Tansy: The Immortal & Hostile Little Button
Hello Weekly Whorlers! This week we take a look at Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) and explore its beauty that grants immortality to some, and to others a declaration of war. Commonly known as Bitter Buttons or Golden Buttons, the Tansy is a controversial little guy that we thought might fun to dig in to. So get a shovel!
How We Got Here: The History Of Tansy
Tansy, a native of temperate Eurasia, is a member of the aster family. It has bright yellow, flat topped clusters of button-like flowers with aromatic, fern-like leaves.
The word Tansy is thought to be derived from the Greek word "athanasia" meaning immortality. This idea stems from both its long lasting flowers and the fact that it was often used in embalming and preserving the dead.
In Greek mythology it was said that Zeus gave Ganymede a drink of Tansy to make him immortal. The herb itself has been grown in gardens of Charlemagne and Benedictine monks as early as the 8th century.
In the 15th century it was a common Christian tradition to eat Tansy cakes or puddings during Lent to remind them of the bitter herbs eaten by the Israelites of the Passover story. It was also believed to help rid the body of intestinal worms, which were thought to be caused bi the Lenten diet high in fish.
It wasn't until about the early 1600s that settlers brought the herb to North America and cultivated it for its numerous uses.
Interesting Uses And Meanings
Tansy, was one of the most versatile and, at times, dangerous plants in the historical herbal pharmacopeia. Historically it was used a strewing herb for pest control on floors and between mattresses to deter fleas, lice, and mice. It was also used to rub down or pack meat to help repel flies and delay spoilage. Even today its oils can be used for natural insecticides and mosquito repellent.
Medicinally it was used to treat intestinal worms, rheumatism, fevers, digestive problems and to stimulate menstruation. However in modern medicine it is highly discouraged due to its toxic compound of thujone.
It had a paradoxical role in women's health. Used in high doses to induce abortions, yet also cited to help women conceive and prevent miscarriages.
In ancient times and up until the 19th century it had a morbid association with death due to its high use in embalming the dead.
Ancient Greeks associated the plant with immortality and longevity. It is a tenacious and persistent plant that can thrive in difficult conditions and has been linked to endurance, constancy, strength and resilience.
Some other positive stories say it was often a symbol giving protection, health and well being, as well as happiness and positive energy due to it bright yellow color.
On the contrary, Victorian Floriography associated the flower and its often pungent and repelling scent to meaning hostile thoughts, resistance, or a declaration of war!
Did You Know?
Tansy roots are being studied as a phytoremediation tool, to help absorb heavy metals from soil.
They have petal-less flowers.
It was commonly used in the creation of early plastics.
The rhizomes root system often suffocates other plants from growing nearby.
The pungent scent is a combination of camphor and rosemary.
Traditionally it was used as a garnish or substitute for nutmeg and cinnamon!
We hope you enjoyed learning about the controversial Tansy. The next time you see one of these cute little golden buttons, decide for yourself what it may mean to you.