Ethiopian Gesho vs Tansy

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Ethiopian Gesho

Rhamnus prinoides

Digestive

Tanacetum vulgare

Digestive

Ethiopian Gesho

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Tansy

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Bittering herb central to Ethiopian cuisine and traditional medicine, used as hops equivalent in tej honey wine.

A strongly aromatic European herb historically used as a vermifuge and insect repellent, now used with caution.

Active Compounds

rhamnazin, quercetin, kaempferol, tannins

Thujone, Camphor, Parthenolide, Tanacetin

Traditional Uses

bittering agent in tej and tella Ethiopian beverages, treatment of malaria fever, digestive bitter

Intestinal worms, Insect repellent, Menstrual regulation, Digestive bitter

Modern Uses

antimicrobial, antifungal, digestive bitter

Anthelmintic, Insect repellent, Anti-inflammatory, Emmenagogue

Adult Dosage

2-4g dried leaf as bitter tea

LOW DOSE ONLY: 0.5-1g dried herb as tea; short-term use

Contraindications

pregnancy, liver disease

Pregnancy, Epilepsy, Liver disease, Children

Side Effects

bitter GI reaction

Thujone toxicity (seizures), Hepatotoxicity, Abortifacient, Death (large doses)

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E