Dorothy FarrarAnnual fleabane
The annual fleabane is one of the wild flowers. It can also be used as a medicinal herb. It belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae). This plant is a neophyte native to North America. The annual fleabane is also known as white fleabane or fine ray.
Definition and Occurrence
The annual fleabane (Erigeron anuus) belongs to the genus of fleabane (Erigeron). Since the 18th century, the former ornamental plant has been considered overgrown. The annual fleabane is a herbaceous annual or biennial plant.
It is equipped with an erect stem and grows to heights of between 50 and 100 centimeters. The roots of the plant can penetrate up to a meter deep into the ground, which is why the fleabane is also considered a pioneer plant. The edges of the simple leaves are either serrated or nearly smooth. The rosette thrives in spring. It has oblong leaves that have an inverted egg shape. The flowers unfold in June. These arrange themselves in an umbrella panicle.
The flowers are similar to chamomile and daisy. Inside they are composed of flat yellow tubular flowers. The seeds of the annual horseweed, which look like fleas , develop as the process progresses . The annual fleabane has its origins in the north of the American continent. As an ornamental plant, the medicinal herb finally reached Europe, where it spread more and more over the years. The favorite growth areas of the annual horseweed include garden beds, meadows and sparse forests.
Ingredients, effect and dosage
The annual fleabane contains ingredients such as bitter substances , tannic acids and tannins. However, it does not have a great tradition as a medicinal plant in Europe. Since it is rarely used as an ornamental plant these days, it is often classified as a weed. The plant is only rarely found in gardens and is usually overgrown. The annual fleabane can certainly be used for therapeutic purposes. It is used primarily in China and by the North American Indians as a medicinal plant.The most common form of administration of the annual horseweed is tea . This is prepared from the flowering herb or the whole plant and is primarily used to treat influenza infections that are associated with a sore throat. The tea has diaphoretic and expectorant effects . It also counteracts fever. However, the positive effects of the annual fleabane are classified as quite mild.
Other plants are better suited for treating colds and sore throats. This includes, for example, sage . However, the annual fleabane is considered useful for strengthening well-being after a flu infection. The medicinal plant also has a diuretic effect, which means that the activity of the kidneys can be improved by taking the tea. In addition, fleabane tea is suitable for external use for skin problems such as eczema.
It is given in the form of baths, washes or poultices. Annual fleabane is also used in the kitchen. The leaves can be used as wild vegetables or in a wild salad. The leaves have a fairly mild taste.
What does annual fleabane help against?
importance to health
Annual fleabane was used therapeutically centuries ago by several North American Indian tribes. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also appreciates the effects of medicinal plants. The medicinal herb is used to treat cold symptoms such as sore throats, coughs and fever. An infusion of the annual fleabane causes increased sweating and has an expectorant effect. In this way, the healing of the common cold is accelerated. After the cold is over, the medicinal herb helps with convalescence. The ingredients of the plant also have a positive effect on joint diseases such as rheumatism and gout.
Another health-promoting effect is the detoxification of the human body. The astringent effect of the annual fleabane is helpful against diarrhea. Substances that have harmful effects on health are transported out of the body more quickly. In addition, the intestines are cleaned . Another area of application for the medicinal plant is skin inflammation and eczema, which can be treated with an infusion.
In the past, people also attributed a magical effect to annual fleabane. So it should help against an evil eye and enchantment. Babies in particular had to undergo fleabane baths to protect them from evil forces if they cried too much. At that time the belief prevailed that the newborn children were called. This is how the plant got its name fleabane. Annual fleabane was tied to the forehead of the afflicted to cure the insane. The plant was also used to drive away fleas.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.