Spanish Pellitory, Pyrethrum, Pellitory, Mount Atlas daisy
Synonym(s)
:
Anthemis pyrethrum, Anacyclus freynii Porta & Rigo ex Willk. , Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Lagasca
Family
:
Asteraceae
General Info
Description
Perennial herb with many prostrate or erect stems. Each bears one large flower, the disk being yellow and the rays white, tinged with purple beneath. Leaves are bipinnately segmented and the segments are linear. The root is almost cylindrical, very slightly twisted and tapering and often crowned with a tuft of grey hairs.
Herb Effects
Increases secretion and flow of saliva, rubefacient and stimulant (root); cordial and sialogogue.
Epilepsy (root); in sexual disorders in males (plant); toothache. aphonia and tongue paralysis (root tincture); to allay toothache, for gargles, and for the preparation of tooth powders (roots); reported to be useful in certain stages of typhus fever.
Contraindication
In larger doses, the powdered root is an irritant to the mucous membrane of the intestine causing bloody stools, tetanus-like spasms and profound stupor.
Reference
Chandel et al., Biodiversity in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in India.
Johnson T. CRC Ethnobotany Desk Reference (www.herbweb.com/herbage).