Packera aurea

Packera aurea
Family:Packera aurea; Abortifacient; Birthing aid; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Emmenagogue; Pectoral; Stimulant; Tonic; Uterine tonic.
Common name:Golden groundsel
Golden groundsel is a medicinal plant that is deserving of greater attention. This species was widely used by N. American Indians to treat various complaints of the female reproductive system and also to ease childbirth. Whilst often stated to be completely safe to use recent research has found that the plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that in isolation can cause liver damage and so this remedy can no longer be recommended for internal use. The roots and leaves are abortifacient diaphoretic diuretic emmenagogue pectoral stimulant and uterine tonic. It is used externally in the treatment of vaginal discharge. A tea made from the plant was frequently used by the N. American Indians as a remedy for various female troubles including the pain of childbirth. Pharmacologists have not reported any uterine effects but the plant does contain an essential oil (inuline) plus the alkaloids senecine and senecionine (which are poisonous to grazing animals). The plant is harvested before flowering and the roots are harvested in the autumn both are dried for later use.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 04:49 []