Discover the amazing benefits of tansy with our simple ointment recipe
Common Tansy and Homemade Ointment Recipe
In times when people relied more on nature than on pharmaceutical preparations, common tansy held a firm place in home medicine cabinets. Today, many are returning to it, not only because of its distinctive scent and decorative appearance but primarily for its natural healing properties. One of the most common uses is making homemade tansy ointment, which helps with muscle, joint pain, and skin affected by parasites.
Although tansy is considered a somewhat controversial herb due to its content of thujone oil, when used correctly, it can be a very effective natural helper. So, what exactly is tansy, what is it used for, and how can you make a safe ointment with real effects?
Common Tansy: A Modest Flower with Healing Powers
Common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) grows abundantly along roadsides, in meadows, or at the edges of fields and forests. At first glance, it captivates with its bright yellow button-like flowers, blooming from July to September. It is also popular among beekeepers as it attracts a lot of pollinators. In the past, it was used not only in folk medicine but also as a natural insecticide – repelling fleas, lice, and mosquitoes. Its strong aroma and composition made it a common addition to mattresses or cabinets.
What truly makes tansy interesting are its effects on human health. It contains substances such as flavonoids, bitters, and essential oils – primarily the aforementioned thujone, which has notable anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, and antiseptic effects. That's why tansy was often used for digestive issues, women's cycles, as well as external skin applications.
However, it is important to note that internal use of tansy is not recommended without consulting a doctor or herbalist – thujone is a toxic substance in higher doses and can cause unpleasant reactions. Fortunately, there is a safe way to utilize its benefits: making homemade tansy ointment.
Why Make Homemade Tansy Ointment?
In today's world, where more and more people are turning to a healthy lifestyle and seeking alternatives to conventional medicines, herbal ointment recipes are coming back into focus. Tansy ointment is useful for:
- Muscle and joint pain – its warming and anti-inflammatory effects help release tension and alleviate pain,
- Skin problems – eczema, rashes, insect bites, or irritated skin,
- Insect repelling – thanks to its aromatic essential oil, it acts as a natural repellent.
A small amount of ointment and regular application to the affected area is enough to feel relief. When used correctly, the ointment is entirely safe because thujone is absorbed into the skin in minimal amounts and does not enter the bloodstream directly.
Homemade Tansy Ointment Recipe
Making homemade ointment is not complicated and can be done by almost anyone. Besides tansy, you will need a few commonly available ingredients and a bit of patience.
You Will Need:
- 2 handfuls of fresh tansy (flowers and leaves),
- 250 g shea butter or lard (in organic quality),
- 1 teaspoon of beeswax (optional for texture solidification),
- a jar with a lid for storage,
- a strainer and gauze.
Instructions:
- Chop the fresh tansy into smaller pieces. If you don't have fresh, dried can be used, but the effects will be slightly weaker.
- Melt the fat (shea butter or lard) in a water bath until it is liquid.
- Add the chopped tansy to the fat base, maintain a gentle temperature, and let it simmer for about 1 hour. The mixture should not boil, otherwise valuable substances could be destroyed.
- After removing from the heat, let it steep overnight (preferably 12-24 hours) covered with a lid.
- Reheat the mixture the next day and strain through gauze or a fine strainer.
- If you want to solidify the ointment, add a teaspoon of beeswax and let it melt.
- Pour into a clean jar, close, and let cool. Store in a cool place, ideally in the fridge.
The prepared ointment will last approximately 3 to 6 months and is always ready when needed.
Practical Use and an Example from Everyday Life
Mrs. Jana from South Bohemia, who has been working with herbs for a long time, uses tansy ointment for rheumatism and knee pain. "In autumn, when it gets cold and my joints hurt, I apply the ointment on my knees before bed and wrap them in a woolen scarf. In the morning, I get up, and the pain is noticeably less," she says. She also recommended it to her daughter-in-law, who suffered from irritated skin after a mosquito bite – the ointment helped within two days.
Mrs. Jana's story illustrates that some traditional recipes still have their place in modern life. When combined with quality ingredients and gentle processing, they can surpass many commercial products.
What to Be Careful About When Using?
As mentioned, tansy contains thujone, a substance that can be toxic when ingested in large amounts. However, its external use is safe if the ointment is not applied to open wounds, mucous membranes, or small children. The ointment is not suitable for pregnant women due to its potential effect on the uterus, and people with sensitive skin should avoid it – it's always good to perform a tolerance test on a small patch of skin first.
Try our natural products
Interestingly, despite certain risks, modern pharmaceutical companies are starting to take an interest in tansy. According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, tansy extract has the potential in fighting certain types of bacteria and fungi, which could open the door to new natural medicines.
A Small Step Towards Self-Sufficiency and Ecology
Making homemade tansy ointment is not just a return to basics, but also a small act of ecological self-sufficiency. Instead of plastic tubes and chemical ingredients, you can make a natural product that doesn't burden the environment and also takes care of your health. And if you pick tansy yourself on a walk, you'll be doubly pleased – not only will you do something for your body, but also for your soul.
Who would have thought that a simple yellow plant from the field's edge could hold so much power? Just give it a chance – and a little time.
