Tansy is a perennial weedy member of the sunflower family easily identified by its button-like golden flower tops. The plant is native to most of Europe and some parts of the Mediterranean.
At one time, tansy was used as flavoring in puddings, sweetmeats and in various alcoholic beverages. However, due to the presence of thujone, which can trigger convulsions, hallucinations and respiratory arrest, tansy is rarely taken internally anymore. In the U.S., its use is restricted to alcoholic beverages, although the final product must be rendered thujone-free.
Tansy also contains 1,8-cineole and myrtenol. The former, also known as eucalyptol, is a chemical compound that protects the plant from predators. Myrtenol is used as a pheromone to attract and trap insects.
