^№18
Tansy

Tanacetum vulgare

The name is said to be derived from the Greek athanaton – “immortal” – and tansy was known to the ancient Greeks as the herb given by Zeus to Ganymede to make the beautiful youth immortal – some legends suggest Zeus fell in love with the boy and abducted him to Olympus.

Tansy cake was traditionally eaten at Easter as a wholesome antidote to all the salt fish eaten at Lent! Tansy was recommended by 16th century herbalist, John Jerard as powerful relief for gout.