How to make tansy to treat fleas? - briefly
Steep dried tansy leaves in hot water for 15‑20 minutes, cool the infusion, and apply it to the animal’s coat or spray it, taking care to avoid the eyes. Repeat the treatment daily for up to a week, storing any excess solution in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
How to make tansy to treat fleas? - in detail
Tansy (Artemisia vulgaris) contains volatile oils that repel flea larvae and adult insects. The plant’s natural compounds act on the nervous system of ectoparasites, reducing infestation when applied correctly.
Materials required
- Dried or fresh tansy foliage
- Distilled water
- Carrier oil (e.g., almond or jojoba)
- White vinegar or ethanol (optional, for stronger extraction)
- Clean saucepan, fine mesh strainer, glass container, spray bottle
Procedure
- Measure 30 g of dried tansy or 50 g of fresh leaves.
- Place foliage in a saucepan, add 500 ml of distilled water.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat, cover, and steep for an additional 30 minutes.
- Strain liquid through a fine mesh, discarding plant residues.
- Mix the filtrate with 100 ml of carrier oil in a 1:5 ratio; optional addition of 20 ml ethanol enhances extraction.
- Transfer the blend to a spray bottle, label, and store in a cool, dark place.
Application guidelines
- Apply a light mist to the pet’s coat, avoiding the face, eyes, and mucous membranes.
- Re‑apply every 48 hours during peak flea activity.
- Treat bedding, carpets, and resting areas with a moderate spray, allowing surfaces to dry before use.
Safety considerations
- Tansy is toxic to cats; restrict use to dogs and small mammals that tolerate the plant.
- Conduct a patch test on a limited skin area 24 hours before full application; discontinue if irritation occurs.
- Prevent ingestion by supervising treated animals until the spray is absorbed.
Storage instructions
- Keep the solution sealed in amber glass, refrigerated, for up to two weeks.
- Discard any preparation that develops an off‑odor or visible mold.
«Tansy has long been employed as an insect repellent», a statement supported by historical herbal texts, confirming its efficacy when prepared following the outlined protocol.