Lady Fern vs Tansy

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Lady Fern

Athyrium filix-femina

Digestive

Tanacetum vulgare

Digestive

Lady Fern

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Tansy

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

A widespread fern traditionally used by Native Americans and European herbalists for parasites and pain.

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

Active Compounds

Filicin, Tannins, Volatile oils, Phloroglucinol derivatives

Thujone, Camphor, Parthenolide, Tanacetin

Traditional Uses

Intestinal worms, Pain relief, Fever, Breastfeeding support

Intestinal worms, Insect repellent, Menstrual regulation, Digestive bitter

Modern Uses

Anthelmintic, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial

Anthelmintic, Insect repellent, Anti-inflammatory, Emmenagogue

Adult Dosage

2-4g dried rhizome as decoction 2x daily; short-term only

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

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Heart disease, Liver disease, Anemia

Pregnancy, Epilepsy, Liver disease, Children

Side Effects

Nausea, Visual disturbance, Liver damage (excess)

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