Rainbow fern

Tanacetum vulgare (also known as wormwood) is an up to 1m high wayside plant from the family of composite plants, native to Central Europe.

Phytomedicine: Used in folk medicine as worming remedy, abortive, remedy for toothache and neuralgia, migraine, gastrointestinal problems, bladder problems and dysmenorrhea.

Cosmetics: Tanacetum vulgare extract is used in cosmetic formulations. It acts as a skin care product.

• Rain fern contains sesquiterpene lactones: besides parthenolide also crispolide, tanacetin and others as well as the monoterpene beta thujone.
• Sensitizing potency: Medium strong. Frequency of sensitization: Rare. In patients with proven composite allergy, the rain fern is involved in positive test reactions with over 60%. Cross-reactivity exists especially to chrysanthemums, feverfew and chamomile.
• Occurrence of aerogenic contact dermatitis on face, décolleté, back of the hand or neck is possible.

Cave! The essential oil contains about 60% of the nerve toxin beta-thuyone. Deaths after the use of rain fern as a worming agent and abortivum have been described.

1. Goadsby PJ (2003) Herbal medicine. N Engl J Med 348: 1498-1501
2. Hausen BM, Vieluf K (1997) Allergy plants, plant allergens. Ecomed publishing house Landsberg/Munich, S. 235-237