Costmary (Tanacetum balsamita): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Costmary work as a digestive aid?

Costmary acts primarily as a carminative and bitter tonic. Its active compounds, particularly carvone and camphor, help relax smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract to relieve spasms and expel gas. The herb's flavonoids may also contribute to anti-inflammatory effects. While these mechanisms are well-understood pharmacologically, clinical evidence specifically for Costmary is limited (Evidence Level C), relying largely on traditional use and constituent analysis rather than randomized controlled trials.

Is Costmary safe to take during pregnancy?

No, Costmary is considered unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The herb contains thujone and camphor, compounds known to stimulate uterine contractions and potentially cause miscarriage or fetal harm. Thujone is a neurotoxin that can cross the placenta. Because of these risks, pregnant women should strictly avoid Costmary supplements, teas, or essential oils (Evidence Level D/Traditional safety rating).

What is the recommended dosage for Costmary tea?

The standard adult dosage for Costmary is 1 to 3 grams of dried herb daily, prepared as an infusion or tea. To prepare, steep the dried herb in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. It is crucial not to exceed this recommended amount due to the potential for thujone toxicity. Dosage recommendations are based on traditional use and pharmacopoeia standards (Evidence Level C), as clinical trials establishing an optimal dose are lacking.

Does Costmary interact with any medications?

Costmary may interact with medications metabolized by the liver due to its camphor and flavonoid content. Because it contains thujone, it should be avoided by individuals taking anticonvulsants, as thujone can lower the seizure threshold. Additionally, Costmary may potentiate the effects of sedatives or anticoagulants. There is limited clinical data on specific drug interactions (Evidence Level C), so patients should consult a physician before combining it with prescription medications.

What are the side effects of Costmary?

When consumed in moderate amounts, Costmary is generally well-tolerated for digestive complaints. However, excessive intake can lead to thujone toxicity, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and in severe cases, seizures or kidney damage. Long-term use is discouraged due to thujone accumulation. Individuals with liver or kidney disorders should exercise caution, as these organs are responsible for processing the herb's active compounds (Evidence Level C).

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 27 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Tanacetum balsamita L. (costmary) is an Asteraceae species used traditionally as a tonic, carminative, and aromatic plant [PMID:36616151].

Background

Costmary (Tanacetum balsamita L.) is a medicinal plant characterized by various chemotypes, including 'camphor' and 'carvone' types, depending on its cultivation and origin [PMID:40805755, PMID:36559586].

Traditional uses

It is traditionally used as an aromatic, carminative, and tonic plant [PMID:36616151], and in Transylvanian ethnobotany for the treatment of wounds, furuncles, and liver disorders [PMID:38931084]. It has also been used in human medicine to address gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain [PMID:35601771].

Active compounds

The plant contains over 100 secondary metabolites, including acylquinic acids, flavonoid glycosides, phenolic acids, and sesquiterpene lactones [PMID:36616151, PMID:34791965]. Key components of its essential oils include carvone, alpha-thujone, beta-thujone, camphor, and camphene [PMID:34961198, PMID:19370888, PMID:10888559]. Parthenolide is identified as a main active ingredient extracted from the buds [PMID:41262674].

Mechanism of action

Parthenolide acts as a nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) inhibitor [PMID:36307537] and promotes diabetic wound healing by targeting TNF-alpha and STAT3 pathways [PMID:42337164]. Extracts have shown inhibition of acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase [PMID:36616151] and 5-lipoxygenase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes [PMID:34791965].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DMetabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)

Methanol-aqueous extract (150-300 mg/kg bw) in rats significantly reduced blood glucose (by ~20%), lipase activity (by 52%), total cholesterol (by 50%), and triglycerides (by 57%) [PMID:39124206].

Evidence DMetabolic-induced renal injury (MIRI)

Leaf extract (150-300 mg/kg) in diabetic rats decreased blood glucose, lowered systolic pressure, reduced urea and creatinine levels, and alleviated proteinuria [PMID:40699692].

Evidence DDoxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity

Parthenolide inhibited cytotoxicity and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in H9c2 cells and C57BL/6J mice [PMID:41262674].

Evidence DPeritoneal fibrosis

Parthenolide improved peritoneal fibrosis in PD mice by selectively inhibiting the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 [PMID:36307537].

Evidence DDiabetic wounds

Parthenolide (100 uM and 200 uM) significantly accelerated wound repair in diabetic mouse models by enhancing keratinocyte proliferation and angiogenesis [PMID:42337164].

Evidence D

Safety & adverse effects

A methanol-aqueous extract was found to be non-toxic with an LD50 > 3000 mg/kg in rat models [PMID:39124206].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is based on in vitro studies and animal models (rats, mice, fish), indicating potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic benefits. There are no human clinical trials provided.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 36616151 (2022) — An In-Depth Study of Metabolite Profile and Biological Potential of Tanacetum balsamita L. (Costmary). · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 40805755 (2025) — Sustainable Agronomical Practices Affect Essential Oil Composition of Tanacetum balsamita L. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 34961198 (2021) — Allelopathic Effects of Essential Oils on Seed Germination of Barley and Wheat. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 36616147 (2022) — Antiviral Activity of Selected Essential Oils against Cucumber Mosaic Virus. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
5.PMID: 34791965 (2023) — A new eudesmanolide from Tanacetum balsamita L. and biological activities of extracts. · Natural product research

Costmary

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Costmary

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Costmary

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Costmary

Related Herbs

Calamintha nepeta

Yerba Buena

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources