Tansy is a noun that refers to a perennial flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, native to Europe and Asia. The scientific name for tansy is Tanacetum vulgare. It is commonly known for its highly aromatic leaves and yellow button-like flowers that bloom during summer.
The leaves of the tansy plant are dark green, alternate, and pinnately lobed, with a strong and distinctive scent. The plant can grow up to three feet in height, with erect stems that are covered in fine hairs. Tansy flowers are small and button-shaped, arranged in dense clusters, and have a bright yellow color.
Tansy has been historically valued for its medicinal properties and culinary uses. It contains the compound thujone, responsible for its distinct aroma and bitter taste. In folk medicine, tansy has been used to treat digestive issues, menstrual disorders, and as a vermifuge to expel intestinal worms.
Beyond its medicinal applications, tansy has culinary uses as well. Its leaves and flowers have been used in cooking and brewing for centuries, often added to salads, omelettes, or used in infusions to impart a slightly bitter and aromatic flavor.
Due to its bitter taste and strong scent, tansy is also known for its insect-repellent properties. It has been traditionally used as a natural insecticide to repel flies, ants, and moths, and as a pest deterrent in gardens.
In summary, tansy is a perennial plant with aromatic leaves and yellow flowers that has been used historically for medicinal, culinary, and insect-repellent purposes.
