Evidence supporting the use of: Tansy
For the health condition: Scratches and Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) has a long history of traditional use in European herbal medicine, but its application for scratches and abrasions is relatively limited and largely anecdotal. Historical herbal texts from the Middle Ages sometimes mention the use of tansy poultices for minor wounds or skin irritations, based on its purported antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant contains compounds such as thujone, camphor, and various flavonoids, which may contribute to these effects, though the concentrations and safety are variable.
However, there is little robust scientific evidence to support the effectiveness or safety of tansy for treating scratches or abrasions. No clinical trials or pharmacological studies have specifically validated its use for wound healing, and the plant’s toxicity—especially due to thujone—raises safety concerns for topical or internal use. Modern herbal medicine rarely recommends tansy for skin injuries, and it is not recognized as a standard treatment in reputable pharmacopeias.
In summary, while tansy’s use for scratches and abrasions is rooted in tradition, evidence is weak and largely anecdotal, with substantial safety concerns limiting its modern application for this purpose.
Other ingredients used for Scratches and Abrasions
aloe verabayberry
beeswax
bisabolol
black walnut
chamomile
turmeric
dyer’s woad root
iodine
Japanese sophora
lauric acid
mucin
protease
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zinc
parthenium
chickweed
paederia foetida
lilac
yarrow
moss
oriental arborvitae
tartarian aster
camphor oil
cleavers
wood betony
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
Asclepias cordifolia
acacia
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anserina
Anemone
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Acemannan
Abuta
Alkanna
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Black spruce
Blackthorn
Bleeding Heart
Bridges' Penstemon
Black-Eyed Susan
Blackbrush
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Begonia fimbristipula
Black Poplar
Bletilla
Barbary matrimony vine
Bush Monkey Flower
Babassu
Black root
Bittersweet
Calochortus
Comfrey
Candleberry
Calotropis gigantea
Cattail
Columbine
Cornflower
Common Thatching grass
Common Zinnia
Cynoglossum grande
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Campsiandra angustifolia
Cranesbill
Chinese Thoroughwax
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castile Soap
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Calyptridium umbellatum
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Deerbrush
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
European hazel
English Elm
Emu Oil
Elkweed
Eupatorium
Elemi
Oak
Polyvinyl alcohol
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Other health conditions supported by Tansy
Abdominal PainBites and Stings
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Cuts
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Indigestion
Infection
Insect Repellant
Lice
Parasites (general)
Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Parasites (tapeworm)
Rashes and Hives
Scabies
Scratches and Abrasions
Wounds and Sores