Common Tansy

Tanacetum vulgare

Asteraceae (Aster family or Daisy family)

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For a very long time, tansy was used medicinally to induce miscarriages. However, this was sometimes fatal as the leaves and stem of this plant contain a toxic oil called tanacetum. Tansy has a fragrance similar to camphor with notes of rosemary. It is also sometimes used as an insect repellent. Wreaths of tansy were sometimes placed on dead bodies when they were put in coffins to ward away worms. Some beekeepers use dried tansy as fuel for a bee smoker.