TANACETUM

Action and Toxicology:
Oil of tansy is a gastro-intestinal and nerve poison, and in overdoses has caused epileptiform convulsions, profound coma, and death by paralysis of the breathing organs (asphyxiation). Lesser doses may increase the pulse rate, dilate the pupils, and cause severe vomiting and purging with colicky pain. Doses above fifteen drops are dangerous. Most deaths have occurred from its use in attempts at abortion.

The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics
By Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D.

In herbal medicine

Common Tansy has a long history of many uses. Tansy was first recorded cultivated by the ancient Greeks for a variety of medicinal purposes. In the eighth century A.D., it was grown in the herb gardens of Charlemagne (Charles the Great) and by Benedictine monks of the Swiss monastery of St. Gall. Tansy was considered a cure for intestinal worms, helped with rheumatism, digestive problems, fevers, used to heal sores, and "brought out" measles.

During the Middle Ages and later, high doses were used to induce abortions. Contradictorily, tansy was also used to help women conceive and to prevent miscarriages. In the 15th century, Christians began serving Tansy with Lenten meals to commemorate the bitter herbs eaten by the Israelites. Tansy was thought to have the added Lenten benefit of controlling flatulence brought on by days of eating fish, beans, and peas. Lenten Tansy cakes were also superstitiously served to prevent the intestinal worms brought on by eating fish.