Desert Gardens

» Rosemary Drisdelle - Tansy, athanasia, immortality.

My herb book (Living With Herbs by Jo Ann Gardner, Nimbus, 1997) says that the connection with immortality probably stemmed from the long lasting colour and scent of Tansy blossoms. Folks believed it could prevent decay and they used to put it in coffins with the deceased.
Interestingly, it has also been used to treat worms - always a matter of selective poisoning: you give enough to kill the worms but not the host... Maybe it worked for worms but there are safer alternatives now. :-)

Rosemary Drisdelle
Birds.Suite101.com

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» Robert Dailey - Tansy, athanasia, immortality.

In response to Tansy, athanasia, immortality. posted by rdrisdelle:

Yes, the ancient Greek physician (and embalmer) Ambrosius thought the herb was excellent for embalming.
Thanks for the insight. b

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» fanboy21 - Great Article

Thanks for the helpful tips. I found a lot of great resources and articles on gardening at the Gardening Spot over at Fanpop:

http://www.fanpop.com/spots/gardening

-- posted by fanboy21

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» Robert Dailey - Great Article

In response to Great Article posted by fanboy21:

You're welcome. Suggestions for articles are welcome at any time.

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