This common wildflower packs quite a punch. A tall fragile looking flower with many uses. I allow it to grow in my garden if it enters, But I do not plant it. I to remove it, if it is about to go to seed. Though, I do harvest the leaves for salads, and the flowers, usually for decoration, and their most notable use, keeping fleas and flies away.
PLANT BASICS
This plant can grow up the 3-4 feet in height, The flowers are small and daisy like with the exception of the multitude of petals. It is not only a great ornamental, it is a great herb. Aware of its use as a flea and fly deterrent I allow the growth of this plant wherever it chooses. I find it grows alone mostly, but I have seen it in bunches. My daughter regularly picks them in the summer to put in a vase for the kitchen. When I first sighted this plant a while back, I read up on it in my handy-dandy wild edibles book that I drag around with me wherever I go. There was a small write up on it and mostly said the leaves were edible but the flowers were used as a flea and fly deterrent in Europe. So I only saw them as a camping flower to drive flies and fleas away, and trail nibble. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the benefits of keeping this herb around.
INVASIVENESS AND USES
This plant is not invasive, so far as I have found. I use the leaves of this plant for trail nibble or salad additions. When camping, I take a handful, if I find them, and tie them together to throw them into the tent for bug issues. It is said that the odor of the plant keeps snakes away as well, but I can not confirm nor deny that. I have not used this herb as a tea or tincture, So I have no personal experience on that level. Many websites tout the use of flower tea or even eating the flowers, I am hesitant since it drives bugs away. The leaves themselves are tasty, and hairy, but add a really good flavor to any salad.
COMPOUNDS AND COMPONENTS
Extracts of the plant have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties this give it a beneficial use against bacteria!
This plant's insect repelling properties come from its thymol content. Thymol Is one of the main volatile oils in Thyme.
Daisy fleabane leaf contains caffeic acid, which has antioxidative and neuroprotective effects on neuronal cells.
Anti-fungal properties.
Phytochemical compounds.
A compound found in the plant, erigeroflavanone, prevented cellular death in glomerular mesangial cells of the kidney making it a potential treatment in renal complications by diabetes. http://thenatpath.com/williamson/herb-of-the-day-eastern-daisy-fleabane/
BENEFITS
Bronchitis Treatment
European use in dysentery as this was a continental phenomenon.
The English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper, wrote about it in the 17th century, mentioning the uses as a fly killer, flea killer and its use to drive venomous creatures away.
Native Americans used the plant for a wide rage os issues here are a few:
diarrhea
astringent
cough medicine
induce sweating
gout
decoction of the root for suppressing menstruation
headaches
kidney health
colds
smoking for head congestion
combined with hyssop used as a poison ivy cure
The Caffeic Acid makes it a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease
CAUTIONS
This plant may cause dermatitis in individuals that are allergic to it.
ANIMAL USES
The ASPCA lists this herb as toxic to dogs and cats. May cause gas pains and dermatitis.
After my research on this plant I will continue the use i have become accustomed to. Though I may consider doing a decoction to see if I notice any real benefit for myself. I will post about it if I do.
Well please up-vote and follow if you like my content. I will continue to post similar articles on plants, homegrown foods, gardening and homesteading ideas. Again thanks for dropping in. Remember that this is not medical advice nor do I prescribe anything to anyone. This post is for educational purposes only. Your body is your temple, treat it well. Have a great garden!
