tenacetum and saponaria

By Sarah Fernsler in 17 Jul 2021 | 14:24
Sarah Fernsler

Sarah Fernsler

Student
Posts: 16
Member since: 8 Jan 2020
When I originally started my herb garden many years ago, I planted lots of herbs that I knew had traditional uses. The questions is whether there are any medicinal uses for these herbs that are currently accepted. Of course, Grieves gives lots of uses. My questions is whether I should be harvesting any of these plants. Some of these are tenacetum vulgar (tansy), tenacetum balsamicum (costmary), saponaria officinalis, as well as tangerine and camphor southernwood.
17 Jul 2021 | 14:24
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David Winston

David Winston

Instructor
Posts: 858
Member since: 22 Sep 2020
Tansy was used as an abortificient (very dangerous), and most of the others Costmary, Bouncing Bet/Soapwort and the Southernwoods are not used much medicinally these days. The Soapwort is full of saponins and can cause gastric upset. nauseated diarrhea. I have heard of Camphor Southernwood being used to repel moths.
21 Jul 2021 | 17:43
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Sarah Fernsler

Sarah Fernsler

Student
Posts: 16
Member since: 8 Jan 2020
Thanks David. This information correlates with what know. Costmary is also known as "Bible leaf." It is said that during the long church services of my Protestant ancestors, the leaf was chewed to keep the congregant's awake, and I imagine it could have been pressed between the pages of the Bible and concealed. I therefore used to make bookmarks with the leaves, which I'd laminate (great for church bazaars).
29 Jul 2021 | 13:59
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