Name: Common Wormwood - Properties, Anti-Parasitic Action, Against Ticks... Tincture of Wormwood

Throughout the summer season, approximately from mid-July to late September, on meadows, roadside verges, forest edges, and thickets, one can spot a plant featuring vibrant yellow flowers arranged in characteristic inflorescences. The common entrance, also referred to by its Latin name Tanacetum vulgare L., is a highly aromatic species with a fragrance evoking roots and a subtle hint of camphor. Despite the raw material and its preparations having diminished in medicinal relevance today, it is valuable to explore the traditional uses of this widely available plant as practiced by seasoned herbalists.

Common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is a medicinal plant whose aerial parts, including the herb, flowers, leaves, and fruits, serve as valuable raw materials. The herb of common tansy contains up to 0.6% essential oil, while the flowers contain 1-1.5% oil, with β-thujone as the primary component (about 60-70%). The therapeutic properties of common tansy are attributed to the presence of β-thujone and sesquiterpene lactones, which significantly influence the activity of the raw material [1]. In traditional folk medicine, common tansy was used to treat digestive disorders, and externally, it was applied to bruises, swelling, sprains, rheumatic pain, and skin conditions (acne, rosacea, psoriasis). The biologically active compounds in common tansy exhibit anti-inflammatory, strongly disinfectant, analgesic, antispasmodic, calming, antidepressant, and detoxifying effects. Preparations from common tansy are considered one of the strongest and most reliable means for promoting bile production and excretion [3]. Thanks to the presence of lactones and terpenes, common tansy enhances the body's resistance to infections, and water extracts from its herb are effective in treating infectious diseases such as measles, flu, sore throat, and scarlet fever. Currently, only an alcoholic extract from common tansy flowers is used in medicine, which is incorporated into the externally applied liquid "Artemisol" for the treatment of scabies and mange [1].

Tanacetum vulgare contains various bioactive compounds with antiseptic properties that have been utilized since ancient times to combat parasites such as roundworms (human tapeworms, pinworms), flatworms, insects, and parasitic mites. Acetic acid derived from Tanacetum vulgare (Acetum Tanaceti) has been approved for treating lice infestations. Some herbalists assert that powdered fruits of the plant, as well as extracts obtained from them, are highly effective in controlling parasitic infections. The powdered plant material can be mixed with honey and consumed orally in doses of 3–4 g, twice daily (morning and evening). In cases of difficult-to-treat parasitic diseases like acanthamoebiasis, herbal therapies may be employed. Research confirms that extracts from 25 g of dried Tanacetum vulgare exhibit strong therapeutic effects against Acanthamoeba spp. strains. Furthermore, favorable outcomes of using Tanacetum vulgare compounds in conjunction with other treatments have been documented in the management of Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania amazonensis.

The pronounced, aromatic fragrance of Tanacetum vulgare, enhanced with a subtle camphor note, serves as an effective natural deterrent against flies, ants, moths, mosquitoes, and ticks. Research led by Dr. Różański demonstrates the efficacy of Tanacetum vulgare extracts in controlling ticks, mites, fleas, and lice.

A tincture of Tanacetum vulgare, prepared according to traditional methods, exhibits warming, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to its high concentration of active plant compounds, this tincture serves as an effective home remedy for supporting joint and muscle health. However, it is important to note that due to the presence of alcohol and potent active ingredients, this tincture is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. To prepare the tincture, one cup of fresh or dried, ground herb should be combined with 250–300 ml of 70% alcohol. The mixture must be macerated for 7 days in a sealed container in a dark place before being filtered.