What is Vetrice?
Vetrice (Tanacetum vulgare), also known as “worm herb” or “field wormwood,” is a perennial plant with bright yellow flowers, native to Europe and Asia. In Romania, it grows in meadows, fields, and gardens. In herbal medicine, only the aerial parts (leaves and flowers) are used, usually harvested from June to September.
The plant contains powerful active compounds such as essential oils (tanacetone, thujone, camphor, cineole, borneol), flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, tannins, malic and tartaric acids, gum-resins, and vitamin B₁.
Therapeutic Properties
Because of its rich chemical profile, vetrice has multiple medicinal properties:
- Antiparasitic (vermifuge) – traditionally used against intestinal worms such as pinworms and roundworms.
- Antimicrobial and antifungal – effective against certain bacterial and fungal infections.
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic – reduces joint pain, muscle pain, and rheumatism symptoms.
- Antispasmodic and carminative – relieves abdominal cramps, bloating, and digestive discomfort while stimulating appetite.
- Depurative and diuretic – helps eliminate toxins and supports kidney health.
- Insect repellent – keeps mosquitoes, lice, moths, and garden pests away.
- Nervous system calming – may reduce anxiety, headaches, and promote relaxation.
- Skin care – used externally for dandruff, eczema, and skin irritations.
- Circulatory and digestive stimulant – improves blood flow and supports stomach and pelvic functions.
Traditional and Modern Uses
1. Natural Medicine
- Tea / Infusion – made with 1 teaspoon of dried plant per 200–250 ml boiling water; supports digestion, regulates menstruation, and helps expel parasites.
- Tinctures and blends – often combined with wormwood to increase antiparasitic effects.
- Enemas or sitz baths – traditionally used against intestinal parasites.
- Poultices – applied to the abdomen or joints to relieve pain and inflammation.
2. Cosmetics and Aromatherapy
- Blue tansy essential oil – highly valued in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial effects; soothes redness, itching, and irritation.
- Relaxing aroma – used in aromatherapy for stress and anxiety relief.
3. Gardening and Agriculture
- Companion plant and natural insecticide – repels ants, moths, fleas, and leaf-eating pests, while attracting pollinators like bees.
- Plant sprays – infusions used against aphids and fungal diseases.
- Compost enrichment – contributes potassium to compost, though should be used in moderation due to its toxicity.
Precautions
Despite its benefits, vetrice must be used carefully:
- Contains thujone, a toxic compound in high doses that may harm the liver, irritate mucous membranes, and has abortive effects.
- Overuse may cause convulsions, miscarriage, or other serious side effects.
- Contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with liver conditions, and children.
- In gardening, it can become invasive and should be used responsibly in compost or sprays.
Vetrice (Tanacetum vulgare) has a long history in traditional medicine and is valued for its antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, digestive, and insect-repelling properties. Whether used as tea, tincture, essential oil, or in gardening, its benefits are diverse.
However, because of its potent compounds, it must be used with care and only in controlled amounts.
For therapeutic purposes, always consult a healthcare professional before use.