Tansy extract: practical guide to uses, risks and buying tips
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) shows up in herbal medicine and garden lore. People use its extract for digestion, to repel bugs, or topically for sores and bruises. Modern evidence is limited, and the plant contains compounds like thujone that can be toxic in high amounts. That makes knowing how to use tansy safely crucial.
How people use tansy extract
There are three common forms: essential oil, alcohol tincture, and dried herb. - Essential oil is very concentrated and used only in tiny amounts for topical blends or as an insect repellent. - Tincture (alcohol extract) is a liquid taken in drops; traditional herbalists use low doses for digestive complaints or mild parasitic concerns. - Dried herb is brewed as a weak tea in folk remedies, though internal use has dropped because of safety worries.
Traditional uses include easing bloating and helping with external insect bites. A few small studies and historical reports suggest some antimicrobial and insect-repellent activity, but robust clinical proof for most health claims is missing. Treat any use as experimental and short-term unless a clinician advises otherwise.
Safety, doses and buying tips
Tansy contains thujone and other volatile oils. Thujone can affect the nervous system and, in high doses, cause nausea, dizziness, and seizures. Because of that, avoid internal use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. People with epilepsy, liver disease, or those on seizure-related drugs should not use tansy. Also avoid giving it to children. For essential oil: never ingest. For skin use, dilute heavily in a carrier oil — a common conservative guideline is under 1% (about 1 drop of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier) and do a patch test first. For tinctures: follow the product label or practitioner's advice. If a product does not list a clear dose, skip it. If you feel jittery, nauseous, or have unusual symptoms after using tansy, stop and seek medical help.
When buying: choose reputable brands that provide clear labeling and a certificate of analysis (COA) if possible. Prefer products that list plant part used, extraction solvent, and concentration. Avoid any seller that recommends high internal doses or claims cures. For essential oils, look for botanical name (Tanacetum vulgare), batch number, and third-party testing.
Store tinctures and oils in dark glass bottles, away from heat and light. Keep them out of reach of kids and pets. If you plan to use tansy for a while, discuss it with your doctor, especially if you take other medications.
Short takeaway: tansy extract has a long folk history and some practical uses, but it carries real risks. Treat it with caution, follow label directions, avoid internal high-dose use, and consult a healthcare professional before trying it.
