Xanthium strumarium

Xanthium strumarium
Family:Xanthium strumarium; Anodyne; Antibacterial; Antifungal; Antirheumatic; Antispasmodic; Appetizer; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Emollient; Febrifuge; Laxative; Sedative.
Common name:Cocklebur
The leaves and root are anodyne antirheumatic appetizer diaphoretic diuretic emollient laxative and sedative. The plant is considered to be useful in treating long-standing cases of malaria and is used as an adulterant for Datura stramonium. An infusion of the plant has been used in the treatment of rheumatism diseased kidneys and tuberculosis. It has also been used as a liniment on the armpits to reduce perspiration. The fruits are anodyne antibacterial antifungal antirheumatic and antispasmodic. They are used internally in the treatment of allergic rhinitis sinusitis catarrh rheumatism rheumatoid arthritis constipation diarrhoea lumbago leprosy and pruritis. They are also used externally to treat pruritis. The fruits are harvested when ripe and dried for later use. The root is a bitter tonic and febrifuge. It has historically been used in the treatment of scrofulous tumours. A decoction of the root has been used in the treatment of high fevers and to help a woman expel the afterbirth. A decoction of the seeds has been used in the treatment of bladder complaints. A poultice of the powdered seed has been applied as a salve on open sores.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 06:51 []