Tansy under the guidance of a healthcare professional and follow recommended dosage guidelines. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using Tansy due to its potential effects on the uterus and newborns.
Conclusion
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare Linn.) is a herbaceous plant with various therapeutic properties. It has been traditionally used for its anthelmintic, bitter tonic, and emmenagogue properties. Tansy has shown promising effects in the management of migraines and rheumatoid arthritis, although further research is needed to fully understand its efficacy. It is important to use Tansy safely and under the guidance of a healthcare professional due to its potential toxicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tansy and what family does it belong to?
Tansy is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Compositae family, also known as Asteraceae.
What are the traditional uses of Tansy?
Traditionally, Tansy has been used as an anthelmintic, bitter tonic, and emmenagogue. It has been used to treat conditions such as migraine, neuralgia, and nausea.
What is Tansy oil used for?
Tansy oil is used topically as a liniment for gout and rheumatism.
What are the bioactive compounds found in Tansy?
Tansy contains bioactive compounds such as terpenoids, germacanolides, stearic acid, and flavonoids.
What is the role of parthenolide in Tansy?
Parthenolide, a germacanolide found in Tansy, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It inhibits prostaglandin production and arachidonic acid release, which are involved in the development of migraines.
What does the European Scientific Cooperative On Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recommend?
ESCOP recommends the use of Tansy for the management of migraines for at least a few months.
Is Tansy effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis?
Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of Tansy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Further research is needed.
How has Tansy been used traditionally as an anthelmintic and bitter tonic?
Tansy has been used to treat intestinal worms and as a general tonic to improve digestion.
What is Tansy used for as an emmenagogue?
Tansy is used as an emmenagogue to stimulate menstrual flow and as a natural remedy for menstrual disorders.
Can Tansy be self-administered without the guidance of a healthcare professional?
Tansy should not be self-administered without the guidance of a healthcare professional. Proper knowledge and dosage information are important.
What is the potential toxicity of Tansy?
Tansy contains thujone, which is a potentially toxic compound. High doses or long-term use of Tansy may lead to adverse effects such as liver damage and seizures.
Is Tansy safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using Tansy due to its potential effects on the uterus and newborns.
Can Tansy be used for conditions other than migraines and rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes, Tansy has been traditionally used for its anthelmintic and bitter tonic properties. It has been used to treat intestinal worms and as a general tonic to improve digestion.
What is the recommended dosage of Tansy?
The dosage of Tansy should be determined by a healthcare professional and should be followed according to their guidance.
Can Tansy be toxic if used in high doses for a long time?
Yes, using high doses of Tansy or using it for a long time can lead to potential toxicity and adverse effects.
Are there any potential side effects of using Tansy?
Potential side effects of using Tansy include liver damage and seizures, especially with high doses or long-term use.
What are the potential effects of Tansy on the uterus?
Tansy has potential effects on the uterus and should be avoided by pregnant women due to its potential risks.
Can Tansy be used to improve digestion?
Yes, Tansy has been traditionally used as a bitter tonic to improve digestion.
What is the scientific name of Tansy?
The scientific name of Tansy is Tanacetum vulgare Linn.
How should Tansy be used?
Tansy should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, following their recommended dosage guidelines.
