Horseweed

Erigeron canadensis (syn. Conyza canadensis)

An annual of the daisy family with an upright, hairy stem and countless small white flower heads. Contains volatile oil, tannins and flavonoids; the oil was once used as 'oil of erigeron' for bleeding and diarrhoea.

Safety notes

Can irritate the skin of sensitive people. Diarrhoea in children can quickly become dangerous through dehydration: always take a child to a doctor. Traditional use is no proof of effect; consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have a medical condition.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Lakota (Teton Sioux) medicine: Diarrhoea in a child can quickly become dangerous: always see a doctor.

Preparation

Decoction of the root with a piece of stem.

Use in traditions

The first remedy the badger gave Eagle Shield, for children with bowel pain and diarrhoea. Of a small plant he took the whole root and a few inches of stem, of a large one half the root, for one dose. He said you had to smell the tea: it should smell of the root. It was given before meals, because 'then it prepares the stomach to receive the food'. He gave it with a small spoon of white bone. The Ojibwe and the Diné used the plant for stomach pain, the Haudenosaunee for fever.

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.

Lakota (Teton Sioux) medicine

Attributed effects

For children with bowel pain and diarrhoea; the first remedy Eagle Shield received from the badger. The tea should smell of the root.

Preparation and amount

A decoction of the whole root with a few inches of stem from a small plant, or half the root of a large one, as one dose; before meals, with a small spoon.

Caution: Diarrhoea in a child can quickly become dangerous: always see a doctor.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction Powder and kitchen

Sources

All herbs from North America →