FLEABANE,

Description:

Conyza, or Erigeron Canadensis, belonging to the natural order of Compositae. It is a pretty wild plant, with whitish leaves, bearing large yellow flowers in Autumn. The stalk is round, erect, strong, and of a reddish colour. It has many leaves which stand irregularly, about an inch long, moderately broad, and of a rough surface. The flowers stand at the top of the branches; they are broader than a shilling, yellow, having many yellow petals. The whole plant has an unpleasant smell. It is found plentifully in the southern counties of England.

Herbal Remedies and Medicinal Uses of Fleabane:

It possesses diuretic, tonic, and astringent properties, which render it very useful in dropsical complaints, and in diarrhoea. The juice of the plant cures the itch, and the very smell of the herb is said to destroy fleas.

For dropsy, or diarrhoea, the dose is, of the flowers in powder, from 30 to 40 grains; of the infusion, from 2 to 4 ounces; of the extract from 5 to 10 grains. For dysentery or bloody flux, in­fuse the herb in hot water, and give a cupful every hour or two, until a cure is effected. In colic, it affords immediate relief; administering a cupful of the infusion or decoction every half hour. When the case is obstinate, give also an injection of strong infusion. The dose of the powder is from 15 grains to a drachm. The oil is a sure remedy in hemorrhage -- five to ten drops.