- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania (tropical)
- Sanskrit
- Gojihiva
- Traditions
- Ayurveda, Chinese medical traditions, Jamu in Indonesia
Asia · Herb · № 488
Elephantopus scaber
Herb · Asia
Elephant's foot
Elephantopus scaber
Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens the heart, astringent, cleansing, fever-reducing, antibiotic; for painful urination, urethral discharge, diarrhoea, dysentery, vomiting, snake bites, ulcers, eczema.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Leaf decoction 14–56 ml (with cumin and buttermilk); root with pepper for toothache; leaves cooked in coconut oil externally.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Gojihiva. The root and leaves are used in Ayurvedic, Chinese and Southeast Asian folk medicine for fever, diarrhoea and coughs. The plant grows as a weed throughout the tropics.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Strengthens the heart, astringent, cleansing, fever-reducing, antibiotic; for painful urination, urethral discharge, diarrhoea, dysentery, vomiting, snake bites, ulcers, eczema.
Preparation and amount
Leaf decoction 14–56 ml (with cumin and buttermilk); root with pepper for toothache; leaves cooked in coconut oil externally.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Decoction